About the organisation
The Australian Museum (AM) operates within the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and is the first museum in Australia, founded in 1827. The AM provides access, engagement and scientific research to increase our understanding of natural history and culture, particularly of the Australasian region. The AM holds more than 21 million objects of biological, geological and cultural collections and develops programs, exhibitions and school and community education initiatives onsite, online and offsite.
The AM mission is: To ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change.
The AM vision is: To be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. We commit to transform the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; be a strong advocate for First Nations’ culture; and continue to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs.
About the role
The Director, First Nations is accountable for the direction, policy development, operations, and performance of the newly created First Nations Division, comprising the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection, the Pacific collection, and First Nations curatorial initiatives. Reporting to the Director and CEO of the Australian Museum, this is a role that will elevate and preference First Nations voices within the interpretation of their Collections. This will include identifying opportunities to develop this new division, setting the division’s goals and objectives consistent with those of the AM, and playing a significant role in fulfilling the Australian Museum’s corporate strategic plan. The role constitutes a foundational opportunity to assist the Museum in moving beyond its colonial past toward a more connected future with First Nations stakeholders and knowledge holders.
Key accountabilities
- Lead and oversee the strategic direction and daily operations of the division, ensuring the efficient and effective use of all financial and human resources, meeting and achieving the delivery of the AM’s corporate strategic plan.
- Lead and manage Australian Museum’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island and Pacific collection, overseeing community engagement, protection and maintenance of the collection, and collection development to facilitate the delivery of an engaging, culturally relevant collection in line with strategic objectives.
- Lead and oversee the AM’s national and state Repatriation program
- Provide leadership within the AM to drive cultural awareness and increasing connectivity across multiple cultural groups and ensure the AM acts with integrity and in accordance with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Pacific cultural protocols.
- Manage key relationships and communication with internal and external stakeholders across central agencies, industry bodies, commonwealth and local governments and the not-for profit sector; and, consistent with the principle of self-determination, consult Aboriginal leaders, community and governance bodies on all major decisions and issues relating to First Nation collections and exhibition at the AM.
- Fulfil and manage the obligations of the Australian Museum’s Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property protocols
- Serve on the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) of the Australian Museum and participate in a diverse range of executive level decision-making and policy setting forums, to identify and implement coordinated resolution of issues and bring about improved outcomes for the AM. Through the ELT work collaboratively with other Division leaders.
Key challenges
- Addressing complex and sensitive cultural issues and providing considered strategic and operational advice and solutions.
- Understanding the operational environment and business drivers to act as an agent of change to meet current and future needs around building a diverse and inclusive workplace environment aligning with the AM’s corporate strategic plan.
- Building a high degree of trust with a wide range of First Nations stakeholders to encourage and enhance two-way communication.
About you
You will be an experienced and highly credentialled leader within the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community, and have substantial experience working with First Nations people. You will bring experience across a broad range of policy and delivery outcomes in a Government setting including a track record of leadership success. To be considered for this high-profile role you will be:
- An Indigenous person able to champion the voice of First Nations People across the Museum ecosystem
- A dynamic, motivated and experienced leader ready to join the executive team of the Australian Museum
- Able to show experience working in a high-profile role which is fast-paced and challenging
- Confident to lead and able to show success through relationships
- Adept with working collaboratively across a complex stakeholder environment and credentialled to represent the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the table
- Experienced with navigating through complex policy and ability to distil key messages to stakeholders and teams
- Known for your strategic capabilities and commitment to fostering diversity, cohesiveness and innovation
- Have a strong track record of delivery
- Excellent influencing and priority setting skills.
Essential Requirements
- Aboriginality is an essential requirement and typically all or the majority of the work will involve the development and/or delivery of policy, cultural programs and services which impact on Aboriginal people and/or involve liaising directly with Aboriginal people and communities
- Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or extensive relevant experience
- Experience working with First Nations Elders, leaders, communities and youth.
- Some experience or demonstrated interest in the cultural and/or history sector would be desirable but is not essential.
For more information or to apply visit: JobsNSW.
