The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is the Northern Territory’s premier cultural and scientific institution. It offers a dynamic and diverse arts, science and cultural program to more than 300,000 visitors each year.
We are the museum and gallery known for our collections and expertise in Aboriginal cultures, natural sciences, histories and arts across Northern and Central Australia and our neighbours to the north.
We connect people to the stories of the Northern Territory. Our collection drives curiosity, exploration and partnerships. Our physical spaces are destinations loved by locals and a must-see for Territory visitors. Our digital connectivity expands the reach of our collection. Our guests tell their friends about their distinctive Territorian experience.
MAGNT has seven venues: Bullocky Point, the Defence of Darwin Experience, Fannie Bay Gaol, Lyons Cottage, the Museum of Central Australia (incorporating the Strehlow Research Centre), Megafauna Central and the Alcoota fossil site. A new Art Gallery opening in Darwin’s CBD in 2023 will add an eighth MAGNT site.
Primary Objective
Provide leadership in the planning and successful delivery of MAGNT’s exhibitions program, including temporary and touring exhibitions, permanent displays, and gallery maintenance across all its sites. Manage successful delivery of multiple exhibitions for the new State Square Art Gallery, due to open to the public in 2023. Oversee activities of multiple exhibition project teams and monitor procurement, compliance and budgetary activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic integrated planning, advice, evaluation and reporting to ensure that MAGNT offers a relevant and engaging exhibitions program that meets the needs of target audiences and MAGNT stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to integrate MAGNT’s exhibitions with public programs, digital and virtual experiences and community engagement.
- Oversee the development of an annual exhibitions program calendar and a longer-term schedule of planned maintenance and permanent gallery development including preparing and managing budgets, funding submissions and contracts.
- Provide leadership and management in the planning and delivery of the annual National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.
- Provide expert advice to architects, designers, contractors, and other key stakeholders to inform the development of the new State Square Art Gallery facility.
- Lead and manage a high-performing exhibitions team in the delivery of its functions and services through scheduling and prioritising work; monitoring and reviewing processes; keeping up-to-date with new technology; providing performance feedback and staff learning and development opportunities; and ensuring that deadlines and budget commitments are met.
- Prepare briefs, manage procurement and monitor quality of work performed by contractors.
- Provide effective and efficient management of exhibition resources and maintain and promote EEO, cultural diversity, WH&S and ethical principles and practices.
- Develop and maintain professional networks and partnerships with external stakeholders including project partners, other cultural organisations, sponsors, community groups and researchers.
Selection Criteria
- Extensive experience in delivering all aspects of an exhibition from initial concept to final delivery, showing an ability to problem-solve and think creatively and strategically.
- Demonstrated experience in museum and/or gallery exhibition project management, planning and scheduling including delivering complex and multi-faceted projects.
- Highly developed leadership and people management skills, including coaching and performance planning, measurement, feedback and development; ability to successfully lead multi-disciplinary teams managing the display of cultural material.
- Excellent interpersonal, persuasive, and oral and written communication skills with the ability to achieve buy-in from colleagues and to negotiate, advise and counsel to achieve agreed outcomes.
- High-level analytical and planning skills as well as demonstrated experience in the use of project management methodology and the capacity to manage competing priorities.
- Well-developed IT skills including use of relevant project management software and proficiency in standard office IT packages.
- Knowledge of different exhibition design and display techniques, as well as experience of procurement and contractor liaison as relevant to the exhibition context.
- An ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures and a sound understanding of Work Health Safety (WHS) practises to ensure WHS system compliance.
Desirable:
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field.
- Experience in the development of a new-build museum or gallery facility.
Additional:
- Some weekend and out-of-hours work is required, including participation in a duty manager roster.
- This role statement is intended to provide an overall view of the role but in addition to this document, the specifics of the role will be described in business work plans.
- MAGNT is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island applicants are encouraged to apply.
- MAGNT promotes flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.
- Applicants must have full Australian work rights.
- A valid Australian Drivers licence is essential.
Further Information
Applications must address the selection criteria and include three referee contacts
Referees will not be contacted without prior consent.
For further information please visit our website at www.magnt.net.au/careers
Submit applications via email: [email protected] by 31 March 2021
