The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The Memorial’s purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war. Its mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society. As our story evolves, there is now an opportunity to share the stories of a new generation of Australians who have served in recent conflicts and on peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. The time has come to modernise and expand our galleries and buildings so we can tell the continuing story of Australia’s contemporary contribution to a better world through the eyes of those who have served in modern conflicts.
In late 2018, the Australian Government announced $498 million for the development of the Memorial’s galleries and precinct – a project that will create the space to tell these stories for the next generation. Having commenced in 2019, the development will be a decade-long planning and construction project. The Exhibitions Project Manager, Gallery Development is a key role in the delivery of this significant project, which will implement enticing new, connected and accessible spaces showcasing unique and memorable experiences. These changes are the next chapter in our continuing story, ensuring the Memorial remains a place for all generations, of all Australians, to honour, to learn and to heal.
Job Description
The Gallery Development Team has responsibility for the development and management of the Memorial’s permanent gallery development. The program includes the planning, development and implementation/ delivery: 5,000sqm of new permanent exhibitions and 5,000sqm of refurbished exhibition space. The Exhibitions Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that exhibition projects are delivered on time and on budget and that completed exhibitions within the overall Gallery Development program are of outstanding quality.
The Exhibitions Project Manager takes a lead role on exhibitions and is responsible for managing the high standard of presentation within the galleries, project management, managing multidisciplinary teams, administration, monitoring and reporting against projects, plans and budgets. This position interacts with other Project Manager positions and will form part of that peer group.
Working to the Deputy Director, Gallery Development, the position leads multidisciplinary exhibition project teams that may include external consultants and contractors such as designers and trade contractors; as well as cross-branch disciplines including but not limited to, historical, curatorial, registration, conservation, audiovisual, buildings, web and marketing. The Exhibition Project Manager oversees content development; briefing; design; tendering; production/ construction; and installation phases.
The position requires experience in the delivery of interpretative exhibition design projects within the museum or art gallery sector; a thorough understanding and appreciation of contemporary museum practices; experience in the development and delivery of secondary and tertiary exhibition components; the ability to contribute to several projects simultaneously at various phases; and high level communication and liaison skills.
Responsibilities
- Assist the project management and documentation coordination in the planning, development and implementation/ delivery of exhibitions, including:
– manage all aspects of the preparation of exhibition documentation, including curatorial, collection, design and production/fabrication/construction documentation through all exhibition development phases;
– coordinate the planning and implementation of exhibitions secondary and tertiary works;
– manage the procurement of goods and services as they relate to the exhibition program including the development and management of contracts;
– manage and coordinate meetings and prepare and distribute agendas and minutes;
– manage the establishment and monitoring of exhibition lists;
– manage multimedia and image orders using the Memorial’s digital media system (PICTION); and
– coordinate visitor research and evaluation in line with the gallery development aims and objectives. - Establish and maintain productive working relationships with Memorial staff, exhibition stakeholders, designers and external consultants.
- Contribute to the preparation of reports and recommendations.
- Reporting to the Deputy Director Gallery Development, work under direction but also with autonomy and accountability for specific tasks and will make decisions related to the direct work area.
- Provide leadership, guidance and supervision to a small team of exhibition staff including monitoring and prioritising the work of the team against the agreed scope of work while fostering team development.
- Review, identify opportunities and implement improved working practices to reflect the changing environment of museums and cultural collections.
- Tracking and reporting against Gallery Development budgets.
- Interact with the Precinct team members of the Development Project as required.
- Work under a broad direction exercising a degree of independence and make decisions that may have a medium level of impact on the direct work area and the broader Development Project.
Key Challenges
- Critical thinking, problem solving, flexibility and adaptability to accommodate evolving priorities and opportunities.
- Manage the demands and expectations of internal and external stakeholders so they remain aligned with the agreed project scope.
- Collaboratively working with the Director and Deputy Director, Gallery Development to develop exhibition team staff with varying levels of skills and experience.
Key Relationships
- Gallery development creative teams.
- Gallery development consultants, contractors and suppliers.
- External stakeholders – Government departments, supporters and partners, community groups, members of the public.
- Internal stakeholders – Integrated management team (IMT), staff within the Development Project and across all departments.
The Memorial is committed to workplace diversity and maintains an environment that values the contribution of people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The Memorial welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, veterans, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with a disability. To be eligible for ongoing or non-ongoing employment, Australian Citizenship is required.
For more information and to apply please refer to https://www.awm.gov.au/get-involved/work-or-volunteer/employment
