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About Australian Museums and Galleries Association

The Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) is the national membership organisation and peak advocacy body representing museums and galleries. It encompasses a wide and diverse range of national, state, regional and community museums, galleries, historic sites, botanic and zoological gardens, research centres, Indigenous cultural centres, and Keeping Places across Australia. With the vision of inspiring Australia’s cultural life through a thriving and valued museum and gallery sector, its mission is to support, promote and advocate for members to strengthen the sector.

AMaGA advocates on behalf of more than 2500 public museums, galleries and collecting institutions across Australia, and provides a voice for 1400 individual and organisational members.

National Director Role

The Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) is looking for a new national director, to be based in Canberra. This is an exciting opportunity for someone at the point in their career where they are looking to move into a national role, working with industry leaders to keep museums and galleries front and centre with all levels of government and with the Australian public. With mentoring and support, this role could suit an emerging professional looking for a step up, or someone who is easing back from a full-time senior management position and would welcome the flexibility of running a small yet dynamic association. We welcome applications from professionals in the sector and from people with high-level experience in other associations and a genuine passion for the arts, culture and heritage. More information on the organisation and the position are at: https://www.amaga.org.au/node/36903

The role of the National Director (ND) is to lead and manage the organisation to advance the aims of AMaGA. AMaGA is a single legal entity with ultimate responsibility for the organisation held by the National Council.  Responsibilities for various activities are delegated to State/Territory Committees, including the employment of Branch staff where appropriate, who also provide reports through the ND to the Council.

The ND reports to the National Council of AMaGA, through the National President.  Performance criteria for the ND are based on key performance indicators agreed between the National Council and the ND.

The ND will be based at the National Office in Canberra. The role is currently four days per week and flexible working times can be negotiated. There are currently four other staff in the National Office (National Finance & Operations Manager; Manager Communications, Membership & Awards; National Professional Development Manager; and an Administrative Assistant for a few hours per week) totalling 2.9 full-time equivalents.  Further staff are employed by the Victorian and Western Australian State Branches, and they report to their respective State Directors and Committees on a day-to-day basis.

The National Director:

  • Provides high-level strategic policy development and planning, specialist advice and guidance to the National Council;
  • Advocates on behalf of the association;
  • Is responsible for implementing strategy and policy on behalf of the National Council;
  • Demonstrates strong organisational leadership, sound financial planning and management skills;
  • Leads a culture of excellence and continuous improvement and ensures the delivery of high-quality, responsive membership services;
  • Leads the development of collaborations and partnerships that benefit AMaGA and its members; and
  • Operates independently within broad parameters and delegations set by the National Council and the provisions of relevant acts, regulations, codes, standards, plans, policies and budgets.

Key Responsibilities

MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP

  • Maintain organisational sustainability and ensure all legal, compliance and funding obligations are met;
  • Maintain financial oversight and approve expenditure as authorised by the National Council;
  • Under ethical organisational governance principles implement and maintain a collegial culture and harmonious working environment for all staff and volunteers;
  • Ensure maintenance of a safe working environment and WHS conditions and respect for diversity of all persons and cultures, religions, customs and beliefs;
  • Manage staff and volunteers, including recruitment, supervision, salaries for staff and performance assessments;
  • Lead staff to achieve the strategies, plans and budgets adopted by the Council; and
  • Maintain appropriate records and reporting as required by legislation and other requirements.

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

  • Provide high-quality resources and a professional development program (working with the branches and networks where appropriate) to build the skills, knowledge sharing and entrepreneurial capacity of members;
  • Provide and support a range of membership services for the different types of organisational and individual members;
  • Manage the development and delivery of communications to members through a range of channels;
  • Accomplish financial growth and membership growth or retention through entrepreneurial initiatives; and
  • Together with the State and Territory Branches, develop, organise and deliver a major national conference.

GOVERNANCE

  • Liaise with the President and prepare for and organize meetings of the National Council;
  • Provide expert advice and recommendations to the Council for debate and consideration;
  • Ensure that the Council is kept fully informed on the condition of the organisation, the activities of the organisation and the key factors influencing them;
  • Assist Council Committees and National Networks to function effectively; and
  • Implement Council decisions.

STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT

  • In cooperation with the Council and the participation of AMaGA staff, develop and implement AMaGA’s strategic plan;
  • Develop and lead strategies to secure target levels of revenue through commercial endeavours, government and non-government sources, corporate partnerships and donations; and
  • Manage and develop key stakeholder relationships.

ADVOCACY & REPRESENTATION

  • Raise the profile and acknowledgment of the value of Museums and Galleries;
  • Provide leadership in the Museums and Galleries sector;
  • Represent the Museums and Galleries sector issues to influence key decision-makers in relation to legislative and policy decisions across all levels;
  • Advocate for AMaGA and maintain its prominence and key role in the sector;
  • Lead, encourage and participate in debate and discussion on a national and international level that builds an active, strong and resilient sector;
  • Promote diversity of members’ voices and experiences;
  • Build and maintain relationships with industry professionals, other peak bodies, and arts agencies to achieve innovative collaborations; and
  • Plan, supervise, and undertake research, both long term projects and prompt, responsive research or commentary.

AMaGA’s Constitution refers to the National Director role as follows:

38.1 The Council may employ a National Director who, under supervision of the President of Council, shall be responsible for the day to day operations of the Association and its Committees, and for promoting and conducting the overall programs.

38.2 The National Director (or in his or her absence a person nominated by the National Director) shall attend all general meetings of the Association and all meetings of Council and the Executive Committee. The National Director shall have the right to speak at any such meeting but shall not be entitled to vote.

Delegations

This position carries with it financial delegations as approved by the National Council from time to time.

Relationships

The National Director is required to build and foster relationships including but not limited to:

  • AMaGA members
  • National Council members
  • State/Territory Committee members and specialist AMaGA networks, groups and committees
  • AMaGA National Office and, where they exist, State or Territory staff
  • CAMD, CAAMD, ICOM Australia and GLAM Peak
  • Ministerial advisers and other government elected members and officers, and government committees
  • Council Committee Chairs and members
  • External suppliers, philanthropic supporters and sponsors
  • The wider museum, gallery and collections community including other Australian collections sector representative bodies.

Contact AMaGA for more information.