Role purpose
The APS6 Coordinator, Exhibitions is a key operational role within the Exhibitions Business Unit, supporting the planning, coordination and delivery of the Museum’s on-site, temporary, gallery and touring exhibitions. Working under the direction of an EL1 Manager, the Coordinator provides hands-on support across a range of exhibition initiatives, contributing to the successful delivery of compelling, audience-focused projects aligned with the Museum’s strategic vision and narrative.
This position is one of six APS6 roles within the Exhibitions Business Unit. All Coordinators share the same position description and are expected to work collaboratively and flexibly across the team, providing surge capacity and support to priority areas as required, while remaining focused on their assigned core projects. This structure enables a responsive, high-performing team capable of delivering a dynamic and nationally significant exhibition program.
The role supports activity across the exhibition lifecycle – from planning and development to installation and evaluation – including scheduling, procurement, risk management, budgeting and stakeholder engagement. The Coordinator, Exhibitions works closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure that project milestones are achieved and deliverables meet institutional standards, timelines and cultural protocols.
This role requires strong coordination skills, attention to detail, cultural awareness and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will be a confident communicator and agile problem-solver, committed to delivering inclusive and impactful exhibitions that reflect and enrich the Museum’s audience experience. They will work within defined parameters, escalating only complex or high-risk issues to EL1 leadership, and may provide mentoring or informal guidance to APS5 and other support staff in the Exhibitions Business Unit.
The key duties of the position include:
Key accountabilities
- Coordinate aspects of temporary, touring and gallery exhibitions, supporting the delivery of project timelines, logistics and documentation in alignment with project plans.
- Assist Managers in monitoring budgets, procurement activities, risk registers and contract administration, ensuring compliance with public sector and Museum frameworks.
- Prepare and maintain high-quality project documentation, including meeting notes, schedules, procurement records and progress reports.
- Work collaboratively across teams and with external partners – such as contractors, designers and community stakeholders – to support the smooth and timely delivery of projects.
- Support inclusive and culturally respectful practices, including the integration of First Nations voices, accessibility standards and child-safe principles within project development.
- Undertake project research and benchmarking, contribute to evaluation processes, and support innovation and continuous improvement across the BU’s exhibition practice.
- Maintain accurate records and uphold strong administrative, procurement and documentation practices aligned with government and Museum requirements.
- Provide flexible support and surge capacity across the Business Unit as needed, while maintaining a clear focus on assigned key project responsibilities.
Eligibility
Skills, experience and qualifications
Essential:
- Demonstrated experience coordinating projects in a museum, gallery or cultural institution, with knowledge of exhibition processes and timelines.
- Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage schedules, logistics, documentation and reporting across multiple concurrent projects.
- Familiarity with budget tracking, procurement or contract administration in a cultural or public sector context.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and with diverse stakeholders.
- A commitment to inclusive, respectful and culturally safe practices, particularly in relation to First Nations representation and community engagement.
- A proactive and flexible approach to work, with the ability to respond to shifting priorities, provide surge support and contribute to broader team outcomes.
Desirable:
- Tertiary qualifications in museum studies, arts management, project coordination, cultural heritage or a related field.
- Experience working in or with government agencies, including knowledge of public sector accountability and procurement frameworks.
- Awareness of the Australian cultural sector and / or experience with national or international touring exhibitions.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for this vacancy, applicants must:
- be an Australian citizen
- undergo pre-employment checks, including a police record check
- hold or be eligible to hold a security clearance at the level specified in the position description.
The National Museum of Australia is an equal employment opportunity workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for roles at the Museum.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under RecruitAbility you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under RecruitAbility; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the position.
The Museum is committed to ensuring a child-safe and child-friendly environment. All employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to, and support for, these principles, in theory and practice.
Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. If you require, or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments, please contact the Contact Officer for this position.
