The National Museum of Australia (the Museum) is looking for an experienced, qualified and engaging Senior Executive leader to lead the Corporate division and contribute to the Museum’s (and the APS) talent pool of SES employees who exemplify leadership behaviours as set out in the APS Values and the Secretaries Charter of Leadership Behaviours.
We are looking for a highly experienced and collaborative leader who will lead the corporate and administrative operations of the Museum, enabling staff and facilities to operate efficiently and effectively. You will be a strong leader with a demonstrated track record in establishing strong corporate governance frameworks to enable clear lines of authority, efficient decision making, strong financial and people management, and a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity.
This role is a member of the Museum’s Executive which comprises the Director, Deputy Director Collection and Curatorial, Deputy Director First Nations, Deputy Director Corporate, Deputy Director Growth and Engagement, and Associate Director Visitor Experience.
As the Deputy Director, Corporate, you will assume a strategic leadership role in ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of all operational aspects of the Museum. This role additionally holds the title of Chief Operating Officer for the Museum, you will oversee five fundamental business units – Finance, Facilities and Security, Governance and Legal Services, Information Technology, People and Culture– driving operational excellence and ensuring alignment with the Museum’s mission and values. Your leadership will be pivotal in developing and implementing strategies to enhance operational efficiency and foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for both internal and external stakeholders. By providing strategic guidance, managing resources effectively, and promoting collaboration across business units, you will significantly contribute to the overall success and reputation of the Museum as a leading cultural institution. Additionally, you will actively participate in the strategic planning process and the development of Museum plans, programs, products and services.
The key duties of the position include:
Shapes strategic thinking – Lead and coordinate the outcomes for five business units and a project that sit under the Corporate division: Finance, Facilities and Security, Governance and Legal Services, Information Technology, People and Culture, and the Collection Storage (leasing) Project, ensuring compliance and alignment with the Museum’s strategic objectives. Develop and implement strategic and operational plans and initiatives to improve efficiency and achieve organisational objectives. Utilise diverse information sources and environmental scanning to identify opportunities, threats and critical information gaps, applying contemporary best practices to adjust approaches and seize emerging opportunities.
Achieves results – Collaborate with corporate business unit heads to ensure seamless integration and communication between units, fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration. Lead and participate in cross-functional projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness. Oversee the development and implementation of policies, procedures and guidelines to support operational activities and ensure consistency and compliance across the organisation. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational processes, systems and workflows, leveraging data and analytics to inform decision-making and drive performance improvement. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards and mitigate operational risks to safeguard the Museum’s reputation and assets. Oversee budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation for operational needs, ensuring responsible stewardship of financial resources and alignment with organisational goals.
Cultivates productive working relationships – Serve as a liaison between the Corporate division and other divisions within the Museum, facilitating effective communication and coordination to support cross-functional initiatives. Build and sustain relationships within the organisation, with the Minister’s office, across the APS and with a diverse range of external stakeholders. Facilitate cooperation within and between organisations by sharing information and maintaining a cross-government focus. Promote the reciprocal sharing of information to build knowledge, fostering teamwork and rewarding cooperative and collaborative behaviour.
Exemplifies personal drive and integrity – Coordinate inputs to key fora and committees, such as the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee, and the Corporate Management Forum. Adhere to and promote the APS Values and Code of Conduct, acting with utmost integrity and professionalism. Represent the Museum effectively in public and internal forums, advocating the corporate agenda and providing impartial and forthright advice. Make tough corporate decisions to achieve desired outcomes, challenge and encourage debate on difficult or controversial issues.
Communicates with influence – Represent the Museum in external forums, conferences and events, serving as an ambassador and advocate for the organisation’s mission and values. Confidently present messages in a clear, concise and articulate manner, focusing on key points for the audience and using appropriate, unambiguous language. Structure written and oral communication to ensure clarity, seeking to understand the audience and tailoring communication style and message accordingly. Approach negotiations with a strong grasp of the key issues, presenting a convincing and balanced rationale and ensuring that negotiations remain focused on desired objectives.
Fosters cultural competency and inclusivity – Champion diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within the Corporate division and across the organisation, fostering a culture of belonging and respect. Collaborate with diverse teams and external partners to enhance the Museum’s intellectual contributions and facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration. Promote understanding and awareness of diverse cultures, histories and contemporary issues, ensuring meaningful representation and participation in decision-making processes.
Supports knowledge exchange and broader initiatives – Facilitate the sharing of best practices in finance, facilities and security, governance and legal services, information technology, and people and culture within the Museum and with external partners. Collaborate with other divisions and external stakeholders to support cross-functional initiatives and projects that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the Corporate division, encouraging the exploration and implementation of new ideas and technologies. Represent the Museum in national and international forums, conferences and events, sharing insights on operational excellence and corporate strategies and promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for this vacancy, applicants must:
- be an Australian citizen
- undergo a number of 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.
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.
Salary to be negotiated on commencement.