About the Role
We are seeking an exceptional cultural leader to join us as Head of International Engagement. Reporting to the Director, Museum Experience & Engagement, you will develop, implement and monitor a long-term strategy that measurably increases the AM’s international brand visibility and maximises revenue and impact from international activities. This includes leading the AM’s comprehensive touring exhibitions programme, focusing on outbound exhibitions, international consultancy, strategic partnerships, and global advocacy initiatives.
Serving as a senior member of the Museum Experience & Engagement division, you will manage the Touring Exhibitions team and work closely with senior leadership across the organisation to cultivate relationships with museums, cultural organisations, governments, scholarly institutions, and funding bodies worldwide. You will be responsible for identifying and securing world-class touring exhibitions for Australian audiences and promoting Australian Museum exhibitions for outbound touring opportunities, while negotiating complex international contracts and coordinating the delivery of exhibition materials across multiple jurisdictions.
Employment Status:
- Clerk Grade 11/12
- Ongoing
- Full time 35 hours per week
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You will be paid a competitive annual salary of $149,739 – $173,174, plus employer’s contribution to superannuation (currently 12%) and annual leave loading.
About you
We are seeking a visionary cultural leader who thrives on the global stage. You’ll be an accomplished senior leader with a proven track record in international museum programming and touring exhibitions, combining strategic vision with hands-on delivery expertise. Your ability to forge meaningful partnerships across continents, negotiate complex agreements, and lead high-performing teams will be matched by your commercial acumen and deep commitment to cultural responsibility. This is your opportunity to shape how one of the world’s most significant museums engages with the international community, bringing world-class exhibitions to Australian audiences while showcasing our exhibitions, collections and expertise globally.
Key knowledge and experience
- Extensive experience in international cultural programming and touring exhibitions management within museums or cultural institutions, with demonstrated success developing and implementing strategies that deliver measurable outcomes in brand visibility, revenue generation and stakeholder impact.
- Demonstrated success cultivating and maintaining strategic partnerships with international cultural organisations, museums, universities, foundations and diplomatic partners, with excellent stakeholder engagement skills and ability to represent the organisation at senior levels.
- Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder exhibition projects from conception to delivery, including expertise in exhibition logistics, contract negotiation, loans management, conservation requirements, budget management and risk mitigation.
- Strong leadership and people management capabilities with proven ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams while demonstrating commercial acumen in revenue generation and financial planning for cultural programs.
- Understanding of cultural responsibility, access and inclusion principles in program delivery, with knowledge of First Nations cultural protocols and experience working collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Experience securing external funding for international cultural programs, with understanding of climate change, environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation advocacy in museum contexts.
Essential requirements
- Tertiary qualifications in museum studies, cultural management, arts administration, international relations, business administration, project management or related discipline, or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.
- Ability and willingness to travel internationally frequently to manage touring exhibitions, negotiate partnerships, represent the AM at industry events, and oversee program delivery.
About The Australian Museum
The Australian Museum is truly a great place to work. Our Mission is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. Our Vision is to ignite wonder, inspire debate, and drive change. We commit to transform the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; be a strong advocate for First Nations’ culture; and continue to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs.
Recent staff survey results confirm that our staff feel valued, accepted and supported and that they believe the AM is an inclusive workplace. AM staff also report a high level of job satisfaction.
The Australian Museum acknowledges that we operate on the lands, waters and skies of many First Nations Peoples. As Australia’s first museum, we share the responsibility of advocating for Country and honouring First Nations Peoples and knowledges.
Find out more about our current exhibitions and events here.
Benefits
Besides working together with other like-minded people, you will have access to professional development and dedicated Wellbeing programs.
The successful applicant will be subject to national criminal records check. As recommended by Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the Australian Museum encourages all applicants who can be safely vaccinated for COVID-19, to be so.