Manager, First Nations Community Access to Archives (Identified) – MHNSW

Vacancy Details
Closing Date
21/10/2026 12:00 am
Institution
Museums of History NSW
Salary
Clerk Grade 11/12. Remuneration package includes salary ($154,231 – $178,369), employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
Employment status
Full Time
Location
Sydney
Contact name
Contact email

 What the opportunity is:

  • Employment with Museums of History NSW
  • Clerk Grade 11/12. Remuneration package includes salary ($154,231 – $178,369), employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
  • Full-time employment on a temporary basis until 30 June 2029
  • The role is predominantly based at the Western Sydney Records Centre but will work across Greater Sydney

What we do
Museums of History NSW brings together a portfolio of iconic museums, rich collections and heritage sites, the nation’s oldest archive collection, vital recordkeeping services and expert staff.

We bring history to life by sharing the stories of our places and collections. Through the State Archives Collection, we manage NSW’s official documentary heritage, supporting government transparency and the public’s right to access information.

These two roles do not just sit side by side – they inform and enrich each other. By preserving and making accessible our places, collections and archives, we create opportunities for people to explore the past and better understand their own place in the world. By supporting lifelong learning and inviting people to come together, we promote civic literacy, empathy, wellbeing and belonging.

We believe that history belongs to everyone. This is the promise and the purpose of MHNSW.

Museums of History NSW is a state cultural institution, established under the Museums of History NSW Act 2022. It is an agency of the NSW Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).

Project Overview

MHNSW, in partnership with the Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT), have developed the First Nations Community Access to Archives project, to enhance First Nations access to important archival documents that could unlock information about their Languages and Cultures. Under this initiative MHNSW and the ALT aim to provide a Culturally-safe avenue for Aboriginal people to access materials from the State Archives Collection and to engage with Communities about repatriation of their information.

The initial ‘Search and Discovery’ phase of the project involves searching the State Archives Collection for materials relating to First Nations people and their Languages. Other phases involve preserving and providing access to materials, engaging with Aboriginal Communities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the materials as well as developing a workforce strategy for First Nations archives workers in NSW.

The initiative is led by a First Nations team who are provided with on the job training in working with State archives and digitisation, and access to various support systems including Cultural mentors.

As the State Archives Collection is from the early period of colonisation in Australia, materials may contain wording and images that are culturally insensitive and distressing to First Nations people. The collection is likely to contain information about historical events including Frontier Wars, Stolen Generations, land dispossession and laws and policies affecting First Nations Communities.

  What you’ll do with us: 

Lead the FNCAA project thereby contributing to the revitalisation of First Nations Languages in NSW by engaging with First Nations communities to facilitate and support access to materials pertaining to their Languages and Cultures. Maintain, lead and manage a First Nations project team to research and surface records in the NSW State Archives Collection relating to First Nations Peoples, their Language and Cultures and make those records accessible and discoverable via a digitisation project. Engage with multiple stakeholders and lead Community outreach initiatives to connect First Nations Communities to records.

For more information on the role contact Recruitment via [email protected].

Click here for the role description including the capabilities required for this role.

What you need to do to apply
To apply you will need to submit the following:

  • A one to two page cover letter outlining how your skills and experiences meet the essential requirements for this role, and
  • A current resume listing two referees.

Essential requirements of the role:

  • Applicants must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as being an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and accepted in the community. Museums of History NSW considers that being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification under s.14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
  • Demonstrated ability to liaise, proactively engage and work collaboratively with Aboriginal Communities and relevant agencies in ensuring Culturally responsive services.
  • Experience leading a project team.
  • Extensive knowledge and experience in delivering projects.
  • Willingness to work across MHNSW sites and ability to travel to multiple locations.

Also note:

  • This role is an Identified for Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander people by exception under Section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, NSW. Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
  • Material within the State Archives can be distressing to First Nations Peoples. If you have concerns or want to gain a deeper understanding of the role, please contact Dennis Taylor our Manager First Nations Employment & Engagement on 02 8239 2284 or via [email protected].
  • For additional resources to help prepare your application and understanding of the process please refer to Applying for a job.
  • Our team can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks. If you are a person who requires adjustment and would like to request assistance, please contact [email protected].
  • For technical support with your application please contact [email protected].
  • To be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.
  • All successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check with NSW Police.
  • A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

Submit your application before the closing date: 11.59pm Wednesday, 21 October 2026.