Curator

National Museum of Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Museum of Australia in Canberra is seeking a motivated Curator to join the Curatorial team. The role focuses on delivering research-informed, audience-centered content across exhibitions, digital outputs, and publications.

You will work under general direction to develop curatorial narratives, manage projects, and contribute to acquisitions and public engagement while upholding APS values and ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in exhibitions, collections, and audience-centred museum practice.
• Strong research and analytical capabilities for curatorial narratives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to engage diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Deliver curatorial projects including research, exhibitions, and digital content.
• Develop narratives and interpretive approaches for diverse audiences.

Skills

Curatorial expertise

Research & analysis

Communication

Project management

Team leadership

First Nations ICIP

Integrity & ethics

Digital content

Education

Museum studies or related discipline

History-related qualification

Job description

National Museum of Australia - Canberra ACT

Full time, Permanent

4d ago , from National Museum of Australia

The Museum is seeking a motivated professional with relevant experience to join the Curatorial team. The Museum aims to inspire, challenge, and empower people to find their voice and place in the world. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering the Museum's goal of being a leading national forum for discussions about Australian history, and a world leader in audience engagement.

The Curatorial team researches and explores innovative ideas related to Australian history and collections. Curators work across a range of subjects/disciplines, platforms and outputs (exhibitions, digital, online, publications, presentations, seminars and events) to develop content and engage with audiences on topics that align with the Museum's strategic priorities.

Working under general direction, this role offers the opportunity for the right candidate to contribute their research knowledge and develop their curatorial experience with a range of different exhibitions, activities, collections and programs.

Key accountabilities

In accordance with APS work level standards, the core responsibilities for the role include:

• Under general direction, deliver curatorial projects including object-based research and interpretation, exhibitions, displays, digital projects, online content, and acquisitions, ensuring outcomes are research-informed and audience-focused.
• Apply conceptual and analytical thinking to develop curatorial ideas, narratives, and interpretive approaches for diverse audiences that enhance public understanding of Australian history and culture.
• Undertake and deliver quality research and interpretation, producing written and digital content for exhibitions, acquisitions and collections, publications, and public engagement.
• Contribute to the development, documentation, and care of the collection in accordance with institutional policies, standards, and ethical practice.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with donors, communities, researchers, and internal stakeholders to support curatorial and organisational outcomes.
• Apply culturally informed and ethical practice through respectful engagement with First Nations peoples, demonstrating an understanding of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights and relevant emerging frameworks in the development of collections, research, programs and interpretation.
• Contribute curatorial and subject-matter expertise in the areas of Australian history and museological practice to inform acquisitions, exhibitions and institutional decision-making.
• Manage work priorities and projects to deliver outcomes within agreed timeframes, managing competing demands with limited supervision.
• Uphold APS Values and the Code of Conduct, demonstrating integrity, professionalism and accountability in all aspects of work.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to Work Health and Safety (WH&S) by actively supporting a positive safety culture, following the Museum's WHS policies and procedures, and complyng with reasibaleinstructions to ensure alignment with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Skills, experience and qualifications

• Curatorial and museum expertise: experience in exhibitions, collections, and audience-centred museum practice; demonstrated understanding of object-based research and interpretation; understanding of collection management principles and processes, including acquisitions, documentation and interpretation and associated ethical considerations; experience researching, handling, managing and interpreting material culture.
• Research and analytical capability: demonstrated conceptual and analytical thinking and the ability to develop curatorial narratives and research.
• Communication and stakeholder engagement: high level written and verbal communication; ability to build relationships and represent the organisation in a range of formats.
• Project management: experience of complex projects, ability to manage competing demands with limited supervision.
• Teamwork and leadership: ability to work collaboratively with staff, interns and volunteers in the delivery of key projects.
• First Nations cultural capability: understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; ability to engage respectfully and apply ICIP principles and other emerging frameworks.
• Professional integrity: commitment to APS Values, Code of Conduct, WH&S compliance.
• Specialist subject knowledge: developing expertise in a defined area, period, or subject in Australian history, collections or museum practice.
• Digital and multimedia capability: knowledge of emerging technologies and their application in museums; experience developing rich media content for a range of digital outputs; practical experience/confidence using institutional systems and platforms.
• Tertiary qualification: in museum studies, curatorial practice, history or discipline related to the Museum's collections. Candidates with qualifications in an area with transferable skills are also encouraged to apply.

To be eligible to apply for this vacancy

• 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 Museum is an equal employment opportunity workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for roles at the Museum.