Photography Studio Manager

National Museum of Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

National Museum of Australia in Canberra seeks a Photography Studio Manager to lead the Photography Studio within the Registration and Conservation unit, delivering collection capture objectives and managing photography of the Museum’s collections and events.

You will supervise staff, drive imaging workflows, ensure standards and safety, and build relationships with internal teams and external suppliers as imaging technologies evolve.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated effectiveness leading a studio team and coordinating daily operations.
• High level proficiency in professional studio photography and handling of objects/digital assets.
• Experience with contemporary imaging technologies and leading in this area.
• Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines to manage digital assets.
• Strong organisational, communication and negotiation skills in a fast-paced museum environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage operations, maintenance and improvements to photography studio spaces and environments.
• Lead a team with cohesive culture, supervising daily operations and mentoring staff.
• Undertake collection, object and event photography with the team.
• Maintain technical standards and imaging environment to meet museum needs and public expectations.
• Scope work with managers and set priorities to meet objectives.
• Stay current with imaging technology advancements and build sector relationships.
• Ensure imaging and object handling align with collection management policies.

Skills

Team leadership

Studio photography

Object handling

Event photography

Digital asset management

Tools

Collection management systems

Job description

National Museum of Australia – Canberra ACT

Full time, Permanent

1d ago , from National Museum of Australia

The Museum is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Photography Studio Manager to join the Registration and Conservation Business Unit. This position will play a key role in delivering the Museum’s photography and collection capture objectives. Leading the Studio, you will undertake collection photography alongside the team.

To be successful in this role you will have strong leadership capability and demonstrated skills and experience in photographing collections. You will bring a deep understanding of the role of collection capture and imaging within a cultural organisation for preservation and access. Leading and coordinating the work of the Studio, you will have experience in the logistical requirements to support the capture of cultural heritage objects, together with a collaborative approach. You will also have experience supervising and managing staff in a technology driven environment, where change is constant and adaptation, new workflows and delivery to described standards are all part of the role.

This position will also support photography of Museum events and activities, providing important documentation that activates the Museum’s collections and engage audiences through a variety of Museum channels.

You will communicate effectively and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including with contracted suppliers, to build productive relationships and deliver agreed outcomes within timeframes. You will be interested in extending the team’s imaging capabilities as the NMA and technologies evolve – experience and/or knowledge of new imaging technologies and approaches as applied to museum collections is desirable.

Key accountabilities

• Oversee and manage operations, maintenance and improvements to photography studio spaces and environments.
• Lead an effective team with a cohesive and supportive culture, supervising daily operations and building team capacity through training and mentorship.
• Undertake collection, object and event photography alongside the team.
• Ensure the team maintains the technical standards and environment needed to meet the needs of the Museum and the public.
• Work with managers to scope work and set team priorities, ensuring identified objectives are met.
• Keep current with technology advancements and build sector relationships.
• Maintain collaborative and effective relationships with colleagues across the business unit and the wider Museum, so the team can meet the evolving imaging needs of the Museum’s collections and activities.
• Ensure the studio is managed and objects are imaged in accordance with collection management and care practices and with relevant NMA policies and guidelines.

Skills, experience and qualifications

• Demonstrated effectiveness as a team leader and studio manager to foster a positive workplace and cohesive team, with an ability to manage the team’s daily operations including priorities and deadlines.
• High level proficiency in professional studio photography, maintained alongside leading a team, including an understanding of object and digital asset handling, care and management needs, as well as an aptitude for event and people photography in dynamic environments.
• Relevant experience or understanding of contemporary digital photographic and emerging imaging technologies and processes, including an ability to provide leadership in this area.
• Proven experience in managing and maintaining relationships; working collaboratively across interdisciplinary workgroups particularly in the capture, creation, management and access to digital assets.
• Well-developed organisational, communication and negotiation skills and demonstrated experience in coordinating varied activities with limited resources, working with colleagues across the Museum to determine priorities, and applying sound problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of Workplace Relations, Diversity and Equity, and commitment to legal and regulatory responsibilities, including Workplace Health and Safety.
• Demonstrated experience working with collection management systems in a museum environment.
• Experience photographing collections, objects or comparable subject matter within a cultural institution.

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.

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.