Registrar

Australian War Memorial; Canberra; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian War Memorial is seeking a Registrar to lead and manage the Registration team's Acquisitions, Loans & Exhibitions, and Storage, Movement & Assurance functions. The role reports to the Head of Collection Services and supports core collection management across the National Collection.

Desirable qualifications include Museum Studies or Cultural Heritage Management credentials, with 5+ years in museum registration or related operations. A merit pool may be created for future vacancies.

Qualifications

• Qualifications in Museum Studies, Cultural Heritage Management, Collection Management, History, Archaeology, Arts, or a related field highly regarded but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operations and functions of the Registration team within the Memorial.
• Foster cohesive teams and lead staff to achieve results and organisational outcomes.
• Advise on collection management strategies, policies and procedures and lead their development and implementation.
• Provide mentoring, advice and training to the Registration team and resolve issues affecting the Memorial’s collection management program.
• Provide accurate management reports and analysis on the collection and its storage.
• Collaborate with memorial sections to build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Education

Qualifications in Museum Studies or Cultural Heritage Management

Job description

The Registrar manages and leads three teams within Registration: the Acquisitions team, the Loans & Exhibitions team and Storage, Movement & Assurance team. The role oversees the operations of three Assistant Registrars and their teams who manage incoming donations, defence transfers, purchases, cultural gifts, deaccessioning, incoming and outgoing loans of collection, gallery showcase access and changeovers, collection assurance, storage and movement. The Registrar works directly to the Head of Collection Services and contributes to the delivery of core collection management functions of the Memorial’s National Collection. The position works in close partnership with curatorial and conservation sections in the National Collection Branch and sets the priorities and work program for the Registration team.

The Registrar manages and leads three teams within Registration: the Acquisitions team, the Loans & Exhibitions team and Storage, Movement & Assurance team. The role oversees the operations of three Assistant Registrars and their teams who manage incoming donations, defence transfers, purchases, cultural gifts, deaccessioning, incoming and outgoing loans of collection, gallery showcase access and changeovers, collection assurance, storage and movement. The Registrar works directly to the Head of Collection Services and contributes to the delivery of core collection management functions of the Memorial’s National Collection. The position works in close partnership with curatorial and conservation sections in the National Collection Branch and sets the priorities and work program for the Registration team.

The key duties of the position include:

• Leading the operations and functions of the Registration team within the Memorial.
• Fostering cohesive teams and leading staff to achieve results and deliver organisational outcomes.
• Advising on collection management strategies, policies, and procedures, and leading their development and implementation.
• Provide mentoring, advice, information and training to the Registration team, and identify, analyse and resolve issues arising from the team’s responsibilities in support of the Memorial’s collection management program.
• Providing accurate and timely management reports and analysis on the collection and its storage.
• Working collaboratively with Memorial sections to build positive relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide advice and expertise on legal and ethical frameworks relating to collection management including compliance with relevant legislation and leading industry practice.
• Abide by and promote the principles and practices of Work Health and Safety as outlined in the WHS Act as it applies to personal safety and that of the team. Take a leading role in collection hazard management and the development of compliant procedures and policies.
• Contribute to Collection Services team outcomes for the safe, collaborative and effective management of the National Collection.
• Lead and contribute to a healthy and functioning workplace culture, upholding the APS Code of Conduct and the Memorial’s Values and Behaviours.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Qualifications in Museum Studies, Cultural Heritage Management, Collection Management, History, Archaeology, Arts, or a related field will be highly regarded but are not essential.
• 5+ years’ experience in museum registration, collection management, or cultural heritage operations or a related field will be highly regarded but is not essential.

Eligibility

• To be eligible for employment with the Australian War Memorial you must be an Australian citizen as per section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999.
• All applicants external to AWM that are offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a National Police Check, even if they currently hold a security clearance. The check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.

Notes

• A merit pool of suitable applicants may be created which may be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months.

Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

The Memorial is committed to workplace diversity and maintains an environment that values the contribution of people from different backgrounds and experiences. The Memorial welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, veterans, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds, and people with a disability.

Getting to know the Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The Memorial's purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war or on operational service and those who have served our nation in times of conflict. Its mission is leading remembrance and understanding of Australia’s wartime experience.