Senior Archivist: Lead World-Class Archives & Exhibitions

NSW Government; New South Wales; On-site; AUD 111,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10% off onsite food and beverages

5 weeks' annual leave

Salary packaging

Professional development programs

Staff groups and wellbeing initiatives

Green Star rated organisation

Job summary

Sydney Opera House is seeking a Senior Archivist to lead, protect and grow its archival collections, including major collections and the NSW State Archives. You will enable access, develop storytelling initiatives and contribute to exhibitions and public programs.

The role requires strong standards, collaboration with multiple teams, and a commitment to heritage preservation and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Senior Archivist will develop and manage the Opera House archives collections, including the Collected Archive and NSW State Archives.
• Role includes assisting staff and the public with enquiries and developing storytelling initiatives such as exhibitions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, management and preservation of the Opera House archival collections, ensuring best-practice standards and legislative compliance.
• Develop and implement archives management frameworks, policies, procedures and operational plans to support long-term collection stewardship.
• Maintain accurate intellectual and physical control of archives, including cataloguing, description, documentation, location tracking and access management.
• Collaborate with Information Management teams to support NSW State Archives requirements, including transfer plans, access directions and archive governance initiatives.
• Provide expert advice on archival systems, metadata management, preservation, storage, security, access and risk management.
• Manage archive-related projects, budgets, consultants and reporting requirements to meet organisational, statutory and industry standards.
• Curate and support exhibitions, online catalogues and public engagement initiatives that promote and enhance access to the Opera House archives.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, researchers, donors and national and international collecting institutions to increase awareness, access and collaboration.

Job description

Job Description

Sydney Opera House

Reference number

3725

Occupation

Database Administration

Work type

Full-Time

Location

Sydney City

Salary Information

Based on $123,850 per annum plus 12% Superannuation Contributions

Closing date

31 August 2026 at 11:55pm

Job Status: Full Time, Ongoing

Salary: Base salary of $123,850 per annum plus 12% Superannuation Contributions

Applications Close: Monday 31 August 11:55pm

Role Enquires: [e-mail]

Online Application Support: Frequently Asked Questions

An organisation where diversity of thought and experience is valued, supported and respected.

THE HOUSE

The Sydney Opera House occupies a unique place in the cultural landscape. A globally recognised icon synonymous with inspiration and imagination, it's one of the world's busiest performing arts centres, the nation's premier tourism destination and a World Heritage masterpiece that belongs to the people of NSW. Driving this incredible place is a team of passionate and dedicated people. Join us in shaping the Opera House's future and be provided with opportunities to grow and develop while making a positive contribution to our community.

The Opera House is a living work of art. A place of possibility and wonder – on and off the stage. We bring people together to be uplifted, empowered and entertained. As set out in the Sydney Opera House Strategy 2024-2026, our ambition is to be Everyone's House. To make this real, we are focused on four themes that underpin our organisational values (Creativity, Courage, Inclusivity, Integrity, Collaboration and Care):

• Everyone feels welcome here.
• We better understand and connect with the community.
• We are future ready.
• We lead and inspire positive change.

For more information about the Sydney Opera House please refer to our website.

YOUR NEW ROLE

This role is responsible for:

The Senior Archivist will develop and manage the Opera Houses archives collections including the Collected Archive (e.g. the Wolanski Collection) and the NSW State Archives. This role will enhance access to the Sydney Opera House archives by assisting staff and the public with enquiries, and developing and delivering compelling storytelling initiatives including exhibitions. The role will support establishing a Sydney Opera House Collections Management Framework, alongside the Heritage Manager and Senior Collections Officer.

Further detailed information about the role and its requirements can be obtained from the role description.

ARE YOU THE ONE?

Key Responsibilities/skills:

• Lead the development, management and preservation of the Sydney Opera House archival collections, ensuring best-practice standards and legislative compliance.
• Develop and implement archives management frameworks, policies, procedures and operational plans to support long-term collection stewardship.
• Maintain accurate intellectual and physical control of archives, including cataloguing, description, documentation, location tracking and access management.
• Collaborate with Information Management teams to support NSW State Archives requirements, including transfer plans, access directions and archive governance initiatives.
• Provide expert advice on archival systems, metadata management, preservation, storage, security, access and risk management.
• Manage archive-related projects, budgets, consultants and reporting requirements to meet organisational, statutory and industry standards.
• Curate and support exhibitions, online catalogues and public engagement initiatives that promote and enhance access to the Opera House archives.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, researchers, donors and national and international collecting institutions to increase awareness, access and collaboration.

THE PERKS

The Sydney Opera House give you access to a fantastic range of benefits including:

• 10% off onsite food and beverage outlets like Opera Bar and First Nations restaurant Midden.
• 5 weeks' annual leave for all ongoing and temporary staff.
• Access to salary packaging and discounted health insurance.
• Access to a range of professional development programs and staff engagement initiatives.
• Staff community groups like SOH Pride, First Nations Staff Network, Sustainable Environmental Action Leaders (SEALs) and more.
• Fitness Passport and complimentary wellbeing programs including pilates, yoga, circuit classes, physiotherapy sessions as well as other wellbeing initiatives.
• Working for an organisation with a 6 Star Green Star performance rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
• Working for an organisation committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the world's first arts organisation to join the UN's Global Compact, an international sustainability initiative designed to build a better future for us all.
• Complimentary tickets to shows.
• And many more!

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The Opera House is an inclusive employer that recognises everyone is unique. The organisation welcomes you for who you are – as you are. So if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact us as [e-mail] to discuss. Even if you think you'd be a great fit, but don't necessarily tick every box in the role description, please get in touch.

We welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, recognising the value, unique skills and knowledge that First Nations employees bring to the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders, people who are d/Deaf and/or with disability, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, neurodiverse, refugees and the LGBTQIA+ community.

NEED TO WORK FLEXIBLY?

We know flexibility means different things to different people, so let us know how we can support you to be your best.

To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants must have existing Australian work rights. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and Pre-Employment Health Assessment. The assessment seeks information only relevant to performing the inherent requirements of the job, it remains strictly confidential and applicants will be informed of the result.

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

Your personal information is being collected to enable the Sydney Opera House to assess your suitability for appointment to the position you have applied for. This personal information will be managed in accordance with the Sydney Opera House Privacy Management Policy and Plan.

Applications will not be accepted from recruitment agencies.