• Lead the strategic direction of one of Australia's most significant art and heritage collections.
• $121,095 - $136,286 + 12% Super
• Permanent, Full Time Opportunity 

About the role

The Senior Curator, City of Melbourne Collection sits within the Creative Urban Places team in our Creative Melbourne branch and offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of one of Australia's most significant art and heritage collections. This role plays a key part in preserving and celebrating Melbourne's rich cultural heritage, ensuring the collection continues to reflect the city's evolving identity, diverse communities and contemporary creative landscape.

As a strategic and creative leader, you will oversee the development, management and activation of the City of Melbourne Collection, including the City Gallery and Collection Store. You will drive innovative curatorial approaches, exhibitions and public engagement initiatives that bring Melbourne's stories to life and strengthen community connection, cultural understanding and belonging.

Working alongside Traditional Owners, artists, cultural institutions and community partners, you will have a unique opportunity to influence how Melbourne's past, present and future are represented and shared with generations to come. You will also lead and develop a dedicated team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages professional growth, innovation and excellence in curatorial practice.

A little more about the role

• Lead the strategic development, acquisition, preservation and management of the City of Melbourne Collection, ensuring its ongoing relevance, accessibility and cultural significance.
• Oversee the delivery of engaging exhibitions, research projects, public programs and digital initiatives that connect diverse audiences with Melbourne's art, history and heritage.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the City Gallery and collection operations, including collection management frameworks, conservation, budgets and risk management.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team, fostering a positive and collaborative culture while building meaningful partnerships with Traditional Owners, artists, cultural organisations and community stakeholders.

Why join Team Melbourne?

Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you will help deliver what is most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We are proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it is your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne’s future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

About you

You are an experienced and forward-thinking curatorial leader with a passion for art, culture and heritage and an understanding of the important role collections play in shaping a city's identity.

You bring a strategic mindset, strong people leadership capabilities and a genuine passion for developing and empowering others. You are confident navigating complex stakeholder relationships and passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for communities to connect with art, history and culture.

What your experience might look like

• Tertiary qualifications in Museum Studies, Curatorial Practice, Collection Management, Arts Management, Cultural Heritage, History or a related discipline, supported by extensive relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading the strategic development, management and stewardship of significant art, heritage or cultural collections, including acquisition strategies and collection care.
• Strong curatorial expertise in developing engaging exhibitions, public programs, research and initiatives that connect collections with diverse audiences.
• Proven people leadership skills, with experience managing, mentoring and developing staff, alongside the ability to build productive relationships with government, cultural institutions, artists, community organisations and other key stakeholders.
• Strong financial management, procurement and risk management capabilities, complemented by excellent communication skills and experience developing strategic advice, reports and recommendations.

Benefits of working with us

• Attractive remuneration & benefits: Excellent pay package with a range of exciting benefits. Flexible working, study assistance & other great corporate discounts.
• Excellent leave entitlements: Enjoy up to 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave for primary carers, in addition to the government-funded parental leave, with no waiting period to access. Part-time equivalents are also available for added flexibility.
• Career progression: Career development support and opportunities to learn new skills within a creative and exciting environment.
• Work-life balance and hybrid working: We support flexible hours, alternative work arrangements (like ADOs), and hybrid work-from-home options.

How to apply

We'd love to hear how you can make an impact in this role! As part of your application, you will be required to:

• Attach your updated resume (max three pages)
• Include a cover letter (max one page) outlining your relevant experience and why you're a great fit for this role.

Submit your application no later than 11:45pm on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. 

A few important things to note – don’t miss out!

• Applications must be submitted online. Unfortunately, we can’t accept applications via email, so please be sure to apply through the official job link provided.
• Apply early! Applications are actively being reviewed throughout the advertising period, and we may close this advertisement before the listed closing date if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications. To ensure you have the opportunity to be considered, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.
• We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and a Working with Children Check.

Need more info?

Refer to the position description below or contact John Cunningham – Head of Creative Urban Places, John.Cunningham@melbourne.vic.gov.au.

Inclusion matters

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you’re contacted for an interview.