Vacancy Details

  • Manage the City’s art and heritage collection!
  • Permanent, full-time
  • $118,141 + 12% Superannuation

About the role

As the Art and Heritage Collection Program Manager this role has a focus on leading the Arts and Heritage Collection Team to develop, deliver and maintain the City of Melbourne’s art and heritage collection, managing conservation, asset planning, collection operations, exhibitions, and is responsible for and the day to day running of the Art and Heritage Collection store and City Gallery. The role also has responsibility for the implementation of Council’s Plaques and Memorials Policy. 

This role requires the ability to lead, motivate and develop the team to ensure a consistent and best practice approach to the development of the collection as well as a strong commitment to delivering exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring Melbourne’s cultural assets are preserved, promoted, and accessible to the community.

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’ll help deliver what’s most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We’re 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’s 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 arts or heritage professional with a strong understanding of collection management, conservation, and public programming. You bring a strategic mindset, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to manage complex projects while maintaining a high standard of customer service. With strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, you thrive in environments where cultural preservation, public access, and operational excellence come together, and you are committed to ensuring the City of Melbourne’s art and heritage assets are cared for, celebrated, and shared responsibly with the community.

What your experience might look like

  • Relevant recognised tertiary degree together with extensive on the job experience in collection management, including curatorial management, conservation and maintenance of cultural items and contemporary art. 
  • Role-model behaviour in teamwork, collaborative practice with a customer-centric values-driven approach to service, leading and motivating teams during times of change.
  • Experience in strategic collection management through analysis, planning, evaluation and reporting.
  • Budgetary, contract management and vendor liaison skills to ensure capital and operational collections expenditure are managed in accordance with procurement protocols and within budget targets
  • Excellent relationship building and stakeholder management skills with experience working with diverse stakeholders such as creative teams, artists, designers, technical experts, community groups, contractors, government agencies and service providers.

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
  • 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 Tuesday 17 March 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! This role may close sooner than the listed closing date if we find the right candidate — so don’t wait to get your application in.
  • 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, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.

Need more info?

Refer to the position description below or contact Jo Mair, Creative Urban Places Program Lead – Jo.Mair@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.