Position title: Deputy Registrar

Section: Collection Care and Management

Classification: APS6

Immediate supervisor: Head, Collection Care and Management

Status: Non-ongoing

Location: Acton, Canberra

Application close date: 11:30pm AEDT on Tuesday, 21 March 2023

Position contact: Linda Byrne, Head Collection Care and Management on Linda.byrne@nma.gov.au or 02 6208 5036.

 

The job opportunity

The Museum has an exciting opportunity for a talented professional to join the Museum’s Registration team within the Collection Care and Management business unit as the Deputy Registrar. They will provide team leadership and strategic support for the Registration team, as well as the wider section, to deliver on a range of significant Museum projects and programs.

The Registration team at the National Museum of Australia has responsibility for a diverse range of duties related to the physical, legal and intellectual control of the Museum’s collections. This includes the management of loans, collection transport and logistics, storage and collection management, collection auditing, exhibition development and delivery, and the management of exhibition installation and de-installations on both a local, national and international scale. 

The Deputy Registrar, under limited direction, will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the Registration team’s work program, will provide effective staff management, will leverage opportunities to innovate, and will work to improve collection management processes and procedures to ensure efficient and effective project and program delivery. 

What will the successful candidate bring to the role?

The successful candidate will have expertise in working in a Registration or similar team environment in a relevant sector. They will have in-depth knowledge of collection management practice, policies and procedures. They will have staff management experience and be able to provide high-level advice on complex collection management issues, as well as the ability to problem solve and implement improvements to museum processes. 

The incumbent will have proven experience in taking responsibility and achieving quality outcomes. They will be a strategic thinker, who is flexible, adaptable, and experienced in dealing with ambiguity. They will be a strong communicator who can effectively negotiate and communicate with influence to achieve positive and productive outcomes. They have proven project management experience and demonstrate capacity to effectively plan, execute and monitor multiple projects concurrently.  

They will have the ability to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams including the capacity to respond positively to changing priorities within a team environment. They can demonstrate experience in cultivating productive working relationships and positive team culture. 

The successful candidate will have the potential to travel for occasional exhibition work, both nationally and internationally. 

Workplace values

The Museum expects all employees to display these professional capabilities, as relevant to their position and classification. 

Leadership

Demonstrate leadership in how programs are delivered, striving to create a new benchmark in excellence.

Collaboration and connection

Work together to create a culture where collaboration across business units is seamless to delivering the shared vision.

Courage and innovation

Be bold and decisive, embrace challenges and opportunities and actively seek ways to continually improve and streamline our services for the benefit of the whole Museum.

Agility and resilience

Embrace and respond to change as a normal part of our working environment.

Respect and integrity

Display respect and integrity when working together, embracing the APS values of being committed to service, accountable, respectful, ethical and impartial.

The working environment

The following table provides further information about the inherent requirements of the role and indicates the frequency of these requirements. Please note that the Museum is committed to an inclusive and supportive work environment and offers reasonable adjustments to employees.

Selection criteria

Applicants must provide a 2-page submission responding to each of the following selection criteria, and include contact details for 2 referees in their application.

1. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in collection care, management and registration functions within a museum environment.

2. Proven experience and effective leadership skills in project and staff management.

3. Demonstrated analytical skills, including the ability to use initiative to innovate and problem solve.

4. Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills.

5. Understanding and commitment to workplace health and safety and demonstrated experience in practical application within a museum environment. 

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The National Museum of Australia is an equal employment opportunity workplace. 

The National Museum of Australia 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.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this vacancy, applicants must: 

- be an Australian citizen

- undergo a number of pre-employment checks, including a police records check