About the role

The National Archives of Australia is seeking a dynamic and visionary senior executive to lead its Access and Public Engagement initiatives. The Assistant Director-General, Access and Public Engagement will play a pivotal role in enhancing public access to Australia’s archival heritage and fostering meaningful engagement with diverse audiences. This role is integral to realising the objectives outlined in the Strategy 2025–2030: Evolving National Archives, which aims to position the NAA as an open, valued, and trusted institution in the digital age.

The Assistant Director-General, Access and Public Engagement Branch is responsible for creating a deeper understanding and appreciation of Australia’s heritage and democracy by promoting and enabling access to the archival resources of Australia. The key to the success of this role is by demonstrating the ability to lead high performing teams responsible for designing and delivering a range of access services, public programs and events in a government context to meet the needs of diverse audiences. The ability to focus resources to achieve quality outcomes in a complex stakeholder environment is vital. Effective and respectful collaboration is critical to the success of the position both internally with stakeholders and externally with other government agencies, industry partners and community groups as we evolve access and public engagement to enhance Australians connection to the national archival collection.

The position carries management responsibility for the successful operations of the Access and Public Engagement Branch and provides strategic advice and support to the Director-General, portfolio ministers and the National Archives’ Advisory Council on a number of matters including services that assist the community access the collection; online access and service delivery; access examination, communications and media liaison; and education, exhibition and public programs.

The Assistant Director-General is also required to contribute to the overall leadership, culture and strategic directions of the National Archives as a member of the Executive Board demonstrating a broad understanding of the legislative, governance and accountability frameworks that the National Archives operates within and exercising strong people and budget management skills.

As a member of National Archives leadership team, the successful applicant will be required to:

• Promote National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2025-2030 and deliver outcomes within available resources available.
• Exemplify and promote National Archives values (Our Values) and Secretaries’ Charter of Leadership Behaviours (DRIVE) including contemporary people management practices in equity and diversity, WHS and participative management practices.
• Incorporate innovative strategies that recognise the inter-generational value of archives as a nation’s memory for government information management, technology, processes and public engagement.
• In consultation with the Director-General and members of the senior executive team, provide expert advice to the National Archives of Australia Advisory Council and ministers on key agency strategies and initiatives.
• Strengthen our connection with First Nations peoples and facilitate culturally appropriate access to collections, services and resources consistent with the Tandanya Declaration.
• Maintain accountability and responsibility for the allocation of resources and delegations within the broader financial and regulatory frameworks within the National Archives.
• Oversee and ensure the delivery of the strategic direction in relation to the development and implementation of public engagement programs and services.
• Manage the risks associated with the public release of classified and potentially sensitive Australian Government records, including management of National Archives’ response to appeals to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Federal and High Courts on decisions made under the Archives Act 1983.
• Oversee the provision and delivery of high-quality customer service to ensure effective stakeholder and contract management.

What we are looking for:

To be successful for this role you will need to meet the Senior Executive Service capability for the SES Band 1 level, and you will have the following:

• Strategic Vision: Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and deliver strategic initiatives that enhance public access and engagement, aligned with organisational goals and values.
• Leadership and Management: Proven experience and demonstrated success in leading teams and managing resources that support productive working relationships within a complex organisational environment.

• Change Management: Demonstrated ability to create and champion a compelling vision for change empowering people to deliver in times of transition or uncertainty.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of building and maintaining effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Digital Literacy: Comprehensive understanding of digital technologies and their application in enhancing access to archival materials.
• Policy, Governance and Risk: Experience in developing and implementing policies related to public access and engagement, with a commitment to ethical governance, risk management and transparency.
• Cultural Competence: Awareness and appreciation of Australia’s diverse cultural heritage, with the ability to engage respectfully and effectively with all communities.