Who we are

National Archives of Australia (National Archives) provides leadership in the best practice management of the official record of the Commonwealth and ensures that Australian Government information of enduring significance is secured, preserved and available to government agencies, researchers and the community.

Our vision: National Archives is committed to being a world-leading archive and strives to strengthen Australia's cultural identity and democracy by connecting people with the evidence of Australian Government activities and decisions.

National Archives endeavour to meet the future needs of government and expectations of the Australian public in our rapidly changing digital environment. Underpinning the transformative strategies to enable, secure, connect and innovate is a drive for comprehensive digital capability and service delivery. National Archives is committed to:

• innovation
• collaboration
• inclusion

National Archives is also committed to developing the capability and expertise of our staff, we offer a Studies Assistance Program that supports staff to achieve individual goals as well as increasing their capacity to help achieve National Archives’ strategic objectives. Our Health and Wellbeing Program encourages and supports a healthier workplace and healthy lifestyle choices for all employees. 

About the role

The Assistant Director, Exhibition Services will ensure the successful delivery of National Archives exhibitions in all forms. Working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, this position is responsible for making the national archival collection accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds across Australia through the development and delivery of exhibition projects.

Leading a small but dedicated team, the Assistant Director will play a pivotal role in the public facing activities and engagement opportunities of National Archives. You will have an aptitude for exhibitions, curatorship and appreciate the power of storytelling in an archival setting. 

Under broad direction the main duties of the role are to:

• Project manage National Archives’ exhibitions, displays and digital experiences to engage audiences with the national archival collection.
• Oversee the management and delivery of the National Archives’ national touring exhibition program including the development of grant applications and acquittals and contract management.
• Lead and manage staff of the Exhibitions Services team and establish and manage project teams which consist of National Archives’ staff, consultants and contractors as required.
• Manage the procurement, tender process and contracts for major exhibitions, and the ongoing maintenance and development of the permanent galleries. Assist with the preparation and management of work plans and budgets, project evaluation and reporting.
• Build and maintain effective, professional relationships and represent the organisation for purposes of promoting and developing the National Archives’ exhibition programs to internal staff and external professional networks, stakeholders and contractors.
• Promote and apply the APS and National Archives values and contemporary people management principles and practices in diversity, workplace health and safety and participative management.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible for the role you must be an Australian citizen. If you are selected, you will be required to successfully undergo a pre-employment check and be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at a Baseline clearance level.

How to apply

You need to apply through our e-recruitment system.

Your application will need to include:

• the names and contact details of at least two referees, one of whom should be a current supervisor.
• your current resume.
• A statement of no more than 1,000 words describing how your skills, knowledge and experience/qualifications would enable you to perform the duties of the role, taking into account the Performance expectations at the relevant classification, and National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2025–2030: Evolving National Archives and Our Values.