About the Company
The Newcastle Art Gallery is one of Australia’s most significant regional art museums, renowned for its diverse collection of historical and contemporary Australian art, as well as its engaging exhibition programs. As a cornerstone of the Hunter region’s cultural landscape, we are committed to preserving artistic heritage, fostering creativity, and providing enriching experiences for our community and visitors alike. Join us in our mission to celebrate and safeguard the visual arts.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly organised and passionate Archival Lead to oversee the management, preservation, and accessibility of our extensive collection archives. This pivotal role involves leading a small team, developing and implementing best practice archival policies, and contributing to the digital transformation of our cataloguing systems. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of archival principles, museum operations, and a commitment to upholding the integrity of our valuable historical records and artwork documentation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, organisation, and implementation of archival programs and services.
- Develop and enforce policies and procedures for the acquisition, arrangement, description, preservation, and access to archival materials.
- Manage the physical and intellectual control of archival collections, including rare books, artist files, exhibition catalogues, and institutional records.
- Oversee the cataloguing and digitisation efforts, ensuring accuracy and adherence to national and international standards (e.g., DACS, RAD).
- Provide expert advice and support to internal staff and external researchers on archival matters.
- Supervise and mentor archival staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of professional development and excellence.
- Contribute to grant applications and fundraising initiatives related to archival preservation and access.
- Ensure compliance with copyright, privacy, and other relevant legal and ethical standards.
- Participate in exhibition development, research, and educational programming as required.
Required Skills
- Master's degree in Archival Studies, Library Science, Information Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in an archival or special collections environment, preferably within a museum or gallery setting.
- Demonstrated experience in leading archival projects and supervising staff.
- In-depth knowledge of archival theory, standards, and best practices for preservation and access.
- Proficiency with archival management systems and collection databases (e.g., TMS, Axiell Collections).
- Strong understanding of digital preservation strategies and technologies.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
- Ability to handle fragile and valuable archival materials with utmost care.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with grant writing and project management in the cultural sector.
- Familiarity with Australian art history and artists.
- Membership in relevant professional organisations (e.g., Australian Society of Archivists).
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and superannuation contributions.
- Generous annual leave and professional development opportunities.
- A supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Access to exclusive gallery events and exhibitions.
- Contribution to a renowned cultural institution and the preservation of significant artistic heritage.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please click the "Apply Now" button below. To ensure your application is properly considered, please prepare the following:
- An up-to-date Resume or CV
- A brief cover letter summarizing your experience and motivation
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
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