Branch Head

Assistant Director National Collection

Recruitment Information Pack

Branch Head, Assistant Director National Collection

SES Band 1

National Collection Branch
Ongoing, Full-Time
Campbell, ACT

Security Clearance Requirement – Negative Vetting 2

About the Australian War Memorial

Here is their spirit, in the heart of the land they loved; and here we guard the record which they themselves made.

Charles Bean, 1948

The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The Memorial's purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war. Its mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society.

Corporate Overview

The Australian War Memorial is established as a corporation by the Australian War Memorial Act 1980. The functions of the Memorial and the powers of the Memorial, the Minister, the Council, the Chairman and the Director are outlined in the Act. The Minister for Veterans' Affairs has portfolio responsibility for the Memorial, which is a statutory authority within the portfolio. The Council is responsible for the conduct and control of the affairs of the Memorial and the policy of the Memorial with respect to any matters determined by the Council.The functions of the Memorial are detailed in section 5(1) of the Act.

The Memorial consists of three sub-programs: National Collection, Public Programs and Corporate Services. See the Organisation Chart for further details.

The Memorial is a member of the Council of Australasian Museum Directors.

Why work at the Memorial?

The Australian War Memorial is an exciting and innovative place to work; it stands at the forefront of modern museology and research into Australia’s military history. The Memorial’s world-class exhibitions are housed in the nation’s most revered commemorative site, set in beautifully landscaped grounds at the foot of Mount Ainslie in the Australian Capital Territory.

Where else in the world can you work in a multi-award-winning institution, among such an extraordinary collection of national treasures, including military heraldry and technology items, priceless works of art, official war records, photographs, sound recordings, film footage, personal diaries and other personal items? Working at the Memorial also offers an opportunity to help commemorate those men and women who have sacrificed so much in the service of the nation.

The Memorial’s employees contribute greatly towards its outstanding achievements, and in return enjoy a satisfying and rewarding work environment, with competitive conditions of employment, excellent training and development opportunities, and a range of flexible working options that help staff to balance their work and family responsibilities. Further details on conditions of employment are set out in the Memorial's Teamwork Agreement.

The Memorial is committed to workplace diversity and maintains an environment that values the contribution of people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. To be eligible for non-ongoing or ongoing employment applicants need to be an Australian citizen or have Australian citizenship.

All Memorial staff are required to adhere to the Australian Public Service Values and Code of Conduct, and the Australian War Memorial Code of Ethics relating to the National Collection.

Among the many benefits of working at the Memorial are ample free parking, two onsite cafés, an active and friendly social club, and proximity to sports grounds and Civic (Canberra’s shopping and business centre).

It is a privilege to work at the Memorial, so don’t miss your opportunity.

The Opportunity

The Branch Head, Assistant Director National Collection, as a member of the Corporate Management Group, plays an integral part in shaping and implementing the strategic directions of the Memorial and in directing the achievement of its outcomes.

The Branch Head, Assistant Director National Collection, provides advice and expertise with particular emphasis on National Collection matters and museum related issues. The work involves leading and managing the National Collection Branch which includes a wide variety of professional staff working in areas concerned with the development, research, interpretation, contextualisation and use of the National Collection in Art, Military Heraldry and Technology, Photographs Film Sound and Multimedia, the Research Centre and the Collection Services Section that provides Conservation and Registration capability across the Memorial. The National Collection Branch provides leadership and capability in delivering outcomes in public programming including exhibition development, commemoration, research collaborations and international engagement with peer institutions. The Assistant Director also provides high level advice and representation services and exercises relevant delegations.

Notes: Professional qualifications in one or more relevant fields are highly desirable for this job. Security clearance at the Negative Vetting Level 2, or the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level is required.

Position Requirements

Accountabilities

As a member of the Corporate Management Group (CMG) perform an important leadership role as the Branch Head,Assistant Director National Collection, ensuring the achievement of outcomes are in line with the Memorial’s strategic and corporate requirements and outcomes.

Develop and shape the3-5 year strategic and corporate direction for the National Collection Branch taking responsibility for the key functions of the Memorial Art Collection, Collections Services, Military Heraldry and Technology, Photographs Film Sound and Multimedia, and the Research Centre.

Knowledge

Possess, acquire and share a deep knowledge and a strong understanding of Australian Military History to provide an authoritative view thatrecommends direction on the National Collection requirements for internal and external stakeholders of the Memorial.

Diversity and Span

Plan, lead and manage the five Sections within the National Collection Branch providing leadership for a diverse range of high complexity functions, activities and outcomes delivered by a professionally qualified and experienced workforce.

Job Context and Environment

Provide subject matter expertise and options, specifying highly complex and diverse requirements are resolved,to acquire, maintain and display the Memorial’s National Collection.This will includeadvice on external and emerging factors involving cross-jurisdictional and international issues.

Stakeholder Management

Proactively seek, establish and sustain productive relationships with internal and external Memorial stakeholders, providing persuasive advice to resolve divergent views and conflicting priorities to further the National Collection Branch and the Memorial’s purpose.

Judgement

Gather and consider all available information concerning the National Collection, taking into account established management systems, Memorial standards, budget parameters and known facility and storage capacity.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a forward thinking person who possesses an ability to manage diverse program and policy matters and resolve complex issues.

You are a strong leader with extensive management experience, including building and managing effective relationships and networks across the private sector and government. You have excellent negotiation, influencing and engagement skills and experience in leading a complex corporate environment to take advantage of opportunities nationally and internationally to promote the development, accessibility and awareness of the Memorial’s National Collection.

You will have a record of achievement and experience in managing in the museum or cultural sectors to lead and influence a culture of innovation in the development, research, interpretation, contextualisation and conservation of a rich and diverse collection, and to build the capability of a highly-motivated and professional staff.

You are able to manage risk. You show initiative, integrity, sound judgment and personal drive and can think on your feet. You work effectively under pressure and in a changing environment to deliver high-quality advice and outcomes. You are a strong and effective people manager, able to motivate staff to bring their best to their role and build capability and professional expertise.

What We Offer

  • A flexible, diverse and inclusive workplace and attractive remuneration package including generous employer superannuation contributions.
  • Exciting and fulfilling work in a world renowned Australian institution.
  • The opportunity to work with strong, smart, visionary and experienced colleagues and staff.

To Apply

Please prepare the following documents before you start your application. There is no ability to save your application and revisit; it must be completed in one session.

  • A two page response telling us how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications makes you the best person for the job.
  • A current resume.

These documents should be submitted via our online recruitment system in WORD (.doc or .docx) or .PDF by midnight 26 October 2017.

To apply please click the APPLY button on this webpage:

Who to Contact

For more information about the role, please contact Leanne Patterson, Branch Head Assistant Director Corporate Services on 02 62434233 or via email:

If you experience any difficulties accessing or submitting your online application, please contact the AWM Recruitment Team on (02) 6243 4234 or via email: