Assistant Director - Collections Engagement, Art Collections

Job Details

Job Title: Assistant Director - Collections Engagement, Art Collections

Employment Type: Ongoing

Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1

Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 16 March 2026

Contact: Penelope Grist, 0412599488, penelope.grist@aph.gov.au

The Opportunity

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for a Parliamentary Executive Level 1 Assistant Director - Collections Engagement, Art Collections within Parliamentary Engagement Branch. 

DPS provides essential services that enable the work of the Australian Parliament. Our functions are diverse, ranging from library services to building management, security, and cultural heritage. A Parliamentary Executive Level (PEL) 1 role at DPS is an opportunity to contribute to the functioning of Australia’s democracy while leading high-performing teams in a dynamic and unique environment.

Art Collections delivers its work through a federated network model of project work groups rather than a traditional hierarchy based on expertise area. This role is a key driver of the success of this model and requires a leader with a strong track record of empowering team members to lead work programs, excellent judgement, and ability to guide dynamic strategic priorities. 

The Assistant Director – Collections Engagement, Art Collections is one of two assistant directors within the Art Collections team. This role supports the Director, Art Collections within the Parliamentary Engagement Branch and Corporate Services Division. Responsibilities of this position include leading the team’s delivery of client services, curatorial, public engagement, building occupant liaison, publishing, digital engagement, displays and exhibitions, and other initiatives relating to developing and sharing Parliament House Art Collections (the Collections).

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an arts professional with extensive and directly relevant experience in shaping strategic thinking and leading multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high quality engagement programs and client services relating to art and/or heritage collections. A strong understanding of conservation decision-making, risk management, and collection management systems is required in this role. We are seeking  a leader who is adept at cultivating productive working relationships and inspiring a positive and safe workplace culture within a sensitive operating environment.

The ideal candidate will have highly developed skills in written, oral and interpersonal communication for a range of audiences, contexts, and platforms. They will exemplify personal drive and integrity including a demonstrated ability to undertake procurement and contract management, and develop briefs, submissions, and policies. Skills and experience in web publishing and digital interpretation across platforms is desirable.

Job Specific Requirements: 

• Tertiary qualifications in in Visual Arts, Museum and Heritage Studies, Australian history, Political science and research, or a similar field.
• Experience in the use of Collection Management Systems and Digital Asset Management systems (such as Vernon CMS or Fotoware).
• Qualifications and/or experience in conservation, registration, and/or exhibitions management is desirable.
• Skills and experience in web publishing and digital interpretation across platforms is desirable.
• The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 (Confidential/Highly Protected/Secret) security clearance.

At DPS, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as neurodivergent, and mature aged people.

Duty Statement

Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1 

Branch: Parliamentary Engagement 

Section: Art Collections 

Immediate supervisor: Director, Art Collections

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the specified classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Lead the delivery of engagement and client service programs and associated activities relating to developing and sharing Parliament House Art Collections (the Collections) across physical and digital contexts.
   
   
2. Oversee the development, implementation, monitoring, and review of best-practice strategies,  policies, and procedures to ensure safe and timely access to the Collections and high-quality interpretation, management, and development of the Collections.
   
   
3. Manage relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders including parliamentarians, other building occupants and departments, the public, media, artists, curators, and other professional peers.
   
   
4. Manage the key engagement-focussed professionals within the team, including providing clear strategic direction, prioritising work, leading team development, ensuring a safe and effective working environment.
   
   
5. Manage budgets as required and application of sound governance to programs and projects including financial control, contract management, procurement, risk management, project planning and resourcing.

Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.

Selection Criteria

1. Extensive and directly relevant experience in shaping strategic thinking and leading multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high quality engagement programs and client services relating to art and/or heritage collections.

2. Demonstrated skill and ability to apply industry best-practice, a risk-management approach, and a strong understanding of conservation decision-making to deliver results safely and to the highest standards of excellence in collection development, display, and access in-person and online.
   
   
3. Strong track record of cultivating productive working relationships, including a proven ability to build capacity within teams, inspire a positive workplace culture, and maintain a safe and productive working environment in the context of art and/or heritage collections.

4. Exemplifies personal drive and integrity, including experience of Government procurement, budget and contract management, and a demonstrated ability to deliver internal communications such as minutes, briefs, submissions, and policies within a sensitive operating environment.

5. Highly developed skills in written, oral and interpersonal communication for a range of audiences, contexts, and platforms and a capacity to communicate with influence in interpreting the collection and maintaining effective internal and external stakeholder networks.

How to apply

Please upload a pitch (750 words maximum) describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role and work of the department. 

Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you want to work at DPS, why you are interested in the role and what you can offer in the role. Frame your pitch around the role description and relevant ILS Profile. Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role. 

For additional guidance when crafting you application, please refer to the the DPS Recruitment Candidate Information Pack, which provides helpful tips on how to structure your pitch and highlight your most relevant skills and experience effectively.

Our purpose and values

We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.  

Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace. 

Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.

What we can offer

Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:  

• flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational needs of the roles
• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities 
• a competitive remuneration package
• free on-site parking
• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities available at APH
• childcare (pending availability), banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more available at APH.

Salary

An attractive salary, which could be negotiated with the successful candidate, is on offer.

Conditions of Employment

Employment opportunities at Department of Parliamentary Services are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:

•    Australian citizenship – to be eligible for employment with DPS, applicants must be an Australian Citizen. 

•    Security clearance and character clearance – the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. 

•    Health assessment – a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.