Assistant Director Programs and Engagement
Job Details
Job Title: Assistant Director Programs and Engagement
Employment Type: Ongoing/Non-Ongoing
Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1
Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 27, September 2024
Contact: Penelope Grist, 02 6277 5185, penelope.grist@aph.gov.au
The Opportunity
The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for a Parliamentary Executive Level 1 Assistant Director Programs and Engagement within Design Integrity & Collections Branch.
The Parliament House Art Collections are nationally significant collections consisting of more than 6,000 works spanning all genres of Australian art. The Art Collections perform a unique role in the life and working environment of Parliament House. The collections were created to be an essential element of the building’s architectural fabric and working life reflecting the unique qualities of Australia.
They include the Historic Memorials Collection, Parliament House Art/Craft Commissions, Official Gifts Collection, and Rotational Collection of contemporary artworks. The Art Collections team is responsible for the custody, care, development, and promotion of the Parliament House Art Collections.
Who we are looking for
The successful applicant will lead the team providing essential access to, development of, and interpretation of Parliament House Art Collections through display and curatorial programs and projects, services to Parliamentarians, oversight of systems and processes, and building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
We’re seeking an experienced professional with a strong track record of best practice collections display, client service, and curatorial expertise with demonstrated attention to detail. The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of working with collections, excellent written communication skills across a range of settings, and substantial experience in delivering projects in a cultural institution context or within a leadership role in a government context. Highly-skilled individuals with a strong interest in the cultural sector and with a significant track record of successful leadership in government contexts are also strongly encouraged to apply. Familiarity with departmental written communication, documentation, processes, and management in government contexts will be an advantage.
Job Specific Requirements
- The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 (Confidential/Highly Protected/Secret) security clearance.
- Tertiary qualifications in Visual Arts, Museum and Heritage Studies, Australian history, Political science and research, or a similar field will be an advantage.
- Experience in the use of Collection Management Systems and Digital Asset Management systems (such as Vernon CMS or Footwear) is desirable.
At DPS, we acknowledge the value diversity brings. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with disability.
Duty Statement
Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1
Branch: Design Integrity & Collections Branch
Section: Art Collections
Immediate supervisor: Director, Art Collections
Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Executive Level 1 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Lead the Programs and Engagement team to deliver public and client-facing functions relating to the Parliament House Art Collections (PHAC) and associated materials (for example services to Parliamentarians, curatorial research, content development for display and online, reproduction request facilitations, collection development including purchased artworks, gifts and commissioned artworks, publications, loans, exhibitions, and public programs delivery).
2. Oversee the development, implementation, monitoring, and review of best-practice strategic policies, plans, and procedures to ensure safe and timely access to the PHAC and high-quality interpretation and strategic development of the collections.
3. Manage relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders including Parliamentarians, other APH occupants and departments, public media, artists, curators, and other professional peers.
4. Manage the Programs and Engagement team, including providing clear strategic direction, prioritising work, leading team development, ensuring a safe and effective working environment.
5. Management of 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
Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1
Branch: Design Integrity & Collections Branch
Section: Art Collections
Immediate supervisor: Director, Art Collections
1. A minimum of 10 years’ experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high quality client services, art and or heritage collections access, or public programs and projects.
2. Demonstrated skill and ability to apply industry best practice and a risk management approach to the acquisition, commissioning and display of works of art, client service delivery, development of exhibitions in various contexts (including both in person and online), including an understanding of preservation standards and conservation decision-making.
3. Highly developed skills in written, oral and interpersonal communication for a range of audiences, and a capacity to develop and maintain effective stakeholder networks internally and through external forums (such as public communications) within a sensitive environment.
4. A demonstrated knowledge of and ability to write and edit both internal communications such as minutes, briefs, submissions, policy, and talking points to a high standard and interpretive text relating to art and history in a manner suitable for general audiences.
5. Demonstrated understanding of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and experience in procurement processes, and budget and contract management within the government setting.
6. Experience successfully managing a small team and proven ability to build capacity, contribute to positive workplace culture, and maintain a safe and productive working environment in accordance with relevant WHS legislation.
How to apply
Please upload a one page 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. Please take the Selection Criteria into account when formulating your pitch. You are not required to address each criterion individually. Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
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:
• access to flexible work arrangements
• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities
• a competitive remuneration package
• free secure underground parking
• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities
• on-site childcare, banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more.
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.