Deputy Director, First Nations

**Role purpose**
- The Deputy Director, First Nations will redefine our relationship with First Nations collections, communities and histories and ensure the Museum is a place about our future as much as it is about our past. You will explore the deep cultural, social and environmental history of the continent and engage with Australia’s complex histories to foster learning, understanding and dialogue. You will bring bold and ambitious ideas that challenge the fundamental practices of museums in a global context and at a local level, working to embed First Nations language, Country, and cultural vitality into the Museum’s own practices, collections, systems and programs. You will take strategic responsibility for working with First Nations people to establish a shared responsibility for the cultural material we care for and lead a process of engagement and reassessment to show what we hold and how we work to share in its rich potential.
- This role is a member of the Museum’s Executive which comprises the Director, Deputy Director Collection and Curatorial, Deputy Director First Nations, Deputy Director Corporate, Deputy Director Growth and Engagement, and Associate Director Visitor Experience.
- Key Accountabilities
- Shapes Strategic thinking
- Develop and implement strategies that integrate First Nations perspectives throughout the Museum’s operations and programs, creating a shared sense of purpose that aligns with higher-level goals. Ensure the Museum’s exhibitions, programs and initiatives reflect First Nations stories and perspectives accurately and respectfully, while planning for future needs and addressing immediate requirements.- Achieves Results
- Oversee the negotiation, management and stewardship of collections in a culturally sensitive manner that respects the rights and interests of First Nations communities, adhering to ethical and legal standards. Investigate ways to improve effectiveness by harnessing technology and implementing continuous improvement activities. Drive a culture of achievement by ensuring ideas and intended actions become reality and planned projects result in expected outputs.- Cultivates productive working relationships
- Cultivate and nurture relationships with First Nations communities and organisations, fostering meaningful collaborations and partnerships to co-create initiatives that empower and amplify First Nations voices. Build and sustain relationships within the organisation, with the Minister's office, across the APS, and with a diverse range of external stakeholders. Facilitate cooperation between organisations by sharing information and maintaining a cross-government focus.- Exemplifies personal drive and integrity
- Provide strategic advice, problem-solving expertise and issues management support on matters pertaining to First Nations peoples and collections, serving as a trusted advisor to internal and external stakeholders. Adhere to and promote the APS Values and Code of Conduct, acting with utmost integrity and professionalism. Represent the Museum effectively in public and internal forums, advocating the corporate agenda and providing impartial and forthright advice.- Communicates with influence
- Represent the Museum at relevant forums, conferences and events. Confidently present messages in a clear, concise and articulate manner, focusing on key points for the audience and using appropriate, unambiguous language. Structure written and oral communication to ensure clarity, seeking to understand the audience and tailoring communication style and message accordingly.- Fosters cultural competency and inclusivity
- Champion the ongoing development of internal cultural competency within the organisation, promoting understanding and awareness of First Nations cultures, histories and contemporary issues. Collaborate with First Nations staff and advisory groups to ensure meaningful representation and participation in decision-making processes, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect within the Museum.- Supports Knowledge exchange and broader initiatives
- Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange with First Nations organisations and institutions to support First Nations voices in the cultural sector and contribute to broader initiatives in First Nations affairs. Promote the reciprocal sharing of information to build knowledge, foster teamwork and reward cooperative and collaborative behaviour.- To apply
- Applicants must include a 2 page pitch addressing their suitability for the role against the essential and desirable Skills, experience and qualifications. Applicants must also provide a current CV and include contact details for 2 referees.-
- Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 11 November 2025.- Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. If you require, or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments, please contact the Contact Officer for this position.