Australian War Memorial
Branch Head, Assistant Director National Collection
The Australian War Memorial is looking for an experienced SES level professional to lead the National Collections Branch.
Position Overview
As an SES Branch Head at the Australian War Memorial (the Memorial) you will be a key member of the senior leadership team and Corporate Management Group, and will play an integral role in delivering key outcomes and priorities involving significant leadership, strategic direction, and accountability for major work areas, focusing on translating high-level Memorial priorities into actionable policy and program delivery, managing substantial resources, building high-performing teams, and providing expert advice to internal and external stakeholders.
As the Branch Head for National Collection, you will lead and manage multiple teams with particular focus on the development, care, and use of the national collections which include Art, Military Heraldry and Technology, Photographs Sound and Film, Archival Research material, Conservation and Registration services across the Memorial. Teams may alter over time in response to organisational needs and priorities.
In addition, you will represent the Memorial on Inter-departmental Working Groups and at other agency forums and must always operate in accordance with legislative and governance obligations, working collaboratively to deliver outcomes, and responding flexibly to current and emerging issues.
Position duties
Working directly to the Director of the Australian War Memorial, the position will be responsible for the following:
Provide strategic leadership for the collection, care, preservation, and safeguard of the integrity and longevity of the National Collection.
As a member of the Corporate Management Group, contribute to strategic planning, the development of Memorial priorities, and cross-organisational collaboration that advances the Memorial’s mission.
Lead and manage the National Collection Branch, providing direction, oversight, and performance leadership across areas of responsibility ensuring the safe stewardship and activation of the Australian War Memorial’s core historic collection and the effective contribution to public programs.
Provide authoritative advice to the Director, Council and government on matters related to the national collection, including sensitive and emerging issues.
Represent and promote the Memorial to national and international partners, strengthen strategic relationships and contribute to major ceremonial events, community engagement, and raise awareness of philanthropic and sponsorship initiatives.
Ensure excellence in governance, accountability, and risk management, including financial stewardship, procurement oversight, WHS obligations, and compliance with legislative, cultural, and administrative frameworks relevant to areas of operation.
Exercise statutory, delegated, and administrative powers in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational policies, upholding ethical leadership, transparency, and responsible management of public resources.
Mandatory Requirements
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This position requires the successful candidate to have (or the ability to obtain and maintain) a Negative Vetting Level 1 security clearance
Qualifications
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Relevant tertiary qualifications are desirable. In addition, membership of relevant professional associations or institutes will be well regarded.
Eligibility
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Applicants will also be required to undertake a psychometric evaluation, character and security checks. The psychometric evaluation will not determine successful appointment but will be used to inform interview and referee processes.
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Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens or have permanent residency of Australia to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).
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All applicants external to AWM that are offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a National Police Check, even if they currently hold a security clearance. The check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.
For more information, please see the candidate information pack
Preparing Your Application
Your application should include a CV and a statement of claims (a short ‘pitch’ of a maximum of 500 words) drawing out:
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why you are interested in this position,
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what you offer the Memorial,
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your skill set against the selection criteria (including relevant career history and achievements)
Contact Information
For specific questions relating to this job vacancy, please contact: [email protected]
For questions relating to the online lodgement of your application, please email the Recruitment team via [email protected]
Submitting Applications
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Please note that applications can only be accepted through the Australian War Memorial jobs portal
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To apply, go to Australian War Memorial – Employment Opportunities and complete the online application by 11:30pm, Sunday 5 April 2026
Notes
A merit pool of suitable applicants may be created which to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months.
Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.
The Memorial is committed to workplace diversity and maintains an environment that values the contribution of people from different backgrounds and experiences. The Memorial welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, veterans, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds, and people with a disability.
