Curatorial Manager

UNSW seeks a Curatorial Manager to lead the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the Art Collection, to shape and grow art at UNSW.

The Art Unit plays an important role in the cultural life of UNSW, caring for and activating the University’s Art Collection of more than 1,400 works of Australian art created from 1949 to the present, including significant works by First Nations artists. The collection is displayed across the Kensington campus and contributes to the everyday experience of students, staff and visitors.

As Curatorial Manager, you will lead the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the collection, including acquisitions, exhibitions, conservation and public engagement. Working within the Creative Communities team, you will help shape how art is experienced across campus and ensure the collection continues to grow, remain accessible and play an active role in the university community.

This role combines big-picture thinking with practical delivery. You will help guide the long-term vision for the collection while also ensuring the programs, displays and systems that support it run effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic and operational management of the Art Unit, including staff leadership, resource planning and financial oversight.
• Guide the development of the UNSW Art Collection through acquisitions, commissions and donations in line with the university’s cultural and strategic priorities.
• Curate and deliver exhibitions, displays and public engagement initiatives across campus and through digital platforms.
• Oversee conservation, storage and the long-term care of artworks to ensure the collection is preserved and managed to best practice standards.
• Manage and evolve the collection database and digital platforms to improve access, visibility and engagement with the collection.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and represent the Art Unit across committees, events and sector networks.
• Identify collaboration and funding opportunities and contribute to reporting, business cases and grant applications.

Who You Are:

You are a pragmatic and adaptable arts professional who enjoys working across both strategy and delivery. You are comfortable operating in a dynamic environment and can move easily between planning, problem-solving and getting things done. You are confident engaging with a wide range of people and can adapt your approach whether speaking with students, academics, senior leaders or external partners.

You bring:

• Significant experience in the visual arts sector, including curatorial practice, exhibition development and collection management.
• A relevant qualification in visual arts, museum studies, arts management or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• A practical, flexible mindset and the confidence to step in, problem-solve and keep projects moving.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• An understanding of complex environments such as universities, cultural institutions or government settings.

For further details on role responsibilities and skills & experience required, refer to the position description found under the position listing on Jobs@UNSW

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working options.
• Career development opportunities.
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments.
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness).

For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits

How to Apply: Submit your CV & Cover Letter by 11:55pm, 30th March 2026 via the website https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/