DFAT Art Consultant

Artbank's DFAT Art Consultant works as part of a national client services team responsible for building Artbank’s art leasing program.

The opportunity we have available

The position of DFAT Art Consultant works as part of a national client services team responsible for building Artbank’s art leasing with public and private clients. This position requires visual arts knowledge and commercial acumen.

Through the provision of high-level art consultancy services, you will act as a public face for the organisation – working with potential and existing clients in support of Artbank’s art leasing program. You will be a great communicator and possess the ability to interpret a client’s need and translate this into a tailored (curated) selection of artworks drawn from the Artbank collection.

The role makes a significant contribution to Artbank’s organisational objectives through leading the development and implementation of business development strategies. The role will require expertise in analysis and presentation of client leasing data for inclusion in program reporting and planning – working collaboratively with Art Consultants in other states.

This role oversees the administrative processes for organising quotes for the import and export of artworks between Australia and diplomatic posts. It also requires an understanding of the principles of the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986; and Regulations for class A and B control lists and how these apply to restrictions on export of Australian cultural material. 

This is a part-time position, 2 days per week, and requires experience working with contemporary art – ideally in a commercial/sales focused context.

This position will be based out of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts office in Waterloo, NSW. The successful candidate will be required to meet with clients in a face to face setting at client premises and at the Waterloo office.

What will you do? 

Under general guidance and in accordance with APS values and Code of Conduct, Government and Departmental policies and the relevant Secretary’s Instructions, the Office Coordinator duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of Artbank’s objectives and purpose.
• Drive increased business for the art leasing program, including through growing and leveraging opportunities in your existing networks and clients, researching and building relationships with new clients.
• Directly manage clients, ensuring their ongoing needs are addressed.
• Work collaboratively and flexibly across all Artbank teams as required to ensure consistent and effective delivery of the Artbank program and art leasing scheme.
• Contribute to the development of strategic and business planning for Artbank, including in particular the systems and processes that support the business and client service functions.
• Contribute to client event programming as required and other initiatives that support Artbank’s objectives and promote increased access to and understanding of Australian visual art.
• Meet leasing and KPI targets for new and existing clients.
• Ensure compliance of all relevant procedures, policies and guidelines set by Artbank and the department.

The role requires the successful candidate to meet DFAT’s overseas dignitaries and delegates as Artbank clients in person at Artbank’s Waterloo office.

Who are we looking for? 

The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate their capability against the APS5 Work level standards.

We are searching for an excellent all-rounder, someone who is keen to apply their skills and knowledge in a unique arts program managed by the commonwealth government.

We are seeking someone who:

• Demonstrates a track record in developing new business while retaining/growing existing business ideally in a contemporary art context.
• Demonstrates highly developed interpersonal skills, a confident negotiator and effective communicator.
• Has excellent organisation and administrative skills.
• Has high knowledge of Australian contemporary art and the ability to successfully communicate this knowledge to the broader public and prospective clients.
• Can think strategically, evaluating complex information from a variety of sources to make connections and sound decisions while exercising good judgement.
• Understands the principles of the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986; and Regulations for class A and B control lists and how these apply to restrictions on export of Australian cultural material. 
• Understands working in the government context, knowledge of and ability to apply APS Values, participative management practices, workplace diversity and occupational health and safety within a work and team environment.

  Who are we looking for? 

  Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

  • Citizenship: candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application. 
  • Health Assessment: The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
  • Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information.  You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances.  More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
  • Police check: The successful candidate must satisfactory complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
  • Integrity and Performance check: The successful candidate must satisfy the requirements in an Integrity and Performance check which is completed by your most recent employer.

  Timeline and assessment

  A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertised role.

  If a merit pool is established it will be valid for 18 months from date it first appeared in the APS Gazette.

  Applications open: Thursday 19 March 2026

  Applications close: Wednesday 1 April 2026

  Application shortlisting: Friday 10 April 2026

  Further assessments: Thursday 16 and Monday 20 April 2026

  Selection report finalised: Thursday 30 April 2026 

  Offers and announcements: Wednesday 6 May 2026

  The above is indicative only, please reach out to the contact person if you have any questions on the recruitment process or timeframes.

  Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job and the Work level standards. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to undertake further assessment, this may include work sample testing, interviews, and reference checks.

   

  How to apply

  Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEDT, Wednesday 1 April 2026.

  In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide in a PDF document a statement of no more than 2 pages outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role.

  You should also provide a tailored CV in PDF, no more than 2 pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section.

  Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system.  Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.

  If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team on 02 6136 8989 or via email at [email protected] to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.

  Please advise the contact officer if you require adjustments during the recruitment process. We recognise and value diversity as our strength and promote a culture of inclusion to enhance our work performance and the wellbeing of our employees. We are committed to systems that are accessible, inclusive and safe for all. If you need any further information about accessibility and inclusion at our department, please contact [email protected]