Executive Level 1 - Manager, Registration

The National Museum of Australia has an exciting opportunity for a professional to join the agency as an Executive Level 1 - Manager, Registration

The National Museum of Australia is recognised at home and around the world as the place where the story of Australia comes alive. The Museum is the only institution equipped to tell the complex and comprehensive story of Australia from 65,000 years ago to the present day. The story of Australia is a remarkable one, from the ancient and enduring histories of the world’s oldest living cultures to the achievements of modern Australia. It is a story that is ever evolving and growing – and it is a story for a nation and for the world.  

Role purpose 

The Manager, Registration leads the Registration team and is responsible for staff development, workforce planning and the delivery of operational programs. The role provides strategic and operational oversight across a broad range of collection management functions. These functions include domestic and international loans, legal protection, insurance, import and export transportation and compliance (including customs and biosecurity). Other operational function includes collection documentation, exhibition planning, stocktake, storage, object handling and movement, transport, packing and crating, access, security, installation, asset and storage maintenance, acquisition receipting, and risk management.     

Reporting to the Head of Registration and Conservation, the Manager, Registration contributes to strategic planning and delivery within the Registration and Conservation business unit through applied policy and procedural development, risk management, reporting and analysis. The role works in close partnership both within the business unit as well as with other areas of the Museum, including but not limited to Curatorial, Exhibitions and Public Programs teams, setting priorities and managing the work program for the Registration team in line with business objectives. While the position has two direct reports, there are 10 positions in the Registration team. Outside of the Museum the position is required to have a high level of experience and success managing important relationships with external stakeholders such as other government agencies, private lenders and a range of public and private institutions. 

The successful candidate will bring extensive experience across museum collection management functions and projects with a strong commitment to innovation, continuous improvement and professional practice, and a desire to leave a lasting positive legacy. They will demonstrate in-depth knowledge of contemporary museum collection management, including collection management systems, loans, exhibitions (both domestic and international), collection security, and apply legislative, compliance, ethical and risk management frameworks to support sound decision making and the long-term preservation and sustainability of the collection. 

This role requires effective people leadership to manage and support a technical team, with an ability to set clear expectations, monitor performance and build capability. The Manager operates in a complex, high volume environment with shifting priorities, applying judgement, risk awareness and workplace health and safety principles to ensure consistent, high quality service delivery.

Key accountabilities 

• Ensure compliance with contemporary collection management practice, Australian and international heritage standards, and APS integrity requirements. • Lead the development, implementation and review of collection management policies, procedures and frameworks. • Provide authoritative technical advice and guidance within established collection management frameworks. • Works collaboratively across the Museum with relevant teams. • Contribute to planning and service delivery within the Registration and Conservation Business Unit, ensuring alignment with the Museum’s vision and business priorities. • Identify, analyse and manage operational risks and emerging issues, implementing proportionate mitigation measures. • Lead and manage staff by setting priorities, monitoring performance, supporting development and fostering a collaborative, respectful and inclusive team culture. • Plan, prioritise and monitor work programs and resources to meet business requirements in an environment of competing demands. • Build and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders through effective collaboration, communication and negotiation. • Prepare high quality reports, briefings and advice to support decision making on collection management, risk and compliance matters. • Promote ethical and sustainable collection management practices. • Demonstrate a strong commitment to Work Health and Safety (WH&S) by actively supporting a positive safety culture, following the Museum’s WHS policies and procedures, and complying with reasonable instructions to ensure alignment with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. 

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this vacancy, applicants must: • be an Australian citizen • undergo a number of pre-employment checks, including a police record check  • hold or be eligible to hold a security clearance at the level specified in the position description. The National Museum of Australia is an equal employment opportunity workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for roles at the Museum.

To apply 

To apply for this position, applicants must include a two-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 contact details for referees.  

Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 10th May 2026.  

Visit Employment | National Museum of Australia and apply online.  

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.