The National Museum of Australia is looking for an experienced People and Culture Leader to support the Museum's strategic objectives.

Role purpose

The Head of People and Culture is responsible for providing strategic leadership and management of the People and Culture business unit to support the Museum’s goals and strategic objectives. This role encompasses the development and implementation of innovative, collaborative and adaptive people programs and activities that place employee experience at the heart and that align with the Museum’s strategic ambitions. Central to this responsibility is the creation of a positive and inclusive workplace culture that values effective and innovative human resource practices as essential tools for fulfilling the Museum’s mission.

Key accountabilities

• Lead and manage the People and Culture business unit, overseeing the effective delivery of a comprehensive range of people functions and activities to support the Museum’s strategic priorities, while ensuring the provision of timely and effective solutions through the management of a cohesive multi-disciplinary team.
• Develop and implement strategic people and culture programs and services that meet the Museum’s business and audience-oriented needs, including strategic workforce planning, talent attraction and retention, organisational development, people data analytics, performance management and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with all areas of the Museum to understand business requirements and provide tailored people and culture solutions.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align People and Culture strategies with organisational goals and objectives and serve as a strategic advisor on matters related to establishment and resource management, performance and organisational development.
• Oversee the provision of payroll services to the organisation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant legislation and policies.
• Lead and manage change initiatives within the Museum, analysing performance and driving continuous improvement processes to enhance the Museum’s people assets.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with legislative and policy frameworks relevant to the People and Culture function, including legal advisors and executive for IR matters.
• Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of initiatives aimed at enhancing employee experience, engagement and retention, ensuring the Museum is recognised as an employer of choice within the cultural sector and beyond.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the People and Culture team, promoting employee engagement and development opportunities.
• Represent the Museum in relevant forums and industry events, sharing expertise and insights on contemporary People and Culture practices.

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.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under RecruitAbility you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under RecruitAbility; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the position.

The National Museum of Australia is committed to ensuring a child-safe and child-friendly environment.  All employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to, and support for, these principles, in theory and practice.

To apply

Applicants must include a 2 page pitch addressing their suitability for the role against the essential and desirable Skills, Experience and Qualifications defined in the position description with their application.

Visit http://www.nma.gov.au/about/employment and apply online.

Applications close 11:59pm, Tuesday 14 April 2026.

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.