Gallery and Collections Officer

The Gallery & Collections Officer is responsible for the development and delivery of the annual Counihan Gallery program, based in Brunswick.

• Part Time, permanent role – 0.6 EFT, Wednesday to Friday (based on 35 hours per week)
• This role will be predominantly based in Brunswick
• An exciting role responsible for the delivery of the annual Counihan Gallery program located in Brunswick
• Salary:  $86k – $97k + Super
• Ability to transfer or take LSL (Long Service Leave) within Local Government

About Merri-bek City Council

Merri-bek City Council is a progressive council of 195,125 residents: one community, proudly diverse. Our council area sits within the banks of the Merri Creek and the Moonee Ponds Creek, and includes Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner, Glenroy, Gowanbrae, Hadfield, Oak Park and Pascoe Vale. Our city is vibrant and energetic, known for its active community, cultural diversity, creative industries and the arts. Our long-term vision has ambitious goals for environmental sustainability, social justice, community wellbeing, and creating great places. With the Civic Centre located in Coburg, 8 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, there are excellent public transport options and great food and cafés right at the doorstep.

Merri-bek Council strives to be a contemporary, innovative and collaborative organisation with a deep commitment to engaging and supporting the Merri-bek community.  Our organisational vision is to be one team, brave and diverse, making a difference.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We offer flexible and hybrid work options and genuinely care about providing our staff work/life balance. With the Civic Centre located in Coburg, 8 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, there are excellent public transport options and great food, cafés, parks and a cinema right at the doorstep.  Merri-bek is a great place to live, work and play.

About the role

The Gallery & Collections Officer is responsible for the development and delivery of the annual Counihan Gallery program, based in Brunswick. Working directly with artists, this role manages the Expression of Interest process for the yearly program call outs, coordinates guest curators and exhibiting artists, assists and supports artists with exhibition development and installation, and contributes to the growth of the program through targeted audience engagement and marketing campaigns. This role also undertakes part-time gallery reception duties to directly engage with visitors and gather insights into the impact of the program on our audiences. Shared responsibilities in this role include gallery maintenance and acquisition and maintenance for the Merri-bek Art Collection. This is a fantastic opportunity for an early-career curator or arts professional who is passionate about supporting diverse artistic practices and impactful exhibitions within a Council-led public art gallery context. We are seeking someone who enjoys working closely with artists and can bring their applied experience, understanding and knowledge of exhibition delivery, marketing, administration and customer service skills to realise the gallery’s goals and objectives.

Skills and experience require to perform the role

• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver innovative gallery exhibitions and programs, including providing curatorial support, liaising with artists and curators, public engagement and marketing activities.
• Experience in caring for and presenting artworks in a public art collection.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills and proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, with some supervisory experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of exhibition texts, reports and correspondence, and delivery of talks and presentations.
• Experience in marketing and promotions within an arts context.
• Demonstrated understanding of Child safety and wellbeing requirements and how this applies in a gallery setting.

What the role can offer

• The opportunity to work alongside an experienced and collaborative Arts and Culture team and contribute to the vibrant Merri-bek community
• A role that is interesting and impactful
• Salary sacrifice options
• A real sense of work-life balance & flexible work options
• Employer-supported study assistance schemes
• Wellness programs

Further support offered for our staff

• Up to 20 weeks primary & up to 5 weeks secondary parental leave
• Purchase leave
• Ceremonial leave
• Gender affirmation leave
• Family violence leave

For further information about this position please contact Linda Short, Team Leader Gallery & Arts Programs on 8311 4199.

Applications close: 11:30pm, Wednesday, 1 April 2026. *in the case that we receive a high volume of applications, we reserve the right to close this advertisement before the current closing date.

Before submitting an application, please view the Position Description.

Please note that when applying for this role, you may be required to attach your valid WWCC. Please have this ready when completing your application.

How to apply

Please fill out an application using our online recruitment system. You will be required to upload your CV, a cover letter outlining your relevant skills and experience. You do not need to respond to the individual Key Selection Criteria. Please also upload any other relevant documents.

*Please note that some documents relating to this position may reference Moreland City Council. We are in the process of updating the councils new name of Merri-bek City Council.

Please note that applications must be submitted online via the Merri-bek City Council website, applications will not be accepted via email or via ArtsHub.

Merri-bek City Council is proudly diverse and an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, people with disability, and people from every culture, sexuality and gender identity, age and ethnic background. Merri-bek City Council is a Child Safe organisation.

Merri-bek is focused on diverse representation of the community we serve. With this we value lived experience that could contribute to the shaping of this role and in turn will continue to provide representation and growth of safe and inclusive work culture.

We encourage everyone to apply and discuss opportunities to develop your knowledge and experience.  Council is committed to removing barriers and access to employment where possible at any point in the recruitment, onboarding and during your time at Council. For further information regarding access or modifications you may require for a recruitment process please contact Danni Jovanovic, Recruitment Business Partner on [email protected]

Our Commitment

In May 2021, Merri-bek Council adopted a revised Statement of Commitment to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the municipality. The statement recognises the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the traditional owners of the lands and waterways of our municipality.

Merri-bek City Council is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation and has zero tolerance for child abuse. We believe children and young people have the right to be and feel safe and that their safety and wellbeing is the responsibility of everyone. You can read more about our Child Safety Commitment Statement on our website.