Senior Curator, Contemporary Art

NGV is seeking a Senior Curator, Contemporary Art responsible for the management of the Contemporary Art curatorial department and collection.

• VPS 6.1: $138,631 per annum + 12% superannuation
• Full Time, Ongoing
• Closing date for application: 5pm on 23 January 2026

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is seeking a Senior Curator, Contemporary Art responsible for the management of the Contemporary Art curatorial department and collection.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

You will bring demonstrated senior experience in the field to the role to develop the Contemporary Art collection, including contributing expertise to the development and execution of the NGV Collections Strategy and leading the planning, research, development and coordination of relevant displays, exhibitions, projects and partnerships. Other key responsibilities include:

• Drawing upon demonstrated people management experience to lead and manage the Contemporary Art curatorial department by aligning the team with the organisational values and goals through effective people management and modelling.
• Contributing at a senior level to departmental and cross-departmental curatorial planning, including bringing extensive strategic planning experience to contribute new ideas and approaches to contemporary art practices and achieve agreed outcomes.
• Ensuring the safekeeping of the Contemporary Art collection, including following acquisition policies and procedures, registration, cataloguing, conservation, handling, display and storage procedures, and ensuring that administration and collections management processes are being successfully undertaken.
• Contributing to relevant Curatorial and Audience Engagement initiatives, such as NGV publications and audience engagement and learning programs; actively participating in the development of a program of research and communication to raise awareness of and promote the NGV Contemporary Art collection and exhibitions nationally and internationally.
• Performing a senior and strategic role in developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders; negotiating loans, purchases and donations; actively engaging, building and broadening the supporter base for Contemporary Art; representing the NGV in internal and external forums, as required.

To be successful, you will have a relevant post-graduate tertiary qualification and extensive experience in, and specialist knowledge of art history and/or contemporary art combined with demonstrated high level curatorial and/or institutional experience particularly within the area. You will have people management skills, strategic planning and creativity and innovation by generating new ideas, actively influence events and promote ideas and translate creative ideas into workplace improvements.

You will have demonstrated knowledge of national and international art markets, and collections.

Demonstrated experience using collection management databases is highly desirable.

For more details, please refer to the attached role statement.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for this role, please go to ‘Apply’ and include the following documents in your application:

• A resume/CV
• A cover letter
• A statement addressing the key selection criteria in the role statement

Applications close at 5pm on 23 January 2026.

If you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments, such as the role statement, in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact the People and Culture team at [email protected] or by using the National Relay Service on 133 677 and asking for 03 8620 2222.