At State Library Victoria, we believe that access to information and stories builds knowledge, strengthens community and inspires our future. Our recent redevelopment transformed our services and spaces, enhancing our role as a driver of Victoria’s education, innovation, tourism and creative industries.

This is a special measures role and only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply, as per Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

- Build a culturally safe and inclusive experience for First Nations visitors
- Cultural and Ceremonial Leave available
- Full‑time, ongoing VPS 6.2 role $166,939 - $191,084 + superannuation

About the Opportunity

The Victorian Indigenous Research Centre (VIRC) is a key contact point for Victorian Indigenous Communities and State Library Victoria (the Library). The position is responsible for the management of the VIRC and the Indigenous Gallery at the Library.

The VIRC is a dedicated and culturally safe space for Indigenous people, supporting access to library services, programs and collections,

The Head of the Victorian Indigenous Research Centre leads the VIRC team in providing a culturally and physically safe space. The role leads the day‑to‑day operations and develops the annual business plan and budget for the VIRC.

In this position, you will provide advice for the management of Indigenous collections and culturally appropriate and community‑focused services and programs across the Library, including overseeing the exhibition program for the Indigenous Gallery. You will also have the opportunity to strengthen the VIRC's connection to community, through co‑designing services and collaborating with the VIRC Steering Committee and Elder‑in‑Residence.

The Head of the Victorian Indigenous Research Centre will also:





- Grow engagement with Aboriginal communities and the VIRC and the Library.
- Enhance awareness and understanding of Aboriginal history and culture through access to the collection.
- Embed appropriate cultural protocols in the management and accessibility of Indigenous collections.
- Ensure operational, financial and community engagement objectives are met.

About You

We value your understanding of the beliefs, customs, needs and expectations of First Nations communities and peoples. Your business planning and budget management skills go hand in hand with your ability to lead people and create a culturally protected space for them to operate at their best. You like to improve operations and know how important it is to keep everyone up to date with your work.

In addition, we are looking for:

- Significant experience in a collecting institution and/or tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline (e.g. Library and Information Management, Galleries, Archives, Museum Studies).
- Experience establishing and delivering a service for Indigenous communities is desirable.
- People leadership experience, creating a culturally safe space and inclusive workforce.
- Experience building and sustaining trusted, culturally safe and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations and leaders.
- Experience establishing, maintaining and leveraging effective relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to develop,



implement and review business plans aligned with organisational strategy.

About the Library

State Library Victoria is Australia's oldest public library, and one of the first free public libraries in the world.

We believe in the power of knowledge to change lives. Free to access and open to all, the Library enriches the cultural, educational, social and economic lives of all Victorians.

State Library Victoria preserves and shares the stories of Victoria and the world, and is a major destination for stimulating cultural experiences, contemporary debates, and community‑driven collecting. We encourage l earning, exploration, imagination, and creativity, opening up possibilities for all Victorians.

State Library Victoria is a child‑secure organisation. We will ask you to apply for a Working with Children Check before being offered the role.

State Library Victoria promotes a workplace that actively seeks to welcome and value the unique contributions of all people. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoplesapply.

Enquiries

For assistance with the application process, or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact **********@slv.vic.gov.au in the first instance.

Reasonable Adjustments

We want all applicants to have an equal opportunity to demonstrate that they are the best person for the job. If you require an adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, or need a particular access service, please contact us at **********@slv.vic.gov.au

Privacy Collection Notice

Information about how we collect and use your personal information, and how you can contact us, can be found here

Advertising closes on Tuesday 1 September 2026 at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Head of Victorian Indigenous Research Centre (Melbourne)
🏢 State Library of Victoria
📍 Melbourne