Legal Counsel & Governance Manager

Join us at the Australian Museum and help us to achieve our Mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change.

About the Division

The Strategy, Governance and Development Division supports the Australian Museum to deliver its strategic priorities through robust governance, effective business operations, inclusive practice and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

About the Role

As the Legal Counsel and Governance Manager, you will be a trusted advisor to the Australian Museum, providing expert legal, governance and audit support that enables informed decision-making, strengthens organisational integrity, and drives strategic outcomes across one of Australia's most iconic cultural institutions. You will provide practical legal advice across a diverse range of matters, support procurement and commercial activities, oversee governance and compliance frameworks, coordinate internal audit processes, and build strong relationships across the organisation. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced legal professional to apply their expertise in a dynamic and purpose-driven environment, contributing to the Australian Museum's mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change while helping shape the future of Australia's first museum.

Employment Status:

- Clerk Grade 9/10
- Fixed Term, up to 7 months
- Full-time, 35 hours per week

You will be paid a competitive total remuneration package of $151,349 - $166,782 pa, including an annual salary of $133,348 - $146,945, plus employer's contribution to superannuation (currently 12%) and annual leave loading.

Click on the following links to begin the journey to find your new career at the AM

- Role Description
- AM Candidate Pack

About you

You are an experienced legal professional with strong expertise in providing practical legal advice and managing complex legal matters in a government, public sector or similarly regulated environment. You have experience advising on contracts, procurement, commercial arrangements, governance and compliance obligations, managing audits, and are skilled at building productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. You are an excellent communicator who can translate complex legal issues into clear, practical advice and produce high-quality written materials.



Organised, adaptable and solutions-focused, you thrive in managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality outcomes while maintaining professional integrity and sound judgement. An unrestricted NSW practising certificate is essential.

To be eligible for this role at the Australian Museum, you must hold full working rights in Australia and meet all essential requirements listed in the position description.

Knowledge and Experience

- Knowledge of appliable legislation and NSW government policies
- Experience with government protocols and procedures and governance/procurement.
- Interpersonal and communication skills to interact with people in a variety of positions and effectively communicate complex information and provide accurate advice to people from various backgrounds, including Ministers, members, their staff and others.
- Skills and experience in providing legal advice, conducting legal research and analysis, and statutory interpretation.
- Demonstrated experience writing a variety of documents to a high standard including memoranda of legal advice, reports, briefing documents, and correspondence.

Essential Requirements

- Legal qualifications and a current unrestricted NSW legal practising certificate.

About the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum is truly a great place to work. We aim to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. We commit to transform the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; be a strong advocate for First Nations' culture; and continue to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs.

The Australian Museum acknowledges that we operate on the lands, waters and skies of many First Nations Peoples. As Australia's first museum, we share the responsibility of advocating for Country and honouring First Nations Peoples and knowledges.





Check out our current exhibitions and events here

Benefits

Besides working together with other like-minded people, you will have access to professional development opportunities and dedicated Wellbeing programs.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit

- A cover letter (up to 2 pages) which address the role description's essential requirements, key knowledge and experience.
- Resume

As part of the online application process, you will be prompted to answer the following targeted questions:

Describe a time when you provided legal advice on a complex or high-risk matter involving multiple stakeholders. What was the issue, how did you analyse the risks and requirements, and what outcome was achieved? (350 word maximum)

Describe a time when you improved, implemented or managed a governance, compliance, policy, audit or risk management process. What was the challenge, what actions did you take, and what was the impact on the organisation? (350 word maximum)

The successful candidate applicant will be subject to national criminal records check.

As recommended by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the Australian Museum encourages all applicants who can be safely vaccinated for COVID-19, to be so.

Contact person: Fiona Beatty, General Counsel & Associate Director, ************@austmus.gov.au

Inclusive and Welcoming

The Australian Museum is committed to building a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people with disability, including physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, neurological, psychosocial, and chronic health conditions, whether visible or hidden; people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people of all ages; members of the LGBTQIA+ community; and people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager or include your requirements in your application. This may include alternative formats, communication support, flexible interviews, accessible locations, or extra assessment time. Any information you share will be kept confidential.

📌 Legal Counsel & Governance Manager (Darlinghurst)
🏢 Australian Museum
📍 Darlinghurst