Senior Curator City of Melbourne Collection
$121,095 – $136,286 per year + 12% Super
Lead the strategic direction of one of Australia's most significant art and heritage collections.
$121,095 - $136,286 + 12% Super
Permanent, Full Time Opportunity
About the role
The Senior Curator, City of Melbourne Collection sits within the Creative Urban Places team in our Creative Melbourne branch and offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of one of Australia's most significant art and heritage collections. This role plays a key part in preserving and celebrating Melbourne's rich cultural heritage, ensuring the collection continues to reflect the city's evolving identity, diverse communities and contemporary creative landscape.
As a strategic and creative leader, you will oversee the development, management and activation of the City of Melbourne Collection, including the City Gallery and Collection Store. You will drive innovative curatorial approaches, exhibitions and public engagement initiatives that bring Melbourne's stories to life and strengthen community connection, cultural understanding and belonging.
Working alongside Traditional Owners, artists, cultural institutions and community partners, you will have a unique opportunity to influence how Melbourne's past, present and future are represented and shared with generations to come. You will also lead and develop a dedicated team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages professional growth, innovation and excellence in curatorial practice.
A little more about the role
Lead the strategic development, acquisition, preservation and management of the City of Melbourne Collection, ensuring its ongoing relevance, accessibility and cultural significance.
Oversee the delivery of engaging exhibitions, research projects, public programs and digital initiatives that connect diverse audiences with Melbourne's art, history and heritage.
Provide leadership and strategic direction for the City Gallery and collection operations,



including collection management frameworks, conservation, budgets and risk management.
Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team, fostering a positive and collaborative culture while building meaningful partnerships with Traditional Owners, artists, cultural organisations and community stakeholders.
Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.
At the
heart
of it all is the
City of Melbourne
– a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of
Team Melbourne
, you will help deliver what is most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.
We are proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.
This is more than just a role – it is your chance to
make a real impact
, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne's future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.
About you
You are an experienced and forward-thinking curatorial leader with a passion for art, culture and heritage and an understanding of the important role collections play in shaping a city's identity.
You bring a strategic mindset, strong people leadership capabilities and a genuine passion for developing and empowering others. You are confident navigating complex stakeholder relationships and passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for communities to connect with art, history and culture.




What your experience might look like
Tertiary qualifications in Museum Studies, Curatorial Practice, Collection Management, Arts Management, Cultural Heritage, History or a related discipline, supported by extensive relevant professional experience.
Demonstrated experience leading the strategic development, management and stewardship of significant art, heritage or cultural collections, including acquisition strategies and collection care.
Strong curatorial expertise in developing engaging exhibitions, public programs, research and initiatives that connect collections with diverse audiences.
Proven people leadership skills, with experience managing, mentoring and developing staff, alongside the ability to build productive relationships with government, cultural institutions, artists, community organisations and other key stakeholders.
Strong financial management, procurement and risk management capabilities, complemented by excellent communication skills and experience developing strategic advice, reports and recommendations.
Benefits of working with us
Attractive remuneration & benefits:
Excellent pay package with a range of exciting benefits. Flexible working, study assistance & other great corporate discounts.
Excellent leave entitlements:
Enjoy up to 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave for primary carers, in addition to the government-funded parental leave, with no waiting period to access. Part-time equivalents are also available for added flexibility.
Career progression:
Career development support and opportunities to learn current skills within a creative and exciting environment.
Work-life balance and hybrid working:
We support flexible hours, alternative work arrangements (like ADOs), and hybrid work-from-home options.
Perks and benefits
Perks and benefits Creative organisation, making a difference Learning & Development Discounts Excellent leave entitlements Flexible work
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📌 Senior Curator City Of Melbourne Collection
🏢 City Of Melbourne
📍 Melbourne