The Australian National Maritime Museum is seeking an experienced EL1 First Nations Programs Manager to join the First Nations team and play a key leadership role in delivering culturally significant programs, building trusted community partnerships and strengthening First Nations representation across the Museum. The role is available full time for 12 months, with the possibility of ongoing employment.

About the Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum is where Australia’s stories meet the sea.

As one of the nation’s leading cultural institutions and one of Sydney’s most visited museums, we ignite curiosity, inspire discovery, and connect people with the powerful stories that have shaped Australia’s relationship with the ocean, rivers, and waterways.

Through world-class exhibitions, iconic vessels, education programs, research, events, and digital experiences, we bring maritime history, culture, science, and innovation to life for millions of people across Australia and around the globe.

Located on the spectacular waters of Darling Harbour, the Museum welcomes more than 2.5 million visitors each year and is supported by a passionate community of employees, volunteers, members and supporters who are united by a shared purpose: to create meaningful experiences that inspire a deeper understanding of our maritime heritage and future.

At the Museum, you will have the opportunity to contribute to work that matters, collaborate with talented and dedicated professionals, and help shape the future of one of Australia's most respected cultural organisations.

Find out more at sea.museum

About the Role

As First Nations Programs Manager, you will play a key leadership role within the Museum’s First Nations team. You will lead complex programs and projects from planning through to delivery, build and maintain trusted community relationships and help embed First Nations perspectives across the Museum’s programs, exhibitions and activities.

Importantly, this role combines cultural and program leadership with strong operational management. You will oversee budgets, procurement, contracts, reporting and external suppliers, while supervising and developing the First Nations Program Officer and strengthening the systems that support effective program delivery.

What You'll Do

You will lead the development and delivery of First Nations exhibitions, programs, events, outreach and digital initiatives that share Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, knowledge and perspectives with diverse audiences. Working closely with First Nations communities, artists, cultural practitioners and stakeholders, you will build trusted relationships and ensure programs are developed and delivered in culturally respectful and appropriate ways.



You will also provide leadership to the First Nations team, collaborate across the Museum, and oversee budgets, contracts, procurement, reporting and program governance to deliver meaningful and high-quality outcomes.

What We're Looking For

We’re looking for an experienced and culturally capable leader with a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities, knowledge and cultural protocols. You will bring demonstrated experience building trusted community relationships and leading complex programs, exhibitions or projects from concept through to delivery. You will be a confident communicator and collaborative leader who can balance cultural considerations with operational requirements, manage competing priorities, influence stakeholders and support others to succeed. Experience in museums, arts, culture, heritage or a related environment will be highly regarded.

Please note: This recruitment process may be used to fill both current and future vacancies. A merit pool of suitable applicants may be established and used to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions that arise within 18 months from the date the vacancy is advertised.

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate will demonstrate their capacity against the following:

1. Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge and lived experiences, and experience working respectfully with communities and stakeholders to build trust and support shared outcomes.
2. Demonstrated ability to lead the planning and end-to-end delivery of complex First Nations programs, exhibitions and site activations, aligned with the Museum's strategic objectives and Reconciliation Action Plan.
3. Ability to work collaboratively across the Museum to support the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in programs, exhibitions, policies and external outputs through respectful engagement, consultation and partnership.
4. Sound business and financial management skills, including budgets, procurement and contracts, and the management of external contractors, artists and cultural practitioners to deliver on time and within budget.
5. Proven ability to supervise and develop staff, manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records and reporting, and improve systems and processes.

Qualifications and/or relevant experience required

Mandatory:





- Demonstrated experience engaging respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and applying appropriate cultural protocols.
- Experience leading program, exhibition or project delivery, including budget and contract management.

Desirable:

- Undergraduate qualifications in anthropology, archaeology, Aboriginal studies, museum and heritage studies, project management or arts administration, and/or relevant experience in museums, the cultural sector or universities; an existing network with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; prior involvement in a Reconciliation Action Plan process; and familiarity with project management and finance systems.

How to Apply

When applying via our online e-recruitment system, please provide a written application addressing each Selection Criteria. Your current resume is also to be included in your application.

In addition to an application and your resume, the assessment process for this position may also include an interview and referee reports.

Applications Close: 11:59pm AEDT, Tuesday 8 December 2026. No applications will be accepted by mail or email. Please allow up to six weeks from the closing date for the recruitment process to be completed and applicants to be notified of the outcome.

Selection for this position will be made on the basis of relative merit which will be assessed against each item of the selection criteria. Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered for shortlisting by the Selection Advisory Committee. As part of the selection process the Selection Advisory Committee may invite candidates to undertake online testing, skills-based assessment and provide samples of written work at interview.

This position is open to all eligible members of the community, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disability, the LGBTIQ+ communities, from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. To be an eligible member of the community, you must be an Australian citizen. All employees will be required to satisfactorily complete an Australian Federal Police Check and obtain and maintain a NSW Working with Children Check registration.

What We Offer You

Working at the Museum offers a stunning office location plus access to a range of benefits including:

- A competitive salary, plus 15.4% superannuation
- Generous leave and flexible working arrangements
- Great training and development opportunities
- Rewards and recognition initiatives
- Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP – a free counselling service for you and your family).
- Wellbeing initiatives including free flu shots and reimbursement for optical
- Staff Regatta – Sailing on the Harbour.

📌 First Nations Programs Manager (Pyrmont)
🏢 Australian National Maritime Museum
📍 Pyrmont