Manager, First Nations Education
Join us at the Australian Museum and help us achieve our Mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change
About the Role
We are seeking an exceptional Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander educational leader to manage and grow our First Nations and Pasifika Education programs, shaping how thousands of students, teachers and visitors engage with First Nations knowledges and ways of learning.
You will lead the development and delivery of high-quality education programs for school, tourism and public audiences, ensuring they align with NSW syllabus requirements and appropriate pedagogies. Leading a team of Education Project Officers, Presenters, Trainees and Volunteers, you'll work collaboratively across the Museum to embed First Nations and Pasifika knowledges where appropriate, delivering culturally safe and engaging learning experiences.
Employment Status:
* Clerk Grade 9/10
* Full time, 35 hours per week
* Ongoing
Click on the following links to begin the journey to find your new career at the AM
* Role Description
* AM Candidate Pack
You will be paid a competitive annual salary of $129,464 - $142,665 (Clerk Grade 9/10), plus employer's contribution to superannuation (currently 12%) and annual leave loading.
About you
We are seeking a visionary Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander education leader with deep connections to community and a passion for sharing First Nations knowledges in innovative and culturally appropriate ways.
You are an experienced people leader who builds, develops and supports diverse teams with a focus on cultural safety and wellbeing. You're skilled at managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and delivering quality outcomes within budget.
You have a strong understanding of both formal education settings and informal learning environments. You know the NSW curriculum, understand how museums support teaching and learning, and are excited by engaging diverse audiences from primary students to adult learners.
Most importantly, you have authentic relationships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and/or Pasifika communities. You understand protocols, work respectfully with Elders and knowledge holders, and are committed to representing First Nations perspectives with integrity. You can navigate complex conversations, build consensus, and ensure programs reflect community priorities and voices.
You're a strategic thinker who communicates effectively with diverse stakeholders, from community members to senior leadership. You're adaptable, resilient, and ready to lead First Nations education into an exciting new chapter.
Knowledge & Experience
* Demonstrated experience in education program delivery and project management
* Proven experience in managing and developing a team of diverse staff
* Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with First Nations and/or Pasifika community, organisations and/or knowledges
* Demonstrated understanding of the formal education sector, educational learning and interpretive theory and curriculum requirements around science, history, geography and First Nations and Pasifika cultures
Essential requirements
* Appropriate tertiary qualification/s or relevant, equivalent professional experience leading learning programs in an informal learning environment such as a museum, cultural, or scientific institution
* Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent - Aboriginality/Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
* Hold a valid NSW Working with Children Clearance
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.
Recent staff survey results confirm that our staff feel valued, accepted and supported and that they believe the AM is an inclusive workplace. AM staff also report a high level of job satisfaction.
The AM is located on the homelands of the Gadigal people and acknowledges and pays respect to the Gadigal people as the custodians of the land, sky and waterways, paying respect to Elders past and present.
Check out our current exhibitions and events here.
Benefits
Besides working together with other like-minded people, you will have access to professional development and dedicated Wellbeing programs.
How to apply
Applicants must submit (if submitted as attachment, please upload as PDF):
* A one to two page covering letter which addresses the role description's essential requirements, key knowledge and experience.
* Resume
As part of the online application process, you will be prompted to answer two targeted questions.
* Tell us about a specific time when you worked with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander or Pasifika community members to co-develop an education program or resource. Who did you work with, what was their input, and how did you navigate any challenges or differences in perspective that arose? (300 words maximum)
* Describe a time when you had to address a performance or wellbeing issue with a team member while maintaining cultural safety and respect. What was the outcome, and what did this experience teach you about leadership? (300 words maximum)
The successful applicant will be subject to national criminal records check.
Contact person:Vanessa Gardos, Head of Education, Vanessa..Museum
Inclusive and welcoming
The Australian Museum is an NSW Public Service organisation and aims to attract and retain the right people for the right jobs. The AM is a diverse and inclusive workplace where genuine participation and contribution is enabled, and everyone, regardless of their background, identity or circumstances is valued, accepted and supported to thrive at work.
This means that we are embedding diversity and inclusion in everything we do on a daily basis, whether it be our recruitment processes, workplace culture, career development programs, customer service or policies and procedures. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment process to better enable you to shine, please reach out to the contact person or note this in your application.
Closing date for applications: Friday 23 January 2026