Senior Project Coordinator, FNCAA
Job Closing: 19 May 2026
Join us at the Australian Museum and help us to achieve our Mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change
About the Project
The Australian Museum (AM) and the NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT) are working in partnership to improve First Nations people's experience of accessing archival material about their Languages and Culture held by the AM in the Archives Collection. The project aims to create high quality records of the Museum's Archives collection, supporting long term preservation of the First Nations collections digitally, with an additional focus on information/data generated from archive transcriptions and community consultation that enriches the outcomes of the AM's collection enhancement and First Nations Community Access to Archives processes.
About the Role
The Senior Project Coordinator, FNCAA supports the Head of Digitisation, First Nations in the delivery of the AM's First Nations Community Access to Archives (FNCAA). The role coordinates the day-to-day operations of the FNCAA team across multiple AM sites and is responsible for contributing to high standard museum operational and project standards for the AM's Cultural Collections in accordance with First Nations-led Museum practices, including the implementation of Indigenous Cultural & Intellectual Property (ICIP) principles and cultural protocols, and considerations in relation to the delivery of electronic access to the AM's Cultural Collections.
The role manages and supervises a range of activities largely undertaken by direct reports (Archives Officers, Project Officers and Digitisation Officers), including the preparation of archives collection material for content transcription, record documentation enhancement, community consultation and digitisation. This encompasses object handling, photography, registration of collection objects, barcoding, data entry and clean up, and quality checking digital catalogue records, image files and associated metadata.
The role may also involve coordinating appropriate access for community and contractors (including early starts or late finishes) and, where applicable, interns and volunteers.
Employment Status:
* Clerk Grade 7/8
* Fixed Term up to June 2029
* Full-time, 35 hours per week
You will be paid a competitive total remuneration package of $128,906 - $142,692, including an annual salary of $113,574 - $125,720, plus employer's contribution to superannuation (currently 12%) and annual leave loading.
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* Role Description
* AM Candidate Pack
About you
You are an organised and collaborative project professional with experience coordinating complex programs, ideally within a cultural, archival or collections environment. You're confident leading and supporting teams to deliver high-quality outcomes across multiple workstreams and sites.
You have a strong understanding of, and commitment to, First Nations-led practices, including Indigenous Cultural & Intellectual Property (ICIP) principles and culturally appropriate protocols. You approach this work with care, respect and a genuine focus on improving access for First Nations communities.
With strong attention to detail, you're comfortable overseeing processes from digitisation and data management through to quality assurance, ensuring accuracy and consistency. You communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders and are proactive, adaptable, and motivated to contribute to meaningful, impact-driven work.
Knowledge and Experience
* Application of culturally appropriate collection management and data practices, cultural awareness, and terminology to perform in processes that are culturally aware and appropriate. Capacity to embed ICIP into work practice. Proven record in community consultation activities, especially with First Nations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) communities is desirable.
* Demonstrated understanding and experience in collection information management and contemporary digital collection management practices, including the use of databases such as EMu, Fotoware or similar; data manipulation and database skills, including data migration and data import/export experience and the use of CSV files; Excel proficiency; file management proficiency. Including working knowledge of relevant Intellectual Property considerations, including copyright, to apply in work delivery.
* Experience in team leadership, project management, and reporting. Demonstrating an understanding of museum and facility management with respect to operations, presentation, and safety.
* A high level of organisational skills and an understanding of financial, technological, procurement, contract, and project management requirements.
* Experience and demonstrated knowledge of museum practices with respect to collection storage, documentation, research, and materials conservation considerations – including experience in the professional handling, packing, transport, and storage of First Nations objects, records and archives.
* Holds a current full NSW Driver License. The role holder must be prepared to travel between the AM's various sites which holds its collections, and to external stakeholders as needed to support the work of the First Nations Division.
Essential Requirements
* Appropriate approved tertiary qualifications in a relevant subject area, or relevant equivalent professional practice and experience.
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.
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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 one to two page covering letter which address the role descriptions 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 your experience contributing to the implementation ofdigitisation programsacross both physical and digital environments. What did your role involve and how did you manage competing priorities? (300 words maximum)
* Please describe a situation in which you had to coordinate several people to achieve a goal. How did you go about coordinating and leading the group? (300 words 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: Meredith Lynch Underwood, Head of Digitisation, First Nations
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, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The AM is a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued, respected and supported to thrive. We are committed to embedding diversity and inclusion in everything we do—from our recruitment practices and workplace culture to our career development programs and day-to-day operations.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager or note your requirements in your application. This may include providing information in alternative formats, accessible interview locations, or additional time for assessments.