Branch Head, Assistant Director Public Programs
As an SES Branch Head at the Australian War Memorial (the Memorial) you will be a key member of the senior leadership team and Corporate Management Group, and will play an integral role in delivering key outcomes and priorities involving significant leadership, strategic direction, and accountability for major work areas, focusing on translating high‑level Memorial priorities into actionable policy and program delivery, managing substantial resources, building high‑performing teams, and providing expert advice to internal and external stakeholders.
As the Branch Head for Public Programs you will lead and manage multiple teams with particular focus on commemoration through public exhibitions, education, historical research, the delivery of major national ceremonies – including ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day – and the promotion of events.
In addition, you will represent the Memorial on Inter‑departmental Working Groups and at other agency forums and must ensure at all times to operate in accordance with legislative and governance obligations, working collaboratively to deliver outcomes, and responding flexibly to current and emerging issues.
The successful candidate will be offered up to 12‑month non‑ongoing employment, with the potential for extension and/or ongoing appointment.
About You
You will have highly developed negotiation, influencing and engagement skills and the ability to articulate issues, provide effective solutions and present confidently at senior levels within the public and private sectors.
You will possess senior industry experience relevant to the role requirements within a museum or related sector.
You will be:
An innovative thinker who can manage multiple priorities, harness information from a variety of sources and possess well‑developed analytical skills.
Highly motivated with an agile approach that enables you to anticipate opportunities and encourage creativity and innovative ideas.
Demonstrated competency in cultural considerations relevant to exhibitions.
Position Duties
Working directly to the Director of the Australian War Memorial, the position will be responsible for the following:
Provide strategic leadership as a member of the Corporate Management Group, contributing to strategic planning, the development of Memorial priorities, and cross‑organisation collaboration that advances the Memorial’s mission.
Lead and manage the Public Programs Branch, providing direction, oversight, and performance leadership across areas of responsibility to deliver impactful public programs and visitor engagement.
Oversee the development optimum delivery of major exhibitions, programs, and interpretive initiatives, ensuring cultural integrity, visitor‑centred design, public engagement, and alignment with corporate and business plans.
Provide authoritative advice to the Director, Council and government on matters related to exhibitions, public programs, audience engagement, and commemorations, including sensitive and emerging issues.
Represent and promote the Memorial to national and international partners, strengthening strategic relationships and contributing to major ceremonial events, community engagement, and philanthropic and sponsorship initiatives.
Ensure excellence in governance, accountability, and risk management, including financial stewardship, procurement oversight, WHS obligations, and compliance with legislative, cultural, and administrative frameworks relevant to areas of operation.
Exercise statutory, delegated, and administrative powers in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational policies, upholding ethical leadership, transparency, and responsible management of public resources.
Mandatory Requirement
This position requires the successful candidate to have (or the ability to obtain and maintain) a Negative Vetting Level 1 security clearance.
Qualifications
Relevant tertiary qualifications are desirable. In addition, membership of relevant professional associations or institutes will be well regarded. 博猫
Applicants will also be required to undertake a psychometric evaluation, character and security checks. The psychometric evaluation will not determine successful appointment but will be used to inform interview and referee processes.
Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens or have permanent residency of Australia to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).
All applicants external to AWM that are offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a National Police Check, even if they currently hold a security clearance. The check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.
Application Requirements
The application should include a CV and a statement of claims (a short ‘pitch’ of a maximum of stem 500 words) drawing out:
Why you are interested in this position,
What you offer the Memorial,
Your skill set against the selection criteria (including relevant career history and achievements).
Closing Date
Applications close at 11:30 pm, Sunday, 1 February 2026.
Submitting Applications
Please note Tres Aplications can only be accepted through the Australian War Memorial jobs portal.
This recruitment process may be used to fill ongoing and/or non‑ongoing position/s.
A merit pool of suitable applicants may be created which to fill future ongoing and non‑ongoing vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months. Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.
The Memorial is committed to workplace diversity and maintains an environment that values the contribution of people from different backgrounds andւ experiences. It welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, veterans, mature‑age people, people from diverse backgrounds, and people with a disability.
Contact measurement its Working time
For questions relating to the online lodgement of your application, please e‑mail thefonatin team via employment@awm.gov.au.
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