Head of RMIT Gallaries

Full time, continuing position based at the Melbourne CBD campus.

About the role

The Head, RMIT Galleries provides strategic leadership, creative vision and operational oversight for RMIT Galleries, including RMIT Gallery, Design Hub Gallery, First Site Gallery and associated spaces. Working closely with the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Engagement, this influential leadership role is responsible for shaping an ambitious program of exhibitions and public engagement that strengthens RMIT Galleries' reputation and impact across the arts, design and cultural sectors nationally and internationally.

The Galleries present exhibitions showcasing significant Australian and international artists and designers as well as outstanding creative practice research and educational outcomes from RMIT students, staff, alumni, and partners. The galleries address contemporary issues, ideas and explorations across art, design and related fields, providing a platform for engagement between the university and industry, community and public audiences in Melbourne and beyond. They have a particular focus on experimentation in and through making, uniquely enabled by a strong in-house production team and access to the University’s world-class labs, studios and equipment.

The Galleries sit within the Engagement portfolio of the College of Design and Social Context (DSC), which brings together nine schools recognised for excellence and innovation in creative practice, design, urban issues, social inquiry and applied professional education, as well as world-leading expertise and reputation in creative practice and practice-based research.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, people, operations and partnerships for RMIT Galleries.
• Foster connections across research, learning and teaching.
• Champion emerging creative talent and build meaningful industry collaborations.
• Secure funding opportunities and deliver innovative exhibitions and programs that engage with contemporary social, cultural and environmental issues.
• Provide operational oversight for RMIT Gallery, Design Hub Gallery, First Site Gallery and associated spaces.
• Develop and deliver gallery or cultural strategies and programs that enhance institutional reputation and engagement.
• Manage financial and resource planning, including budget planning, forecasting, monitoring, and oversight of complex operations with a strong focus on risk management, compliance and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Significant senior leadership and management experience in a gallery, museum or comparable cultural institution, including responsibility for exhibitions, public programs and public engagement.
• Demonstrated deep knowledge of contemporary art and contemporary design practices, including familiarity with current debates, issues and trends in these fields.
• Proven track record in developing and delivering gallery or cultural strategies and programs that enhance institutional reputation and engagement.
• Demonstrated understanding of academic work and creative practice research, and experience working collaboratively with academics and students to integrate exhibitions with research, learning and teaching.
• Demonstrated experience in financial and resource management, including budget planning, forecasting and monitoring.

Qualifications

A relevant degree and postgraduate qualification in a pertinent field (e.g. art, design, architecture, fashion, media, curatorship, arts/cultural management or related discipline) and extensive experience in the cultural sector; or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training and professional experience.

Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

Pay

Professional HEW 10A ($158,216) + 17% superannuation.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements.