Job Opportunity

27 August, 2012

Position Details

About the Position

The Scholarship team’s major function is to promote and advance research and learning in political science, including the study of Australian prime ministers and the journey of Australia’s democracy. It does this through three programs: the museum’s scholarship program, the Australian Prime Ministers Centre (APMC) and the Research Library. 

The Assistant Manager, Scholarship is responsible for the continuous improvement of the museum’s scholarship program and fostering relations with other institutions engaged in like-minded research and learning. They will manage the APMC by supporting research, collecting material culture relevant to Australian prime ministers and coordinating a national network of agencies which hold material by or about Australia’s prime ministers. This position also oversees the Research Library which provides access to the collection of print material related to museum themes.

The Scholarship team also works closely with the Museum Content Development team (who are responsible for the content development in museum public programs) in the provision of accurate and scholarly advice on museum program content.

Duties

Under the broad direction of the Manager, Learning and Scholarship: 

1.    Develop and sustain networks and collaborations with organisations and individuals undertaking research into the study of democracy, politics and Australian prime ministers.

2.    Lead a small team in the management and strategic development of the research library and reference service, including collection development.

3.    Manage the annual research program of Fellows and Summer Scholars.

4.    Advise, assist and support the Content Development team with expert advice and research related to curatorial content for exhibitions and other public programs.

5.    Participate in work planning and budget management museum staff on matters relating to the Scholarship program. Liaise with other institutions engaged in like-minded research and learning and represent the Museum on external forums as appropriate.

Selection Criteria

All of equal importance: 

1.    Demonstrated experience of working with or within an academic/cultural institution with a focus on research and learning related to political science and the journey of Australia’s democracy. This includes the ability to build networks and foster collaborations between such organisations and the museum.

2.    A strong understanding of or experience with, working in a library environment and communicating with library staff and clients.

3.    Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a small specialist team, work flexibly, prioritise tasks, problem-solve and work with limited supervision.

4.    Ability to manage budgets and scholarship programs, assist with policy development, contribute to strategic planning and report on compliance with agency administrative requirements.

5.    Understanding of, and capacity to, apply, the APS values, participative management practices, workplace diversity and occupational health and safety within a work and team environment. 

Essential

• Post-graduate qualifications (please provide a copy) or relevant experience in the political science field.

Desirable

• Membership of relevant professional organisations.  

Please contact glenda.smith@moadoph.gov.au or 02 6270 8165 for more information.

Employment at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Housed in one of Australia’s most prominent national heritage listed buildings, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is the first and only museum in Australia dedicated to telling the story of the journey of our democracy. It seeks to provide a range of innovative exhibitions, tours, interpretation, education programs and public activities that will inspire and challenge visitors to explore democracy from its ancient roots to the present day and possible futures.

The Museum of Australian Democracy welcomes applications from the diverse Australian community including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disability, people of all ages and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

To be eligible for employment you must be an Australian Citizen and the successful candidate will be required to undergo and maintain a baseline security clearance.