• An attractive VPS 6.2 salary between $141,103 - $161,511
• Ongoing, Full-time
• An exciting opportunity to shape the future of an iconic cultural institution

State Library Victoria (“the Library”) is seeking an exceptional strategic and creative leader to lead the design and delivery of impactful experiences for Library audiences of all ages. This includes exhibitions and major cultural events, thought-provoking lectures, creative workshops and behind-the-scenes exploration, school programs, tours and research fellowships. Our engagement activities build awareness of and connection with the Library, foster learning and the creation of new work, and increase our reach and impact for First Nations people, rural and regional Victorians, and early-stage business founders.

About us

Established in 1856 as ‘the people's university', State Library Victoria is Australia's oldest and busiest public library and the fourth most-visited library in the world. A place of learning and discovery for all Victorians, the Library houses items that showcase Victoria's cultural life, past and present, and makes them available through a range of services, exhibitions and cultural programs. It is home to more than two million books and thousands of newspapers as well as historic manuscripts, music, pictures and ephemera, with a focus on material from Victoria. Each year, more than 70,000 heritage items are added to its collection.

About the role

Reporting to the Director, Experience and a member of the Library senior leadership team, this role leads the Audience Engagement branch. The branch is responsible for the design, development and delivery of visitor experiences that engage the Library’s audiences, onsite and online, taking an inclusive approach that reflects contemporary Victoria and explores a range of social and cultural issues.

The Head of Audience Engagement delivers outcomes via five teams: Experience Design, Exhibitions, Creative Programs and Production Management, as well as StartSpace, our new initiative for emerging entrepreneurs. With strong people leadership skills and a collaborative approach, the Head of Brand and Audience Development is accountable for the following:

• Delivery of inspiring, audience-focused exhibitions, events and other programs that respond to changing community needs and achieve strategic outcomes including reach, participation, satisfaction, inclusion and impact.
• Effective leadership, setting a clear vision, direction and accountability for the branch, and fostering a cohesive, solutions-driven team culture that drives staff engagement.
• Establishing and building relationships and partnerships that deliver clear benefits to the Library and our audiences.
• Achieving operational excellence through people management, continuous improvement, financial management and risk management.

About you

You will be experienced people leader with the vision and energy to oversee a large team embarking on an ambitious program of creative renewal.

An organisational redesign has brought together teams working on experience design, exhibitions and public programs, as well as a dedicated start-up team building our services for early-stage business founders. You will work with a talented cohort of team leaders to chart the strategic and creative direction for audience engagement and drive operational excellence across the branch.

You will be a strong communicator and collaborator and an advocate for exploring new ways to connect with and serve our community.

State Library Victoria promotes a workplace that actively seeks to welcome and value the unique contributions of all people. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ people, and people of all ages and abilities to apply for this role.

How to apply

Please submit your application via the Apply Now button, attaching your resume, and a cover letter (maximum 3 pages) summarising how you meet the key selection criteria which can be found in the position description.

If you have questions about the role, please get in touch with the contact person listed in the Position Description. Our People and Projects team ([email protected], using the subject line: Head of Audience Engagement enquiry via EthicalJobs) can assist with any questions about the application process.

For further information, including employment conditions, please visit the Library’s website at www.slv.vic.gov.au/about-us/work-with-us.