Director, Museums Victoria Research Institute

About this role

ABOUT MUSEUMS VICTORIA:

Museums Victoria is Australia's most visited museum organisation, stewarding world-class collections and experiences across Melbourne Museum, Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Scienceworks, Immigration Museum, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building and IMAX Melbourne. Our Vision connects people with trusted knowledge through research, exhibitions and programs onsite and online.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

This is a rare opportunity to provide strategic leadership to the Museums Victoria Research Institute and advance its performance, impact and long-term sustainability.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer & Director, you will set a compelling vision and strategic direction for the Institute, lead its research program and provide strategic stewardship of the State Collections.

You will build an inclusive, high-performing culture, champion First Peoples self-determination and cultural authority, and strengthen the partnerships, capability and resources required to deliver research excellence, collaboration, innovation and enduring public impact.

As Director of the Museums Victoria Research Institute, you will be responsible for:

• Setting a compelling vision and strategic direction for the Museums Victoria Research Institute, advancing Museums Victoria's strategic objectives and statutory responsibilities.
• Leading the Institute through its people, building an inclusive, high-performing culture and strengthening the leadership, capability and collaboration required for sustained impact.
• Providing strategic stewardship of the State Collections, advancing their development, preservation, research and accessibility in accordance with professional, cultural and legislative standards.
• Leading an ambitious research program that drives excellence, collaboration and innovation, and translates research into meaningful public value.
• Championing First Peoples self-determination and cultural authority, building respectful and reciprocal partnerships with Traditional Owners, custodians and communities, and advancing repatriation and culturally informed stewardship of cultural material and knowledge.
• Building influential partnerships across government, research, industry, cultural and community sectors, funding partners and Museums Victoria to advance the Institute's priorities and impact.
• Being a compelling advocate for the Institute, strengthening its public profile and advancing fundraising and philanthropic opportunities that support research, collections and long-term sustainability.
• Providing strategic stewardship of the Institute's people, financial resources and operations, with strong governance, integrity and accountability.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria in the position description for the qualifications, experience and capabilities required for this position.

OTHER INFORMATION

This is a full-time, five-year fixed-term appointment. The classification of this position Public Entity Senior Executive Service-2.

The Museums Victoria Research Institute team is based across all of Museums Victoria's sites, and the Director will work inclusively across these locations to connect and lead the team.

OUR COMMITMENT

Museums Victoria is strongly committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. We create and maintain a child safe environment and have zero tolerance for child abuse. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check and a Working with Children Check and be assessed as suitable.

Museums Victoria is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate all communities. Museums Victoria is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and people of all ages, gender identities and sexual orientations.

We are committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you require adjustments or support to participate, please contact Job at job@museum.vic.gov.au.

HOW TO APPLY?

To view the position description, visit Careers - Museums Victoria. From our Current Vacancies page, select “All Jobs” and click on the link for this job's listing.

To arrange a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Jennifer Andre, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer and Director via email at JAndre@museum.vic.gov.au.

To apply, please click “Apply for this Job” at the bottom of the job listing page.

Please submit the following two documents with your application:

• Your current resume.
• A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and addressing the key selection criteria in the role statement.

Applications will be assessed against the requirements of the position as set out in the position description.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in further assessments as part of the selection process.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 5 November 2026 (11:59pm)