Senior Art Curator and Manager, University Galleries

Institution: The University of Newcastle, Newcastle NSW, Australia
Deadline: March 20, 2026 (11:59pm AEST)
Location: Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

The University of Newcastle is seeking a Senior Art Curator and Manager to lead the strategic vision, curatorial direction, and operational management of its University Galleries and Art Collection. This continuing full-time position (HEW 8/9) is based between the Callaghan and City Campuses.

The role leads an established galleries program aligned with the University’s Arts and Culture Strategy 2025–2030 and includes stewardship of one of the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collections held by an Australian university.

Reporting within the Vice-Chancellor’s Division, the position combines strategic leadership, curatorial excellence, and operational oversight. The successful candidate will manage a specialist team and budget while strengthening cultural impact, partnerships, and sector reputation regionally and nationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a research-informed annual exhibition program across multiple gallery sites

• Provide senior curatorial leadership for the University Art Collection, including acquisitions, commissions, deaccessions, and touring exhibitions

• Ensure best-practice standards in collection management, conservation, digitisation, governance, and risk

• Build partnerships with galleries, artists, and cultural institutions locally and nationally

• Embed First Nations leadership and cultural protocols in collaboration with the Wollotuka Institute and First Nations curators

• Secure external funding, sponsorship, philanthropy, and bequests

• Lead publications and scholarly outputs

• Represent the University in professional networks, including Art Museums Australia, and uphold obligations under the Indigenous Art Code

Candidate Profile

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Significant senior curatorial and leadership experience in galleries, museums, or cultural institutions

• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills

• Experience delivering high-quality exhibition programs and publications

• Knowledge of Indigenous cultural protocols, intellectual property, and ethical stewardship

• Governance, budget, and risk management expertise

• Established professional networks within the arts and cultural sectors

• Ability to operate strategically and autonomously

Employment Details

• Continuing full-time position (35-hour week)

• HEW 8/9 classification

• 17% superannuation

• Flexible working arrangements

• Australian residency or valid work permit required (no visa sponsorship available)