Australian National Maritime Museum Hiring First Nations Programs Manager — Sydney
Senior First Nations programming position
The Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney is recruiting a First Nations Programs Manager, an Executive Level 1 role working at the museum's Darling Harbour site. This full-time appointment is initially for 12 months, with the possibility of continuation under the applicable public-service recruitment rules. The role leads culturally meaningful work across exhibitions, public programmes, events, outreach and digital initiatives.
Exhibitions, cultural knowledge and community partnerships
The successful manager works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, artists, cultural practitioners and project partners to ensure the museum's programmes represent knowledge and cultural narratives respectfully. They lead planning from initial concept through delivery, help prepare exhibitions and public activations and coordinate teams whose work requires careful cultural consultation.
Professional management responsibilities
The post includes supervising and developing the First Nations Program Officer, managing budgets and procurement, negotiating contracts, coordinating suppliers, monitoring projects and maintaining governance and reporting. The employer wants an experienced professional who combines community relationships and cultural capability with robust programme execution and collaboration across a large cultural organisation.
Selection and application eligibility
The museum's published vacancy says applicants must meet Australian public-service employment eligibility, including Australian citizenship; it welcomes applications from all eligible members of the community and particularly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. The role requires strong First Nations cultural knowledge and relationships, but applicants should not assume that the position is restricted to one demographic group. The skills requirements include demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and protocols, experience building trusted community relationships, and managing complex exhibition, outreach or cultural projects. Formal study in related cultural fields is useful but experience may also be relevant. Verify citizenship, screening and employment conditions in the official job advertisement.
Remuneration and deadline
The employer lists a salary range of A$121,755–132,713 annually plus 15.4 percent superannuation for this full-time public-service executive-level role. The fixed-term appointment is for 12 months initially. The advertised closing date is 8 December 2026, but candidates should verify the precise local closing time and whether the position remains open in the original APSJobs record.
Employer and recruiting system
The Australian National Maritime Museum is a major cultural institution at Darling Harbour, presenting maritime history, exhibitions, vessels, education and cultural programmes. Its First Nations work seeks to represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, knowledge and connections to waterways through community partnership.
Original recruitment sources
Australian Government APSJobs original vacancy ID a05OY00000RmQALYA3: https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/s/job-details?Id=a05OY00000RmQALYA3
Job details and salary verified through the public-sector vacancy index: https://publicroles.com.au/jobs/first-nations-programs-manager-e421e807a95f7c53
Museum: https://www.sea.museum/
Important information
This is an independently edited professional recruitment summary. Applicants must verify the citizenship and position eligibility, work rights, salary, actual employment term, cultural and reference criteria, deadline and official application documents in the APSJobs vacancy. The employer's original instructions take precedence. Reviewed 12 November 2026.