Our Organisation

The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust is responsible for the management of Sydney Harbour sites including Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour, Woolwich Dock and Parklands in Woolwich, Sub Base Platypus in North Sydney, Georges Heights, Middle Head and Chowder Bay in Mosman, North Head Sanctuary in Manly, Marine Biological Station in Watsons Bay and Macquarie Lightstation in Vaucluse.

Our mission is to “bring to life our natural and cultural heritage and provide a lasting legacy for all Australians through conservation, remediation and the adaptive reuse of places in our care”.

Sites that were for many years hidden away from public view are now open for all, containing an extraordinary mix of historic buildings, magnificent harbour views, pristine natural landscapes and defence heritage. These public spaces and parklands now offer major events, exhibitions, venue hire, accommodation, tours and business tenancy.

Role Overview

The Head of Curatorial, Research and Production, a newly created role, will be responsible for planning, developing and delivering high quality research, interpretation and curatorial projects that support the ambitions in the Middle Head, Cockatoo Island & North Head Masterplans. The role will also support visitor experiences, content creation and new ways of audience engagement across all Harbour Trust places and its stories.

Role Accountabilities

Lead the Harbour Trust research agenda, review and build upon the Stories and Narratives document through leading the Harbour Trusts research agenda. Commission and /or produce new research and curatorial content, to ensure high-quality products which define, enhance and/or support experiences and audience engagement activity.

Continue the work with the First Nations Advisory Group in gathering information and researching the history of First Nations peoples connection to our places, appropriately ensure that First Nations cultural IP & Data sovereignty is upheld.

Take responsibility for ensuring that research is recorded and categorised for ease of access for internal staff and the public.

Review current interpretation that is end of life and recommend, develop and deliver replacement initiatives.

Review, updated and/or develop comprehensive interpretation strategies by place.

Devise and implement new innovative interpretive methodologies that engages with the Harbour Trust audiences across multiple locations.

Devise and implement innovative curatorial research and interpretive methodologies and develop original content.

Initiate, build and retain strategic partnerships across the history, arts, heritage and museum sector. This includes building relationships with community stakeholders and volunteers.

Lead and manage the Oral History Program, including the strategy and delivery of the program with supervision over the volunteers that participate in interviews, recordings, transcribing and managing of the Media and Brand Library.

Own the Collections Management Policy and procure an appropriate Collections Management System. Mange its integration into Harbour Trust systems and its ongoing effective use.

Prepare, present and/or participate in public engagement activities on-site and off-site to represent the Harbour Trust at special functions, training seminars, tours, talks, conferences and in industry and with media.

Provide leadership, guidance and coaching to the Assistant Curator – Middle Head (contract finishing April 2026).

Salary and Benefits

$120,459 – $133,846 per annum, plus superannuation.

Healthy lifestyle cash benefit.

Access to: EAP, flu vaccination, volunteer leave, study leave, learning and development opportunities and more!

Essential Selection Criteria (Qualifications, attributes, skills and knowledge)

Degree qualifications in history, social history, museum studies, fine arts, research, curatorial or related fields and/ post graduate qualification in relevant area or equivalent experience.

Substantial experience in managing outcomes-driven curatorial and research results within the galleries, libraries, archives and/or museums sectors.

High attention to detail and experience with contact negotiations, procurement activities and working with budgets.

Demonstrated high level communication and interpersonal skills for presenting to different audiences including media.

Ability to navigate and problem solve complex operational needs and challenges.

Ability to work autonomously and work effectively with internal multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders including volunteers.

Drivers Licence and willing to work across multiple locations including North Head Sanctuary & Cockatoo Island.

Satisfy a Police Check.

Hold Australian citizenship or residency or appropriate visa.

Does this role sound like you? We want to hear from you!

How to apply?

Please visit https://www.harbourtrust.gov.au/careers/ for a full position description. To apply for the role, simply submit your application via the 'Quick apply' button and attach the following two documents:

Cover letter, outlining why you want the role, and how you address selection criteria (max 2 page)

CV/Resume, outlining your work experience, qualifications and education.

Applications close EOD, 11 May 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we encourage applications from indigenous Australians, people from non-English speaking backgrounds and people with disabilities. Information about the Harbour Trust can be found at www.harbourtrust.gov.au.