Organizer Information
The opportunity is offered by the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh), a dedicated public institution focused on the collection, presentation, and promotion of Australian photography. Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) operates within the Arts & Libraries portfolio and functions as a civic cultural hub supporting exhibitions, public programming, and touring initiatives. The museum works closely with artists, curators, contractors, and municipal stakeholders to deliver both local and national-scale photographic programs. Its institutional model combines curatorial practice, public engagement, and operational management within a publicly accountable framework.
Title & Description
Exhibitions & Operations Coordinator Job Australia – Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh)
This is a part-time professional opportunity (0.96 FTE) focused on the operational delivery of exhibitions, facility coordination, and institutional programming at MAPh. The role sits at the intersection of exhibition production, museum operations, and administrative coordination.
The core purpose of the position is to ensure the smooth planning, installation, and de-installation of exhibitions, while also managing associated logistics such as contractor coordination, building maintenance oversight, marketing liaison, and compliance with health and safety regulations. A significant component of the role includes supporting and administering the William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize, one of MAPh’s flagship institutional programs.
The position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented professional capable of managing complex timelines, operational systems, and multi-stakeholder workflows in a public gallery environment. It is both operational and strategic, contributing to the museum’s infrastructure, public presentation standards, and institutional continuity.
The Role Overview
- Position Type: Part-time (0.96 FTE)
- Work Schedule: Approximately 4.9 days per week
- Banding/Level: Band 5 (municipal/public sector classification)
- Reports To: Gallery Director
- Division: Arts & Libraries / Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh)
- Contract Type: Employment position (public sector role)
- Working Conditions: Includes out-of-hours work during installation/de-installation periods
- Key Focus Areas: Exhibition logistics, facility operations, prize administration, compliance, and marketing coordination
Position & Tasks
- Coordinating installation and de-installation of exhibitions, including contractor scheduling and logistics management
- Managing exhibition transport, loan documentation, and condition reporting processes
- Overseeing building maintenance operations, climate control systems, signage, and facility upkeep
- Supporting capital works planning and implementation under Gallery Director guidance
- Ensuring compliance with Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) and public safety standards
- Administering the Bowness Photography Prize, including timelines, stakeholder coordination, logistics, and financial reconciliation
- Processing invoices, purchase orders, and managing budget alignment for exhibitions and operations
- Liaising with marketing and design contractors for exhibition collateral production
- Monitoring media coverage and preparing regular reports for the Gallery Director
- Coordinating procurement and contractor management processes
- Supporting sustainable operational systems and internal workflow improvements
Categories
- Visual Art
- Photography
- Curatorial Practice
- Museum Studies
- Arts Administration
- Cultural Management
- Exhibition Production
- Institutional / Public Art Programming
Eligibility
- Open to professionals with experience in galleries, museums, or cultural institutions
- Suitable for mid-level arts administrators or exhibition coordinators
- Prior experience in exhibition installation/de-installation is strongly preferred
- Experience in photography or works-on-paper exhibitions is an advantage
- Strong knowledge of OH&S, public safety, or building operations is required
- International applicants may be eligible depending on work rights (local employment compliance required)
Program Benefits
- Competitive public-sector salary (Band 5 classification)
- Stable institutional employment within a national museum environment
- Opportunity to work directly on high-profile photography exhibitions and prize programs
- Exposure to curatorial, production, and museum operations workflows
- Professional experience in capital works, museum logistics, and public programming
- Collaboration with artists, curators, designers, and cultural stakeholders
- Contribution to a nationally recognized photography prize program
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV or professional résumé
- Cover letter addressing key selection criteria
- Evidence of relevant experience in exhibition coordination or museum operations
- Examples of project delivery experience (if applicable)
- Proof of qualifications and/or certifications (if relevant)
- References or referees (professional)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 6 July 2026
- Position Approval Date: October 2025
- Start Date: To be confirmed by hiring authority
- Notification Date: Following the shortlisting and interview process (not specified)
Location
Melbourne (Monash), Victoria, Australia
Additional Details
This role operates within a structured public institution and requires strong alignment with municipal governance standards, including procurement policies, financial accountability, and workplace safety compliance. The position is highly operational but also plays a critical role in shaping how exhibitions are delivered to the public.
The role demands strong multitasking capacity, as it integrates exhibition production, facilities management, financial administration, and communications coordination. It is particularly suited to professionals who can navigate both creative and logistical dimensions of museum work.
A key feature of the position is its involvement in the Bowness Photography Prize, requiring coordination across artists, jurors, sponsors, and institutional staff, making it one of the most visible programs within MAPh’s annual cycle.