Manager, Heritage Centre

About the Role

Join the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW as the Manager of the Heritage Centre, where you will lead and administer activities involving the Archives, Library, and Museum. This position requires managing a small specialist team, balancing strategic vision, stewardship responsibilities, and service delivery to make heritage collections accessible and ensure their long-term preservation.

You will be responsible for guiding the Heritage Centre's strategy, enforcing strong collection management practices including appraisal, retention, access, storage, and conservation, as well as overseeing collection growth through acquisitions and donor engagement. Your duties will also extend to establishing policies, procedures, planning frameworks, and budgeting to advance the Heritage Centre's goals.

Further, you will organize and deliver exhibitions and displays, collaborate with internal stakeholders and committees, and maintain effective communication with external donors, researchers, consultants, and supporters involved in RAS heritage projects.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an experienced professional in heritage, archives, or collections, well-versed in managing primary sources and implementing robust archival systems. Proven leadership skills in managing teams and handling delicate collections, excellent attention to detail, and a comprehensive understanding of documentation and recordkeeping standards are vital.

This role demands someone with strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, professionalism, and initiative. Flexibility in working hours is necessary due to occasional evening or weekend commitments.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Eligibility for professional membership with the Australian Society of Archivists is highly valued.
• Academic qualifications in History, Cultural Studies, or related disciplines are advantageous.
• Relevant experience in archival and collection management, including research, analysis, and working with primary records.
• Expertise in exhibition planning and execution is preferred.
• Demonstrable leadership experience, including supervising staff and managing workloads and performance.
• Proven budget management skills, involving expenditure tracking and contribution to budgeting and CAPEX processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to prepare detailed reports and presentations for various stakeholders.

About the Employer

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, founded in 1822, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing Australian agriculture through competitions, educational initiatives, and events. The society manages prominent events such as the Sydney Royal Easter Show and Sydney Royal competitions, along with the RAS Foundation and the Sydney Showground, a premier venue for a wide assortment of cultural and sporting events.

Benefits

• Experience working with Australia's largest annual ticketed event
• Combination role involving sales and account management
• Emphasis on work-life balance and flexible working arrangements
• Access to salary packaging options and salary protection insurance
• Availability of a Novated Lease and free onsite parking
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program and subsidized superannuation life insurance premiums
• Complimentary tickets and meals for the Sydney Royal Easter Show
• Participation in staff draws to win event tickets at Sydney Showground
• 15% discount at the onsite café and access to staff engagement events and wellness programs
• Exclusive membership benefits as part of the Sydney Olympic Park employee program

Application Process

To apply, please submit an online application including your resume and a cover letter addressing these points: your motivation for working at RAS, how your background equips you for this role, and your experience with sales, partnership collaboration, or events management. Recruitment agencies are not invited to apply.