Senior Art Curator and Manager, University Galleries

• Lead a dynamic cultural program that connects community, Country and campus
• Deliver programs and partnerships within architect-designed gallery spaces that play a central role in Newcastle’s cultural landscape
• Be based in Newcastle, a vibrant regional city with a strong creative community and outstanding lifestyle

The University of Newcastle is seeking a visionary Senior Art Curator and Manager, University Galleries (HEW 8/9) to drive curatorial excellence, strategic direction, community connection and operational leadership for its University Galleries and art collection.

This role offers a rare opportunity to lead the next phase of growth for an established and highly regarded galleries program, strengthening cultural impact, partnerships and reputation within the region and the national arts sector.

The role

As Head of the University Galleries Unit, you will shape and deliver the strategic vision, curatorial direction and operational leadership of the University’s galleries and art collections, aligned with the University’s Arts and Culture Strategy 2025–2030.

This includes stewardship of the University Art Collection, which includes one of the largest collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art held by any Australian university, requiring culturally informed leadership, ethical governance and sector credibility.

Reporting within the Vice-Chancellor’s Division, you will lead a small specialist team and casual workforce, operate with a high degree of autonomy, and manage your own budget. The role is both strategic and outward-facing, requiring strong engagement across the University and with the broader arts and cultural community.

You will:

• Lead and deliver a research-informed annual exhibition program across multiple gallery sites
• Provide senior curatorial leadership for the University Art Collection — including one of the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collections of any university holding — encompassing acquisitions, commissions, deaccessions and touring exhibitions
• Ensure best-practice standards in collection management, conservation, digitisation, governance and risk
• Cultivate high-impact partnerships with galleries, artists and cultural institutions across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland, as well as nationally
• Develop and maintain strong collaborations with key partners, including the Newcastle Writers Festival and New Annual
• Embed First Nations leadership, protocols and cultural authority in partnership with the Wollotuka Institute and First Nations curators
• Identify and secure external funding, sponsorships, bequests and philanthropy to support exhibitions, publications and research
• Lead publications and scholarly outputs that enhance curatorial discourse and institutional reputation
• Represent the University through professional networks and sector leadership, including Art Museums Australia, and uphold obligations under the Indigenous Art Code

This continuing HEW8/9 position is fulltime and based between our Callaghan and City Campuses.

About you

You are a senior curator with a strong professional profile and deep expertise across diverse art practices, with a nuanced understanding of regional and national arts ecosystems.

You will bring:

• Significant curatorial and leadership experience within galleries, museums or cultural institutions
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement capability
• Demonstrated experience delivering high-quality exhibition programs and publications
• Sound knowledge of Indigenous cultural protocols, intellectual property and ethical stewardship
• Strong governance, budget management and risk management experience
• Well-established networks across the arts and cultural sectors
• Strategic judgement, adaptability and the ability to operate autonomously

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. We stand proudly on the lands of the Awabakal and Worimi people. Our commitment to deep, respectful collaboration with First Nations communities shapes everything we do. As an anchor institution for the Hunter and Central Coast regions, we champion creativity, equity and cultural connection across our campuses and communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• Attractive remuneration package and excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 35 hour week
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
•  A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the job description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Kerryn Stewart, Chief of Staff to the Vice-Chancellor (02) 4921 7321 or via email Keryn.Stewart@newcastle.edu.au

 Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Friday 20th March 11:59pm AEST

Our assessment process

Typically, candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you