Lead the future of RMIT Galleries in this high-profile leadership opportunity
Full time, continuing position
Salary Professional HEW 10A ($158,216) + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements
Based at the Melbourne CBD campus
About the Role
The Head, RMIT Galleries provides strategic leadership, creative vision and operational oversight for RMIT Galleries, including RMIT Gallery, Design Hub Gallery, First Site Gallery and associated spaces. Working closely with the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Engagement, this influential leadership role is responsible for shaping an ambitious program of exhibitions and public engagement that strengthens RMIT Galleries' reputation and impact across the arts, design and cultural sectors nationally and internationally.
We are seeking an accomplished cultural leader with significant experience in gallery leadership, curatorial practice or the broader creative industries, and a deep understanding of contemporary art and design. The successful candidate will lead strategy, people, operations and partnerships, while fostering connections across research, learning and teaching. They will champion emerging creative talent, build meaningful industry collaborations, secure funding opportunities, and deliver innovative exhibitions and programs that engage with contemporary social, cultural and environmental issues.
To be successful in this position, you’ll have:
Significant senior leadership and management experience in a gallery, museum or comparable cultural institution, including responsibility for exhibitions, public programs and public engagement.
Demonstrated deep knowledge of contemporary art and contemporary design practices, understood broadly, including familiarity with current debates, issues and trends in these fields.
Proven track record in developing and delivering gallery or cultural strategies and programs that enhance institutional reputation and engagement.
Demonstrated understanding of academic work and creative practice research, and experience working collaboratively with academics and students to integrate exhibitions with research, learning and teaching.
Demonstrated experience in financial and resource management, including budget planning, forecasting and monitoring, and oversight of complex operations, with a strong focus on risk management, compliance and continuous improvement.
Please view position description for further key selection criteria
Qualifications
A relevant degree and postgraduate qualification in a pertinent field (e.g. art, design, architecture, fashion, media, curatorship, arts/cultural management or related discipline) and extensive experience in the cultural sector; or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training and professional experience.
Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.
About the Galleries
The RMIT Galleries present exhibitions showcasing significant Australian and international artists and designers as well as outstanding creative practice research and educational outcomes from RMIT students, staff, alumni, and partners.
The galleries address contemporary issues, ideas and explorations across art, design and related fields, providing a platform for engagement between the university and industry, community and public audiences in Melbourne and beyond. They have a particular focus on experimentation in and through making, uniquely enabled by a strong in-house production team and access to the University’s world class labs, studios and equipment.
The Galleries sit within the Engagement portfolio of the College of Design and Social Context (DSC), which brings together nine schools recognised for excellence and innovation in creative practice, design, urban issues, social inquiry and applied professional education, as well as world-leading expertise and reputation in creative practice and practice-based research.
For more information about RMIT Galleries, see https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/college-of-design-and-social-context/engagement/cultural-engagement/galleries
For more information about the College of Design and Social Context, see: https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/design-and-social-context-college
To Apply
Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing your interest and suitability for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link above.
For further information about this position, please see Position Description below or contact Professor Naomi Stead (Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor, Engagement) via email [email protected] or Jessica Bernardo (Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor) via email [email protected].
Position Description – Head of RMIT Galleries
Applications Close:30 Aug 2026 11.59 pmRMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations.
At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via [email protected] or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.
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