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Concept Developer (Story and Interpretation)Concept Developer (Collection and Interpretation)

Redevelopment ProgramGallery Development

Employment Type: Non-Ongoing, Fulltime

Classification: EL1

Position Number: New Position (various)

Reports to: Project Director, Exhibitions and Gallery Redevelopment

Direct Reports: Assistant Curators – Gallery Redevelopment

The Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The Memorial's purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war. Its mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society.

The redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial’s galleries and precinct is the most significant redevelopment in the organisation’s 77 year history. The $500m multi-year project will deliver a substantial expansion of existing gallery spaces, a new southern extension, atrium (glazed link), and an enhanced Anzac Hall.

The Concept Developers (various), Exhibitions and Gallery Development, will provide a leading role in the development and delivery of new and refurbished galleries and exhibitions at the Australian War Memorial. The first group of galleries and exhibitions to be developed as part of the Redevelopment Project include:

Gallery Development Team 1: First Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria Gallery Development Team 2: East Timor, Peacekeeping, Humanitarian (Main Building – tbc), and Atrium; Gallery Development Team 3: First World War (FWW), and Second World War (SWW)

The Concept Developers are responsible for providing overall storyline and themes for the exhibition/s and group of galleries under their responsibility. In particular, the Concept Developers (Story and Interpretation) will provide the broader historical context and world events which lead Australians to be involved in each conflict and/or peacekeeping operations to inform the development of new galleries and experiences to engage audiences. The Concept Developers (Collection and Interpretation) will lead research into the National Collection and develop, manage and deliver exhibition content. Concept Developers will be required to work closely together whilst leading a small team of curatorial resources in the delivery of the project vision.

The positions will take an active role in the development, implementation and management of the stakeholder consultation strategy, will be responsible for guiding Memorial staff as well as collaborating with consultants, and contractors.

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Concept Developers (various galleries and exhibitions) will report to the Project Director, Exhibitions and Gallery Redevelopment working in conjunction with the Deputy Project Director, Exhibitions and Gallery Redevelopment, and Advisory Group. The position works collaboratively with the Redevelopment Project Team lead by the Executive Program Director.

Core Responsibilities

The Concept Developers play a key leadership role within the Exhibition Project Team and will lead the curatorial work of a small direct team and a wider indirect team of staff drawn from Sections of the Memorial, or externally as required. The Concept Developers for each gallery or group of galleries will:

Provide overall storyline and themes for the exhibitions and galleries or group of galleries. Scope and develop exhibition themes and structure, key messages and stories. Develop clear audience-focussed approaches and interpretative methodologies. Lead and guide the research and interrogation of the National Collection and external sources enabling the

development and refinement the exhibition list. Lead and contribute to the development and preparation of key documents, including curatorial rationale,

exhibition design brief; concept design; developed design; documentation; and audience evaluation surveys. Lead the development and delivery of all exhibition content, including collection; acquisitions, special

commissions; and loans in consultation with internal stakeholders. Lead the preparation of all exhibition text. Work with the curatorial team and broader exhibition development

team to co-coordinate drafts with the Editor in preparation for approval by Senior Management. Lead the development of audio visual content in conjunction with AV Developer and AV Assistant Developer. Deliver key outcomes, in conjunction with the project team and broader internal stakeholder group to ensure

exhibition milestones and program is achieved. Ensure all information presented in the exhibition is authenticated. Lead stakeholder engagement and management. Work in an advisory role with the exhibition designer and related contractors during the development of the

exhibition. Undertake a lead role in exhibition development, production and installation, particularly as it relates to

exhibition content. Participate in review and approval stages by the Corporate Management Group (CMG) of exhibition content. Participate in budget development and review of exhibition costs. Develop and contribute to key public programming material including public programs; education; publications;

web; media including social media; and marketing, as required.

Lead, manage and contribute to the team to produce required outcomes while providing job satisfaction and personal development to team members.

Lead, manage and contribute to exhibition specific Stakeholder Management Plans, ensuring key stakeholder groups are consulted.

Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated professional experience working with a military history collection to develop exhibition content.

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2. High level curatorial skills and experience in leading content-rich creative projects, learning experiences or exhibitions for a wide range of audiences, and an understanding of effective use of audience research to inform outcomes.

3. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a small team, supervise the work of others, work with multi-disciplinary consultants and contractors, and work collaboratively to achieve agency goals and objectives.

4. Demonstrated experience in leading and conducting research from both primary and secondary sources to be used in the delivery interpretive projects.

5. Well-developed verbal communication skills including the demonstrated ability to engage with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders and manage relationships effectively.

6. High level written communications skills and experience in the development of interpretive text for exhibitions and publication.

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