Curatorial Manager

• Employment Type: Full Time (35 hours per week)
• Duration: Continuing
• Remuneration: Level 9 $148,012 - $157,056 (depending on experience) + 17% super + leave loading
• Location: UNSW Kensington Campus, NSW (hybrid)

About UNSW:

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 20 universities in the world and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Why Your Role Matters:

The Art Unit plays an important role in the cultural life of UNSW, caring for and activating the University’s Art Collection of more than 1,400 works of Australian art created from 1949 to the present, including significant works by First Nations artists. The collection is displayed across the Kensington campus and contributes to the everyday experience of students, staff and visitors.

As Curatorial Manager, you will lead the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the collection, including acquisitions, exhibitions, conservation and public engagement. Working within the Creative Communities team, you will help shape how art is experienced across campus and ensure the collection continues to grow, remain accessible and play an active role in the university community.

This role combines big-picture thinking with practical delivery. You will help guide the long-term vision for the collection while also ensuring the programs, displays and systems that support it run effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic and operational management of the Art Unit, including staff leadership, resource planning and financial oversight.
• Guide the development of the UNSW Art Collection through acquisitions, commissions and donations in line with the university’s cultural and strategic priorities.
• Curate and deliver exhibitions, displays and public engagement initiatives across campus and through digital platforms.
• Oversee conservation, storage and the long-term care of artworks to ensure the collection is preserved and managed to best practice standards.
• Manage and evolve the collection database and digital platforms to improve access, visibility and engagement with the collection.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and represent the Art Unit across committees, events and sector networks.
• Identify collaboration and funding opportunities and contribute to reporting, business cases and grant applications.

Who You Are:

You are a pragmatic and adaptable arts professional who enjoys working across both strategy and delivery. You are comfortable operating in a dynamic environment and can move easily between planning, problem-solving and getting things done. You are confident engaging with a wide range of people and can adapt your approach whether speaking with students, academics, senior leaders or external partners.

You bring:

• Significant experience in the visual arts sector, including curatorial practice, exhibition development and collection management.
• A relevant qualification in visual arts, museum studies, arts management or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• A practical, flexible mindset and the confidence to step in, problem-solve and keep projects moving.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• An understanding of complex environments such as universities, cultural institutions or government settings.

For further details on role responsibilities and skills & experience required, refer to the position description found under the position listing on Jobs@UNSW

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working options.
• Career development opportunities.
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments.
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness).

For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits

How to Apply: Submit your CV & Cover Letter by 11:55pm, 30^th March 2026

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

Contact: Amy Denney a.denney@unsw.edu.au - Talent Acquisition Team
Please apply directly through the website, applications sent to the contact above will not be accepted.

Pre-Employment Checks 
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.  

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:  

• National and International Criminal history checks 
• Entitlement to work and ID checks 
• Working With Children Checks  
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration  
• Verification of relevant qualifications 
• Verification of relevant professional membership  
• Employment history and reference checks 
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks. 
• Medical Checks and Assessments 
• Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.