Administrator, Collection And Exhibitions Management

• Full-time, permanent position
• Curatorial and Digital Department
• Reports to the Head of Collection and Exhibitions Management

Join the MCA’s talented team of museum and arts professionals and become part of the future of Australia’s leading contemporary art museum. The MCA acknowledges the enormous contribution of artists, staff, educators, arts professionals, and a broad and diverse public who have been at the heart of the Museum since its inception. The MCA is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. We promote a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, and where our employees are treated with fairness and dignity.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is Australia’s only public museum dedicated to contemporary art. 

The MCA presents, collects and engages with the art of now.

Guided by the principles of belonging, connection and influence, we aim to be the defining platform for contemporary art and ideas in Australia and beyond.

Located on Sydney Harbour at Tallawoladah, a home to stories, art and culture for over 65,000 years, the MCA contributes to the continuity of culture on our site. 

We connect the widest possible public to contemporary art through our Collection, exhibitions, events, creative learning and access programs.

Our evolving Collection of over 4,500 artworks is the only public collection in Australia dedicated to the work of living artists, with over a third represented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, the MCA raises over 80% of its revenue each year through donations and commercial activities to deliver its artistic and engagement programs.

Reporting to the Head of Collection & Exhibitions Management, the Administrator, Collection & Exhibitions Management, provides administrative support to the department, with a particular focus on data and image management. This position is a great opportunity for someone who has strong administrative experience and an interest in working alongside Collection and Exhibitions departments. The role assists across the department, providing an opportunity to gain insight and understanding of collection management and exhibition delivery procedures.

The MCA’s Collection and Exhibitions Management department is responsible for documenting, preserving and protecting, installing and maintaining works of art. The team is responsible for managing the MCA Collection and for the delivery of exhibitions and displays, including touring.

• Schedule and minute all team meeting, and in particular exhibition project team meetings and update project documentation with Exhibition Managers.
• Update data within the collection database (Vernon) and generate reports as directed.
• Processing and tracking of weekly casual installer timesheets and updating roster details as directed.
• Assist processing invoices across the team and coordinating travel requirements for staff and artists involved in Touring programs installations, including flights, car hire, cab charges, per diems.
• Assist with updating of department standard operating procedures (SOPs) and documentation.
• Maintain and update MCA Collection photographic documentation records, and administer photography shoots for MCA Collection documentation.
• Ongoing updating of department content on DAMS system.
• Liaise closely with Administrator, Artistic Program to keep team updated on wider divisional matters, including: divisional leave, executive meetings and approval time lines.
• Support to various team members as directed, which may include assistance during installation periods & art store projects.

Essential criteria

Applicants must be able to demonstrate they have:

• high level administration support skills with full range of computer skills including proficient use of office suite, image editing and information management
• strong planning and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail
• excellent communication, including verbal, written and interpersonal skills
• ability to both take direction as necessary and work independently.

Desirable criteria

It would be good if applicants have:

• experience with Vernon or similar database software
• experience with Ungerboeck
• museum studies qualification, or similar.

We require that all our employees: 

• demonstrate support for innovation and for organisational changes required to ensure the MCA accomplishes its strategic aim and objectives
• work cooperatively with others to produce innovative solutions and recognise the merits of diverse perspectives and the ideas of others
• demonstrate commitment to, and knowledge of, the principles and application of equal employment opportunities and anti-discrimination legislation in the workplace 
• work in accordance with the principles of equity, access and fairness; respect and follow Safety work practices and procedures; work with due care and consideration to safeguard your own health and safety and the health and safety of others. 

This is a full-time, permanent position reporting to the Head of Collection and Exhibitions Management. Some work out of normal hours (9am–5.30pm) will/ be required to cover the MCA’s exhibitions and programs with TOIL available. 

Salary package includes:

• annual leave: 4 weeks 
• personal leave: 10 days 
• superannuation: 11% super payments (in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992). 

Benefits of working with the MCA include but are not limited to the below, as per the MCA's Policies and Procedures

• Flexible Working Arrangements 
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave (Primary and secondary caregivers, adoption, and foster parents)
• Time Off In Lieu (TOIL)
• Study Leave
• Additional accruals to Long Service Leave
• Free Entry to Paid Exhibitions
• Museum Day (Additional Public Holiday)
• Birthday Day Off (Additional day of Paid Leave)
• January 26 (Flexible Public Holiday)
• Free Flu Vaccination Program
• Exhibition Pre-Views (Curatorial Walkthroughs)

Shortlisting for interviews will be based on applicants meeting the essential criteria listed in the position description. 

Please share with us the following documents as part of your application: 

• cover letter 
• your responses to the selection criteria (in a separate document or as part of the cover letter)
• CV
• contact details of two referees.

Please email the application to ***************@mca.com.au. 

Closing date

Wednesday 1 May, 9am. 

The MCA encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and people from diverse cultures. The MCA acknowledges the enormous contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, staff, educators, arts professionals, and guests have made to the fabric of the museum since its inception. Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art practice has long been central to MCA Collection and exhibition programs. 

The MCA is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. The MCA promotes a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, and where individuals are treated with fairness, equality, and dignity. Find out more about the MCA.