Public Engagement Coordinator

• Full-time, permanent position
• Engagement Department
• Reports to the Lead Programmer/Producer, Public Programs
• Date reviewed: March 2024

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.

A vital role in the Public Engagement Team, the Coordinator supports the project management of programs with direct responsibility for maintaining administrative systems and delivering logistical requirements of exhibition programs and events.

Reporting lines

The Public Engagement Coordinator reports directly to the Lead Programmer/Producer, Public Programs, and to the Public Engagement Manager as needed. 

Working with colleagues and independently where needed, to deliver logistical and administrative requirements of MCA Public Engagement. The Public Engagement Coordinator is required to effectively liaise and collaborate with colleagues across departments, and to communicate clearly and concisely with relevant internal and external colleagues. 

The main responsibilities are: 

• booking resources, staff and spaces for Public Programs in relevant organisational systems
• carrying out finance admin e.g. processing invoices, and maintaining Public Program budgets
• producing event run sheets, call sheets, logistical and AV briefs and any other internal and external logistical comms
• contributing to reports, evaluating statistics, and collating data from programs
• drafting marketing copy and maintaining image files for promotions
• providing written briefs and supervise casual members of staff including Artist Educators and Hosts to facilitate and deliver events.

Essential criteria

Applicants must be able to demonstrate they have:

• minimum two years’ experience in a similar role, successfully delivering administrative and logistical responsibilities
• strong initiative with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines
• efficient working practices and skills for working independently when necessary
• excellent administrative skills, including a strong level of computer literacy and experience in implementing and maintaining efficient working systems and processes
• clear and concise written and verbal communication
• previous experience coordinating staff, spaces, and resources 
• internal and external stakeholder management skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team
• knowledge of basic AV set up requirements for presentations and hybrid meetings, with ability to trouble-shoot equipment failure
• availability to often work weekend days and evenings on event delivery.

Desirable criteria

It would be good if applicants have:

• strong interest in arts administration
• project management skills and experience
• high level of fluency in excel and experience working with budgets 
• understanding of Museum audience engagement methods
• tertiary education in contemporary culture or related
• knowledge of national and international art museums and galleries
• previous experience writing marketing copy. 

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 Lead Programmer/Producer, Public Programs. Work out of normal hours (9am–5.30pm) will be required to cover the MCA’s events and programs (weekends and evenings) 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)

We ask that you please do not apply directly via Seek, to apply please follow the information below. 

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 27 March, 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.