EL1 Head of Registration

The Position

The Head of Registration is essential to the culture of collaboration that underpins the Gallery’s success. Reporting to the Director, Curatorial and Collection, the Head of Registration oversees the management of the NPG collection and registration requirements relating to the exhibition program.

Working as part of a small, multidisciplinary team, this role coordinates workflow, undertakes reporting duties, takes carriage of relevant policies and procedures, and manages a dynamic schedule of priorities across the Curatorial & Collection directorate and the Gallery. They ensure that best practice standards are maintained at all times in relation to the care, storage and movement of artworks and work collaboratively with colleagues across the Gallery to facilitate a dynamic program.

The Head of Registration is a leadership role, leading the registration team and requires highly developed leadership, communication, negotiation, and project management skills combined with initiative and sound judgement. The candidate should be an adaptive problem solver who is open to innovative ways of working.

Specific Tasks

1. As the head of the registration team, take responsibility for the care and carriage of both the collection and any artworks in the temporary custody of the Gallery (exhibitions, travelling exhibitions, acquisitions and loans), adhering best practice museum standards around handling, storage, freight, documentation and budget management.
2. Oversee the Gallery’s collection management system (CMS) and manage the development, implementation and review of collection data standards
3. Oversee the Gallery’s copyright processes including providing high -level advice on copyright legislation and management of Gallery copyright process related to the Collection and Exhibitions
4. Ensure the gallery is compliant with national and international regulations and procedures for the movement of cultural objects. This includes maintenance of the Gallery’s Approved arrangements, Known Consignor Scheme status, insurance coverage and indemnification.
5. Liaise effectively with the curatorial, exhibitions and facilities teams to successfully deliver our exhibition program, working collaboratively and adaptively.
6. Lead and build capacity within the registration team, promoting and demonstrating an organizational culture of collective responsibility.
7. Steer team project planning and monitor performance.
8. Manage and report on projects against deliverables. Provide high quality and relevant professional advice, including formal written reports, to the Executive.
9. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the Gallery’s strategic objectives and how these inform and adjust the work of the Curatorial and Collection Directorate.
10. Uphold all policies and procedures relating to collection care and exhibition registration and take responsibility for regular policy review.
11. Credibly represent the Gallery internally, in public and to stakeholders. Provide high level advice to the Director, Curatorial & Collection on matters relating to collection management practices, procedures and care of the collection that is attentive to evolving approaches within the industry.

Section Criteria

1. Demonstrated expert knowledge in best practice processes for the safe handling, packing, transportation and storage of art objects and in the co-ordination of transportation arrangements for art works within a museum or gallery environment.
2. Demonstrated high level experience of supporting strategic direction and steering operational processes.
3. Proven ability to work on several projects simultaneously and to plan, organise, manage and prioritise activities and resources to specified deadlines.
4. Proven capacity to provide effective leadership to the registration team and build productive and mutually beneficial relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
5. Demonstrated knowledge and capacity to apply the APS Values; participative management practices; workplace diversity principles; ability to accept challenges and new opportunities.
6. Strong evidence of effective skills in written and oral communication, including report and policy writing, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail as well as an understanding of standards and obligations in relation to loan agreements and other contractual documents

Applicant information

In no more than two A4 pages, please tell us how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications make you the best person for this job.

Email your application, a current CV and the application coversheet to hrservices@npg.gov.au by the deadline listed below.

If you need more information, please get in touch with Isobel Parker Philip, Director, Curatorial & Collection on 02 6102 7048 or by email isobel.parkerphillip@npg.gov.au

Applications close midnight Sunday 06 July 2025.