Unlocking the Magic of the National Museum of Australia: Your 60-Second Guide to a Remarkable Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the National Museum of Australia? We’ve delved into their 2023–24 Annual Report, so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover exactly how this cultural powerhouse operates, the types of jobs available, and how you can help shape Australia’s story. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh school leaver, this guide will reveal how to position yourself for a rewarding government career at one of the nation’s most vibrant institutions.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: National Museum of Australia
Location: Acton Peninsula, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
CEO: Katherine McMahon (Director)
Total Revenue (2023–24): Approximately $72.9 million (combining $53.8m government funding + $19.1m own-source revenue minus rounding)
Total Number of Employees: Approximately 300 (based on the Museum’s staff headcount and salary budget)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited:
History or Cultural Studies – Perfect for curators and researchers bringing Australia’s stories to life.
Museum Studies or Heritage Management – Specialised knowledge for exhibition planning and conservation.
Business Administration or Management – Vital for operations, finance, and strategic leadership roles.
Communications or Marketing – Ideal for public engagement, media strategy, and expanding online reach.
Information Technology – Essential for digital archiving, interactive exhibits, and tech support.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited:
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile) – Keeps large-scale exhibitions and refurbishments on track.
Archival or Records Management – Ensures rigorous handling of valuable historical materials.
Work Health and Safety (WHS) – Keeps staff, visitors, and collections safe in a busy environment.
Finance Certifications (e.g., CPA, CA) – Supports budgeting, reporting, and resource allocation.
Digital Media or Web Design – Powers interactive displays and online content to engage modern audiences.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited:
Exhibition Fabrication & Design – Crafting immersive, visually striking gallery experiences.
Conservation Specialists – Preserving cultural treasures for generations to come.
Audio-Visual / Technical Production – Providing cutting-edge, high-tech visitor experiences.
Electricians / HVAC Technicians – Maintaining optimal light, temperature, and humidity for sensitive collections.
Administration & Customer Service – Keeping day-to-day operations efficient and visitors welcomed.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited:
Research & Analytical Thinking – Unearthing hidden stories and insights in historical objects.
Project Coordination & Delivery – Juggling deadlines, budgets, and exhibitions all at once.
Public Speaking & Storytelling – Translating fact-based history into enthralling narratives.
Collaboration & Teamwork – Coordinating efforts between curators, educators, and operational teams.
Flexibility & Problem-Solving – Navigating unforeseen challenges in a dynamic cultural environment.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited:
Customer-Facing Roles – Hospitality or retail backgrounds shine in visitor engagement.
Program or Project Delivery – Experience managing complex schedules and multiple priorities.
Heritage or Arts Sector – Practical exposure to curation, education, or fundraising is a big plus.
Research & Publications – Academic writing or policy research suits curatorial or advisory posts.
Collections Handling & Documentation – Working with archives, libraries, or similar heritage institutions.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: National Museum of Australia (NMA)
Name of CEO: Katherine McMahon, Director
Location: Primarily Canberra-based, with national and international touring exhibitions
Year Founded: Established by legislation in 1980 and opened on its current site in 2001
Main Mission and Purpose:
The Museum’s mission is to collect, document, and share the diverse stories of Australia’s land and people—past, present, and future—to foster a deeper understanding of national identity. For instance, the Museum may acquire and preserve significant objects (like the Mr Squiggle puppets or Egyptian antiquities) to showcase milestones in Australian history and global cultural exchange.Main Duties of the Department:
Acquiring, conserving, and exhibiting historical materials from across Australia
Conducting research into Australian history and sharing insights with the public
Delivering educational programs, events, and workshops
Creating engaging, immersive exhibitions and partnerships (e.g., “Discovering Ancient Egypt”)
Hosting touring exhibits and cultural exchanges that highlight Australia’s international connections
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
First Nations Focus – Ongoing initiatives such as reimagining gallery spaces and amplifying First Nations voices
Gallery Renewal – Upgrading permanent galleries to reflect fresh perspectives and new research
Digital Transformation – Strengthening online reach and immersive digital experiences
Improved Storage – Expanding facilities to safely house growing collections
Strong Community Connections – Deepening collaborations with local, national, and international partners through fellowships and touring exhibitions
Did You Know?
In 2023–24, the Museum recorded over 10 million visitor engagements (online, touring, and onsite combined)—its highest on record since opening in 2001!
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: Approximately 300 people in diverse roles
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: Spans from entry-level APS classifications through to Executive Levels (exact breakdown not individually published)
Salary Bands: Follows Australian Public Service (APS) pay scales, with graduate roles starting around APS 1–2, up to senior leadership in Executive and SES bands
Average Salary in the Department: Ranges widely by level, from approx. $50k–$70k for entry-level roles up to $100k+ for management and specialist positions
Total Revenue (2023–24): About $72.9 million, combining government funding with the Museum’s own-source revenues
Average Revenue per Employee: ~$243,000 (calculated by dividing $72.9m by ~300 staff)
GETTING A JOB AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Tourism & Events – Great for delivering top-notch visitor and event experiences
Conservation / Library Technician – Lays the groundwork for handling artefacts and cataloguing
Bachelor / Master Level:
Archaeology, History, or Cultural Studies – Perfect for research, curatorial input, and program design
Business, Commerce, Marketing – Helpful in finance, fundraising, marketing, and project administration
PhDs:
Advanced Research (Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences) – Elevates scholarly perspectives on Australian heritage and global linkages
Museum Studies – Offers an in-depth, holistic approach to heritage and collections management
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Carpentry, Design, IT/AV Technicians, and Electricians—essential for building, running, and maintaining top-quality exhibitions and facilities.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Any background in heritage institutions, academic research, events coordination, or hospitality can be a bonus. Prior volunteering or internship experience also counts.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft Skills: Communication, cultural awareness, flexibility.
Technical Skills: Digital content creation, conservation techniques, database management.
General Skills: Teamwork, planning, and attention to detail—vital in every role.
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Collecting memorabilia, genealogical research, creative arts, and engaging with local history all enrich your perspective and can be surprisingly relevant in a museum setting.
Want more information on the National Museum of Australia?
Contact the Museum:
Address: Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: (02) 6208 5000
Email: information@nma.gov.au
Website: nma.gov.au/contact
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