Overview
Exhibitions Manager Jobs in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia at TarraWarra Museum of Art
Are you passionate about producing art exhibitions? We are on the lookout for a detail-driven, highly organised professional to join our passionate team in the not-for-profit sector. If you bring relevant experience, the ability to think on your feet, and a passion for delivering outstanding exhibitions, we’d love to hear from you!
Position Description – EXHIBITIONS MANGER
Reports to: General Manager, TarraWarra Museum of Art
Special Conditions: Openings of exhibitions are on Sundays 3-4 x per year and the Exhibitions Manager may be required to attend.
Hours of Duty: Normal working hours are generally 38 hours per week, 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday with a 40 min lunch break per day. Note that we work on a hybrid model and the position is required to attend site 3 x week. During installation of exhibitions the Exhibition Manager is on site 5 days x week, local accommodation may be provided.
Salary Range: $80,000 – $85,000 plus 12% super
To Apply -Please note: This position is open to Victorian-based candidates with full working rights only. Applications submitted through LinkedIn will not be considered. For more information visit our website https://www.twma.com.au/about/#careers
Applications close: Monday 4th May, 2026, 5pm
Enquiries to Victoria Lynn, Director 03 5957 3100
Applications must be submitted by email to: [email protected] and should consist of:
- A current CV with two professional referees (max 3 pages, referees will not be contacted prior to interview stage.)
- A cover letter (no more than 1 page)
- Responses to the Key Selection Criteria demonstrating relevant examples of experience (no more than 4 pages)
Position Overview
The Exhibition Manager supports the TarraWarra Museum of Art team in the delivery of exhibitions. This role is responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of exhibitions from inception to conclusion, ensuring the smooth running of all logistics and adherence to defined budgets. Exhibitions are required to be delivered to a high standard of professional excellence.
KPIs
- Manage the successful production and delivery of creative and engaging exhibitions and collection displays
- Develop and manage project schedules and exhibition budgets to ensure exhibitions are delivered in full, on time, in line with budget and safety regulations, following all OHSE requirements
- Effectively coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure resources are allocated according to project requirements
Duties and Responsibilities
Key Accountability
Tasks
Connecting Art, Place and Ideas
Manage the presentation of exhibitions and collection displays to successful delivery in consultation with the TarraWarra Museum of Art team:
- Lead the delivery and presentation of ambitious, creative and engaging exhibitions and collection displays.
- Prepare incoming loan agreements and Artist contracts for all exhibitions where artists are commissioned to create new works
- Facilitate and help manage exhibition planning, forward programming and timings, in line with exhibition and project budgets and funding submissions.
- Ensure the creation of safe and sustainable installation, work and exhibition environments, identifying and mitigating issues and risks.
- Develop, manage and monitor budgets for exhibitions in collaboration with key staff.
- Work with and manage the TarraWarra team on the floor during exhibition installs and deinstalls.
- With the Registrar and exhibition curator, coordinate touring exhibitions to or from other venues, including all correspondence and contractual and partnership agreements with the venues
- Maintain exhibition documentation for exhibitions
- Manage and allocate human resources for exhibitions and collection displays
Collaborating with the Sector
Contribute to the goal within the Strategic Plan of Collaborating with the Sector by supporting activities that will enhance the relationships and partnerships with other museums, artists and relevant stakeholders, this may include the following tasks:
- Supervise external curators, project managers and designers associated with the production of exhibitions and arrange their contracts in collaboration with the Director and Head of Exhibitions and Programs
- Ensure that appropriate staff, expertise and equipment are available for exhibitions and that the exhibition spaces and venues are prepared
- Liaise with exhibiting artists and work with them to successfully deliver artworks in consultation with Curators and Head of Exhibitions and Programs
- Liaise with Registrar/Collections Manager on incoming/outgoing freight schedules; condition reports and conservation requirements
Audience Engagement
Contribute to the goal within the Strategic Plan of Audience Engagement by engaging with various stakeholders to produce exhibitions artistic vision, this may include the following tasks:
- Facilitate and manage technical teams for projects, including designers, painters, audio visual contractors, installation and building services staff
- Ensure exhibition spaces and venues are prepared and ready for agreed preview events and openings
- Maintain the exhibition displays during the exhibition period, managing issues that arise
- With the curator and Registrar/Collections Manager ensure that the exhibition spaces and art works are presented in a low risk environment for audiences to enjoy
Providing for Robust, Sustainable and Secure Operations
- Ensure risk assessments are completed for technical operations and appropriate risk mitigation actioned in consultation with the General Manager and Registrar/Collection Manager
- Maintain a clean and safe workplace for staff, contractors, volunteers, and visitors and keep abreast of safety and OHSE regulations
- Support access, equity, cultural safety and inclusion initiatives in line with the Museum’s policies
- Report issues of concern such as hazards and risks and where applicable, rectify
- Deliver strategic initiatives and activities as per timelines outlined in Vision, Strategies and Business Planning document where possible
- Adhere to TWMA's Policies and Procedures
Key Selection Criteria
Qualification
A qualification in a relevant discipline or demonstrated experience with at least 5 years managing exhibitions
Experience/Knowledge
- Demonstrated experience coordinating and managing exhibitions or similar within a museum/gallery or visual arts context
- Experience working with contemporary artists to present new commissions
- Knowledge of post 1950 and 21st century Australian and international visual arts
- Experience in best practise installation methods and object handling
- Experience in exhibition design, lighting, audio visual technologies and signage.
- Sound knowledge of all aspects of exhibition delivery and life cycles within a museum setting, including managing project timelines, allocating resources and developing budgets and assisting with budget planning for funding applications
Capabilities
- Highly organised management skills, with the ability to coordinate projects simultaneously, aligning them with budget and resourcing
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders including management, artists and technical staff
- High level of cultural awareness working with First Nations stakeholders and people from NESB
- Highly developed written and verbal skills
- Ability to perform well in complex situations
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Sound project management skills, with a proficient working knowledge of excel, Microsoft 365 suite and Share Point
- EWP License or willingness to attain
Title: Exhibitions Manager
Company: TarraWarra Museum of Art
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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