Programs Coordinator

Role purpose

The Programs Coordinator is responsible for supporting the development and delivery of public programs and major events that engage the Museum's diverse audiences, including early learners, families, access groups, teens, adults and intergenerational visitors.

Working as part of the Public Programs team, the Programs Coordinator contributes to the development of a forward program of events aligned with the Museum's exhibition program, strategic priorities and audience needs. Responsibilities include contributing to end-to-end project management of programs and events, budget administration, ticketing and CRM management, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and ensuring high-quality audience experiences that are innovative, accessible and culturally inclusive.

The Programs Coordinator works collaboratively with colleagues across the Museum and external partners to deliver impactful cultural and learning experiences, including programs within the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre and the Museum's broader public engagement offer.

Key accountabilities

The successful candidate will possess a range of programming, event coordination and administrative skills, a proven ability to coordinate programs for diverse audiences, and the capacity to manage and deliver multiple concurrent projects while maintaining strong attention to detail. The role is responsible for:

• Contributing to the development, delivery and evaluation of creative, audience-focused programs, events and experiences that support the Museum's exhibitions, strategic priorities and visitor engagement objectives.
• Providing high-quality administrative support for programs and events, including maintaining project documentation, contracts, bookings, correspondence, databases, invoices, purchasing records and evaluation data.
• Coordinating operational aspects of program and event delivery, including venue preparation, equipment requirements, staffing arrangements, contractor engagement and day-of-event logistics.
• Maintaining and utilising ticketing systems, including event setup and ticket building, database management, reporting and analytics to support program delivery, audience development and informed decision-making.
• Working within a small, dynamic team, demonstrating the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues while exercising autonomy and accountability for project coordination and delivery.
• Supporting the development of programs that reflect contemporary practice in accessibility, cultural safety, First Nations engagement, gender equity, cultural and linguistic diversity, and audience inclusion.
• Coordinating and supervising staff, volunteers, contractors, presenters and participants to support the successful delivery of programs and events, including assisting with rostering, communications, briefings and operational coordination.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across Curatorial, Learning, Marketing, Development, Commercial, Visitor Experience, Facilities, and Security teams to ensure effective and efficient program delivery.
• Building and maintaining productive relationships with external partners, artists, performers, community organisations, cultural institutions, suppliers and subject matter experts.
• Contributing to business planning, budget monitoring, grant applications, partnership agreements, procurement activities and other administrative requirements associated with program delivery.
• Monitoring audience participation, evaluation data and stakeholder feedback, and contributing to reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintaining awareness of emerging trends and best practice in cultural programming, audience engagement and event delivery, both nationally and internationally, to support innovative and responsive programming.
• Demonstrating a strong commitment to Work Health and Safety (WHS) by complying with Museum policies and procedures, supporting a positive safety culture, identifying and managing risks, and ensuring that staff, volunteers and contractors can undertake their work safely and effectively.

NB: This position requires occasional work outside standard business hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays. The role may also involve some physical activity associated with event and program delivery.

To apply

Applicants must include a 2-page pitch addressing their suitability for the role against the essential and desirable Skills, experience and qualifications. Applicants must also provide a resume and contact details for 2 referees.

Visit https://www.nma.gov.au/about/employment and apply online.

Applications close 11:59pm, Sunday 6 September 2026

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. If you require, or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments, please contact the Contact Officer for this position.