Curator (Digital) UNSW Canberra
and
Curator (Collections) UNSW Canberra
Employment type: 2 full-time roles, 35 hours per week
Duration: Both continuing
Remuneration: Broadband 6/7. Level 6 from $103,866 /level 7 from $113,926 plus 17% super
Location: UNSW Canberra, ADFA Campus
About UNSW Canberra
University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra has multiple locations in the Nation’s Capital.
UNSW Canberra distinguishes itself from other institutions by its commitment to being thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all endeavours. This combined approach is integral to the university's impact and contributes to its recognition as one of the top 20 universities globally, as well as a proud member of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight. Choosing a career at UNSW means embracing an environment where thriving, facing challenges, and engaging in meaningful work are not just encouraged but integral to the university experience. If you seek a career where you can excel and contribute meaningfully, you've found the right place.
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.
Why Your Role Matters:
Special Collections is a high performing innovative unit, enriching research, teaching, learning, promotion & events across the Canberra Faculty, in support of the UNSW Strategy and ambitions.
Special Collections manages and makes available world class physical and digital research collections, supported by a new generation collection management system. These include the University’s rare and historic manuscript and book collections, the Australians at War Film Archive, the NAA John Howard Collection, and The Howard Library archival collections.
Special Collections works actively with academics to enhance the student experience, offering object-based learning, an expanding suite of research guides, and a targeted digitisation program. Our unique holdings support a breadth of research topics, and tell stories, create conversations, offer new perspectives, and stimulate avenues of enquiry which animate and deepen learning.
Accountabilities:
The Digital Curator plays a key role in the Special Collections team, with responsibility for the day-to-day management, development and promotion of the unit’s collection management system, digital collections, online databases, and digitisation program, to a growing university audience. With the implementation of a next-generation CMS in 2024, the unit is at an exciting pivot point to showcase and extend the reach of its collections in the digital space.
The Collections Curator plays a key role in the Special Collections team, with responsibility for the day-to-day management, development, interpretation and promotion of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Collections to a growing university audience. With the implementation of a next generation Collection Management System (CMS) in 2024, the unit is at an exciting pivot point to showcase and extend the reach of its physical collections in the digital space.
Who You Are (skills and experience):
- Completion of a degree (undergraduate or higher) in digital archiving/curation or related discipline (archival theory & practice, cultural heritage, librarianship, museology, information management, history, research or equivalent), with subsequent relevant experience working with a range of archival collection formats, OR an equivalent level of expertise gained through any other combination of education, training and/or experience
- A broad and deep knowledge of the speciality with at least 5 years’ relevant experience either in universities or national/state cultural institutions (or their equivalents), with supervisory responsibility & proven workplace success
- Background in and/or familiarity with key collection strengths (such as general history, military history, technological history, Australian politics and literature) and/or UNSW Canberra research and teaching interests, will be highly regarded
- Ability to safely perform routine collection movement and lifting tasks, moving equipment, reshelving items, performing two-person lifts, in line with WHS protocols to a maximum of 10 kilograms
- Sound understanding of the physical and digital archiving lifecycle, including principles, practices, standards, and new approaches, and an ability to interpret, synthesise and apply these to diverse collection scenarios and issue resolution
- Truly team-minded and flexible attitude with the willingness to hit the ground running and lean into all tasks
Benefits and Culture:
UNSW is committed to helping staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements.
- Additional three days leave during December festive period
- Career development opportunities
- Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
- Flexible 17% superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice
- Free gym access
- UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture.
Eligibility:
The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencement in this role. The checks that will be undertaken are listed in the Position Description. You will not be required to provide any further documentation or information regarding the checks until directly requested by UNSW.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
How to Apply:
Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before Monday 27 October 2025 at 11:30pm, including your CV and a 1–2-page cover letter addressing the required skills and experience outlined in the position description.
Get in Touch:
For role-related queries please contact:
Susan Thomas – Assistant Curator
susan.thomas1@unsw.edu.au
For recruitment process related queries please contact:
Holly Whale – Talent Acquisition Consultant
h.whale@unsw.edu.au
Applications cannot be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.
Find out more about the lifestyle and benefits when working with UNSW
For further information about UNSW Canberra, please visit: UNSW Canberra
For further information on living in Canberra, please visit: Living in Canberra
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
