Senior Collections Officer

Job Status: Full Time , Temporary (up to 4 years)

Salary: Base salary of $123,850 per annum plus 12% superannuation contributions

Applications Close: Tuesday 17 th November 2026, 11:55pm

Role Enquires: [email protected]

Online Application Support: Frequently Asked Questions

An organisation where diversity of thought and experience is valued, supported and respected.

THE HOUSE

The Sydney Opera House occupies a unique place in the cultural landscape. A globally recognised icon synonymous with inspiration and imagination, it’s one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres, the nation’s premier tourism destination and a World Heritage masterpiece that belongs to the people of NSW. Driving this incredible place is a team of passionate and dedicated people. Join us in shaping the Opera House’s future and be provided with opportunities to grow and develop while making a positive contribution to our community.

The Opera House is a living work of art. A place of possibility and wonder – on and off the stage. We bring people together to be uplifted, empowered and entertained. As set out in the Sydney Opera House Strategy 2024-2028, our ambition is to be Everyone’s House. To make this real, we are focused on four themes that underpin our organisational values (Creativity, Courage, Inclusivity, Integrity, Collaboration and Care):

- Everyone feels welcome here.
- We better understand and connect with the community.
- We are future-ready.
- We lead and inspire positive change.

For more information about the Sydney Opera House please refer to our website .

YOUR NEW ROLE

The Senior Collections Officer will develop and manage the Sydney Opera House’s Cultural and Corporate Collections, supporting their preservation, accessibility and ongoing stewardship. Working closely with the Head of Heritage and Collections, Senior Archivist, and Logistics and Corporate Collections Manage, you will contribute to the establishment and implementation of a Collections Management Framework and develop and implement policies and procedures that support governance, documentation, conservation, interpretation, access and legislative compliance. This role provides an opportunity to continuously improve how the Collections are managed and shared, helping to ensure their long-term value and relevance for diverse audiences.

Further detailed information about the role and its requirements can be obtained from the role description.

ARE YOU THE ONE?

Key Responsibilities/skills:

- Tertiary qualifications in collections management, museum studies or a related discipline, eligible for professional membership of AMAGA.
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in collections management within a collecting institution, museum, gallery or heritage environment.
- Strong knowledge of heritage and collections management legislation, standards and best practice, including the NSW Heritage Act and Significance 2.0.
- Demonstrated success delivering collections projects, including conservation, digitisation, systems management, exhibitions and public programs.
- Comprehensive understanding of collection management systems, with ARGUS experience highly regarded.
- Proven ability to provide leadership in collections management, build effective stakeholder relationships and collaborate across disciplines.
- Well-developed communication, customer service, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

THE PERKS

The Sydney Opera House give you access to a fantastic range of benefits including:

- 10% off onsite food and beverage outlets like Opera Bar and First Nations restaurant Midden.
- 5 weeks’ annual leave for all ongoing and temporary staff.
- Access to salary packaging and discounted health insurance.
- Access to a range of professional development programs and staff engagement initiatives.
- Staff community groups like SOH Pride, First Nations Staff Network, Sustainable Environmental Action Leaders (SEALs) and more.
- Fitness Passport and complimentary wellbeing programs including pilates, yoga, circuit classes, physiotherapy sessions as well as other wellbeing initiatives.
- Working for an organisation with a 6 STAR Green Performance rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
- Working for an organisation committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/our-story/global-goals.html) and the world’s first arts organisation to join the UN’s Global Compact, an international sustainability initiative designed to build a better future for us all.
- Complimentary tickets to shows.
- And many more!

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The Opera House is an inclusive employer that recognises everyone is unique. The organisation welcomes you for who you are – as you are. So if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss. Even if you think you’d be a great fit, but don’t necessarily tick every box in the role description, please get in touch.

We welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, recognising the value, unique skills and knowledge that First Nations employees bring to the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders, people who are d/Deaf and/or with disability, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, neurodiverse, refugees and the LGBTQIA+ community.

NEED TO WORK FLEXIBLY?

We know flexibility means different things to different people, so let us know how we can support you to be your best.

SOUND LIKE YOU? APPLY NOW

Please submit your cover letter and CV via our online portal. In addition you will be prompted to answer the following two targeted questions in the online application platform.
Please note 2000 character limit.

1.Describe a time managing collections such as when you developed and managed the creation of a collections management policy and its implementation including accession, deaccession, cataloguing, documentation, conservation, inward and outward loans, valuation, and storage and security.

2.Describe a conservation and/or interpretation project based on a collection or collection object you have delivered including challenges and opportunities, outcomes, and lessons learnt.

To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants must have existing Australian work rights. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and Pre-Employment Health Assessment. The assessment seeks information only relevant to performing the inherent requirements of the job, it remains strictly confidential and applicants will be informed of the result.

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

Your personal information is being collected to enable the Sydney Opera House to assess your suitability for appointment to the position you have applied for. This personal information will be managed in accordance with the Sydney Opera House Privacy Management Policy and Plan .

Applications will not be accepted from recruitment agencies.