Director, Artlab Australia

Artlab Australia leads the preservation of South Australia’s extensive cultural assets through the provision of strategic advice, expertise and specialised conservation services for art, heritage and cultural collections. The Director, Artlab Australia is based at Artlab's well-equipped, centralised conservation laboratories located in the heart of the Adelaide cultural precinct.

The Artlab team is responsible for the conservation programs of the Art Gallery of South Australia, South Australian Museum, State Library of South Australia, History Trust of South Australia and Carrick Hill. Artlab also provides services to Riddoch Art Gallery and to a wide range of fee-for-service clients within Australia and overseas. Education and advisory services support communities in the preservation of their cultural heritage.

For more information about Artlab, see: https://www.artlabaustralia.au/

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
The Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) drives the Premier's priorities in South Australia. Our vision is to be the heart of government through providing important leadership, trusted advice and strategy as well as central support services for the social, environmental and economic issues that we face. Our staff enjoy working with colleagues who value integrity, knowledge and intellectual capability. They exemplify the public sector purpose: Making a difference so South Australia thrives.

ROLE HIGHLIGHTS:
• Professional role leading Artlab Australia as recognised leader in conservation
• Lead a highly skilled, experienced and committed team of qualified conservators
• Develop strategic programs to preserve SA’s outstanding cultural collections

ROLE PURPOSE:
The Director, Artlab Australia is accountable to the Deputy Chief Executive, Community, Culture and Place at DPC and leads a team of 35 specialist conservators and support staff who provide strategic advice and deliver services for the conservation, preservation and accessibility of cultural collection assets.

These services include policy advice on the preservation of the state collections, strategic planning, preventive programs, remedial treatments, exhibition preparation, conservation research, community support and education. Artlab delivers its services to government cultural institutions, other organisations and the public. It operates as a government business enterprise.

As a senior leader within Community, Culture and Place, the Director contributes to corporate development, planning, reviews and the achievement of corporate outcomes across the Division. The Director will strive to ensure Artlab’s economic and technological sustainability and to strengthen Artlab’s position in South Australia, nationally and internationally.

KEY OUTCOMES:
1. Develop and deliver innovative, best practice programs that represent value to both public and private sector customers through policy advice, strategic planning, conservation, research, risk management, education and consultancy services
2. Lead the delivery of sustainable, high quality cultural heritage conservation and preservation projects in South Australia, nationally and internationally
3. Attract and develop highly qualified and experienced personnel who are recognised as leaders in their fields
4. Create a work environment that inspires and encourages collaboration, creativity and professionalism with a strong emphasis on performance management, training and development
5. Build and sustain relationships with existing and potential partners for the effective delivery of programs and projects
6. Set and achieve annual financial and performance targets
7. Evaluate collection needs, industry activity and markets for opportunities and develop services accordingly, including the formulation of funding/investment strategies where required
8. Ensure the efficient financial management of Artlab by the continuous analysis of financial systems, data and the cost effectiveness of services
9. Develop appropriate strategies to meet infrastructure needs including space, ICT and new conservation technologies.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
• The Incumbent will be required to participate in the department's Performance Management Program.
• The Incumbent may be assigned to another position at this remuneration level or equivalent.
• Some work outside of normal hours will be required.
• Requirement to travel intrastate, interstate and internationally
• This role requires a National Criminal History check.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:
Extensive knowledge of current international trends in conservation management and the delivery of conservation services for collections and a sound knowledge of conservation science, principles and ethics.
Experience in leading a team involved in providing advice and services to diverse organisations through processes of setting direction, coordination, motivation of staff, delegation, monitoring performance, and managing budgets and resources
Experience with national and international heritage organisations, associations and networks.
Strong ability to effectively perform as a strategic change agent and to manage change in a dynamic work environment.
Sound conceptual and analytical ability including the ability to identify and analyse problems and formulate and implement practical, innovative and effective action to attain strategic organisational goals.
Ability to communicate and negotiate, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of audiences on sensitive and complex matters.
Possess a discipline relevant tertiary qualification:
- Essential - Recognised tertiary qualification in materials conservation or equivalent.
- Desirable - A higher degree based on course work or research in an appropriate field.
Substantially meets the Executive Competencies.

Classification: SAESLevel1 - Executive
Job status: Long Term Contract
Duration: Up to 3 years
Eligibility: Open to Everyone
Job reference: 590238

For further details, full role description and submission of applications please go to the I Work for SA website: https://iworkfor.sa.gov.au/