Director, History & Science

• Be a part of the leadership team of a significant GLAM sector organisation
• Work with people passionate about the arts, culture and heritage sector 
• Flexible working and attractive leave provisions 

Te āhua o te tūranga | The nature of the position

Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington is seeking a dynamic individual to join our Executive Leadership Team as the Director of History & Science. As a visionary, planner, developer, and implementer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our organisation’s future

This role leads the curation and collection management for Te Waka Huia o Ngā Tuku Iho Wellington Museum, Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space Place, Nairn Street Cottage, and Cable Car Museum. 

You will be responsible for providing the vision and oversight of the development for the reimagined Te Waka Huia o Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho Wellington Museum.  As the Director of History & Science for four iconic institutions, you play a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and scientific landscape of Pōneke. 

Bring your skills, experience and perspectives to the table and add value to the conversations at every organisational level, whether we are discussing community engagement, an exhibition, organisational people development or budgets.

Te tūranga | The role

• Provide strategic direction for the curatorial vision of our 3 museum sites and Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space Place and provide input on strategy for other Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington sites.
• Manage long-term projects across a multi-faceted, functions-based organisation.
• Utilise museum best practices to conceptualise and lead the delivery of museum and science content and experiences. 
• Empower people and project leaders in the organisation to build and maintain meaningful relationships across the organisation.
•  Oversee high quality curation, exhibitions design and visitor engagement.
• Foster creativity and innovation in a historical and scientific setting.

Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako | The essential skills and experience for the role

• Proven and recent experience in either one or both senior museum and space science institution management, curation, and exhibition design, with knowledge of best practices. 
• A demonstrated commitment to the implementation of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga and kawa.
• Established national and international networks in the GLAM and space science sectors, leading to demonstrated success in advantageous relationship development. 
• A dedication to excellence and continuing to build on the reputation of our organisation and institutions. 
• A proven track record of leading strategy development and successful implementation
• Experience leading work across a functions-based structure to ensure a seamless, mahitahi approach to your mahi and that of your team.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ko wai mātou | Who are we

At Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington we punch above our weight, working together with and for Wellington to create remarkable experiences that generate vitality, strengthening the city we love. We offer incredible audience experiences across our six sites: Te Whare Toi City Gallery Wellington, Nōku te Ao Capital E, Te Waka Huia o Nga Tuku Iho Wellington Museum, Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space Place, Cable Car Museum and Nairn Street Cottage.

We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support mana whenua as kaitiaki. We are committed to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment, building meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities for people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

As a place of work, we embrace flexible working in recognition of all aspects of a well-balanced lifestyle for our employees. We offer 5 weeks of annual leave per year. Other benefits include free te reo Māori lessons and access to EAP services.

If you want to work with like-minded community builders, passionate about art and culture we would love to hear from you. To join our team, please submit your CV, a cover letter and complete our online application form for our consideration. For further information on the role please contact hr@experiencewellington.org.nz. Applications close Wednesday, 10 July 2024.

Applicants for these positions require the eligibility to work in New Zealand, have current NZ citizenship, residency or a valid work visa. For advice on obtaining a New Zealand work or residence visa visit www.immigration.govt.nz