Join us on a journey to reimagine the way we share our region's past, present, and future.

We are looking for a creative, experienced, and collaborative Senior Curator to join our passionate team and play a leading role in shaping high-quality exhibitions and curatorial experiences that resonate with our people, our place, and our stories.

As the Senior Curator, you will lead the development and delivery of physical and digital exhibitions and public programmes that reflect and celebrate Southland's unique heritage. Working closely with local communities, heritage holders, and mana whenua, you'll bring our collections to life and help ensure a bicultural, future-focused museum experience for all visitors.

You will support the museum's research outputs, contribute to content across digital and print platforms, and offer curatorial leadership across key projects—including the exciting Te Unua redevelopment.

What you'll do:

• Lead exhibition concept development, design, and delivery across physical and digital platforms.
• Undertake and apply historical and object-based research to support storytelling, content creation, and public engagement.
• Provide curatorial leadership to enhance and activate Southland's regional heritage collections.
• Support Te Unua's wider project delivery—including partnerships, communications, and fundraising.
• Champion accessible, inclusive, and innovative design principles in all museum experiences.
• Build lasting relationships with stakeholders, including local rūnaka, iwi, collectors, education groups, and the wider Southland community.
• Contribute to long-term strategic planning, programme development, and service improvement initiatives.

What you'll bring:

• A Postgraduate Qualification in Museum and Heritage Studies (or equivalent), and a Bachelor's degree in Arts, Science, or Social Sciences.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a museum, gallery, or heritage environment, particularly in exhibition and programme development.
• Demonstrable experience working with Taoka Māori and sound understanding of tikanga Māori, cultural care principles, and bicultural practice.
• Proven ability to lead and contribute to the planning and delivery of complex, high-quality exhibitions and public programmes.
• Strong research and writing skills for both academic and public audiences.
• A strong understanding of digital and physical experience design principles, including accessibility and community engagement.
• Working knowledge of New Zealand history, particularly Southland's heritage context.

What we offer:

• Flexible working environment
• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well-being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
• Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes
• Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments e.g. Doctor, bank, dentist

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and our local legend Burt Munro. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There's outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach and the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complemented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene which are hard to beat! The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10-minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home?

This is a permanent full-time position working 40 hours per week, between the hours of 8.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday, both days inclusive.

Invercargill City Council is committed to the safety of children, the elderly, and vulnerable adults. As this position involves working with these groups, Police Vetting (under the Children's Act 2014) and a pre-employment drug and alcohol test are required to ensure a safe environment for all.

To learn more, view the full position description or contact Invercargill City Council at (03) 211 1777. Please note: applications submitted via SEEK will not be received. Apply online at Careers | Invercargill City Council (icc.govt.nz)

Applications close 20 August 2025. Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to candidates currently residing in New Zealand.

To apply for this job go to: https://www.icc.govt.nz/council/jobs

Reference code 6789743.