Applications for the IMA Program Assistant role are now open!

About the role

The IMA Program Assistant is a position created to support an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander arts worker in the early stages of their career. The successful candidate will be employed on a part-time contract, during which they will be supported to work across a broad range of activities. This role can be tailored to suit the candidate’s professional development interests, and is generously supported by Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney. 

Suitable for an entry level arts worker, recent graduate, or current student, the IMA Program Assistant will gain knowledge and experience across all aspects of gallery and institutional management. The successful candidate will be supported to explore and learn how different teams within an institution interact to achieve the organisation’s overarching goals. They will have the opportunity to gain insights across administration, curatorial, programming, research, development, operations as well as event planning and delivery. The candidate will work alongside leading arts professionals and the role is designed to prepare them to become a future Australian arts sector leader.  

This role is responsive to the candidate’s career interests and aspirations, and can be tailored to focus on areas which will best support the candidate’s professional development. For example, the role might choose to focus approximately one day per week on curatorial and programming, and one day per week on development and operations. The successful applicant and manager will work together to create a tailored position description and professional development program that outlines delivery expectations. 

The role is part-time, 0.4 FTE, 15 hours per week, 10-months (43 weeks), non-renewable, $55,000 per annum, pro rata ($22,000), approximately $423 per week + 10.5% superannuation.

The role also includes a $1,500 professional development/travel bursary, which can be used for a professional development outcome agreed on between the employee and manager.  

Given this is a part-time position, the IMA recognises that the successful candidate may need to balance the role alongside other commitments. The IMA offers flexible working arrangements, which will be negotiated with the successful applicant. 

The incumbent will work with the IMA to ensure cultural protocols are met throughout their employment and will be supported by the IMA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council, who offers feedback and guidance on the organisations programs, policy and cultural protocols.

Download the full Position Description here.

About the IMA 

The IMA is Australia’s longest running contemporary art gallery, and a national leader in the visual arts sector. We play a crucial role in Queensland as the largest independent gallery in the state, and the only Queensland member of Contemporary Arts Organisations Australia.  

Each year the IMA presents an ambitious annual program of exhibitions, concentrating on commissioning new works by contemporary artists and connecting them with wider audiences. We also present extensive public programs including talks, tours, symposiums, workshops, as well as educational initiatives for young people and adults. Complementing these activities is the IMA’s longstanding and nationally recognised publishing program, that contributes new research to the field of Australian contemporary art and artist practices. These initiatives are tied together through a compelling online presence which includes a dynamic website featuring exhibitions, events, podcasts, e-store, and an interactive archive. 

About you 

We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about contemporary visual arts and the Australian cultural sector. The ideal candidate will be in the early stages of their career or a recent graduate, and be looking to gain insight into all aspects of cultural institution management. 

You will have the ability to communicate clearly with a broad range of stakeholders, as well as to work collaboratively across a small and dedicated team. You will have an interest in writing across varied styles from marketing to curatorial and grant applications. The ideal candidate will have strong administration skills, be highly organised, have attention to detail and excellent time management skills.  

In this role, you will gain experience working for a leading cultural institution alongside a creative and inspiring team. The successful candidate may use this opportunity to find their area of specialisation by exploring and learning from the IMA team, or they may seek to more broadly understand the institutions operations as an initial pathway to a career in small to medium arts organisations.  

This is a fantastic opportunity for a candidate who has recently graduated or is seeking to begin a career in arts administration. 

Application process 

Applications should consist of a current CV and a 1–2 page cover letter introducing yourself, your interest in visual art, any relevant work experience you might have, and your career ambitions. This will help us understand how the IMA can support you as a candidate. Please include the names and contact details of two referees.

Applications should be sent to Samantha Jones, Co-Director (interim), samantha@ima.org.au as soon as possible. We will assess applications as we receive them. 

If you have any further questions about the role, please contact Samantha Jones, samantha@ima.org.au or Tulleah Pearce, tulleah@ima.org.au.

The IMA values diversity in the workplace. People with disability, LGBTIQA+ people and culturally and linguistically diverse applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Samantha Jones, samantha@ima.org.au.