Chief Operating Officer SES Band 1 | Executive Leadership | Strategic Corporate Services

Chief Operating Officer

National Gallery of Australia

SES Band 1 | Executive Leadership | Strategic Corporate Services

The National Gallery of Australia is seeking an outstanding Chief Operating Officer to lead its Corporate Services Division and help shape the future of one of the nation’s most important cultural institutions.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the COO provides strategic direction and enterprise-wide oversight across governance, risk, people, legal, ICT, procurement, and business enabling functions. This role ensures that the National Gallery meets its statutory obligations, operates with integrity and transparency, and is positioned for sustainable, future-focused success.

You will be a dynamic and forward-thinking leader with a strong track record in senior executive roles. With deep experience in organisational strategy, workforce culture, change leadership, and business partnering, you will bring energy, innovation and influence to a diverse and high-performing team. You’ll exemplify the Gallery’s values and foster a collaborative and ethical workplace culture that champions achievement, inclusion and trust.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing expert governance and corporate advice and strategic input to the Director, Council, and Senior Management Group
• Developing strategic frameworks and leveraging corporate functions to drive the Gallery’s strategic outcomes
• Leading enterprise-wide risk management and embedding a positive risk culture
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and Commonwealth frameworks
• Overseeing all Corporate Services functions including Governance, HR, legal, ICT, procurement, and project management
• Building and sustaining a values-driven, high-performance workforce culture

You will bring business acumen, strong people leadership, exemplary communication skills and a deep understanding of government and corporate frameworks. Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder skills will be essential, along with the ability to lead with purpose, inspire confidence, and deliver tangible outcomes in a complex and fast-paced environment.

This is a rare opportunity to shape institutional performance, build capability, and support the cultural and civic mission of a leading national institution.

Before applying, please obtain a candidate pack, by emailing [email protected]quoting Ref No 1171 in the subject heading.