Job Description

We're looking for a strategic and commercially minded leader to guide exhibition business development and scheduling for Te Papa. Working across the organisation and with external partners in Aotearoa and internationally, this role plays a key part in shaping our exhibition programme and expanding the reach and impact of our experiences.

Te Papa

Te Papa is Aotearoa New Zealand's national museum and a world-leading, bicultural, cross-disciplinary institution. We connect people, taonga, and stories to create meaningful experiences that reflect our shared identity, history, and aspirations.

Our exhibitions sit at the heart of how we engage audiences. Through a combination of in-house and touring experiences, we bring powerful stories to life for local and global audiences. This work is grounded in our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the philosophy of Mana Taonga, ensuring that communities are actively involved in the care and interpretation of their cultural heritage.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for someone who is passionate about developing and delivering high-quality exhibition experiences that connect with audiences and generate cultural and commercial value. You'll be equally comfortable thinking strategically about programme direction and getting into the detail of business cases, negotiations, and delivery.

You must also be:

• an experienced and inspiring people leader, able to motivate and develop high-performing teams
• highly strategic, with strong commercial acumen and experience identifying and securing new opportunities
• confident working across complex organisations, building productive and trusted relationships
• a strong communicator, able to prepare business cases, proposals, and clear recommendations
• experienced in exhibition or experience development within a museum, cultural, or creative context
• skilled in project and operational planning, including budgeting, resourcing, and logistics
• experienced in working with external partners, including negotiation and collaboration across cultures and contexts
• committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and confident embedding te ao Māori perspectives and practices in your work

 In this role, you will

Reporting to and supporting the Head of Exhibitions and Experience, you will:

• work with the Enterprise Portfolio Manager to facilitate Te Papa's exhibition scheduling, ensuring a coherent and deliverable programme across the museum and touring activity
• drive business development for incoming and outgoing touring exhibitions and experiences, both domestically and internationally
• lead the development of exhibition business cases, feasibility studies, and proposals to support decision-making and investment
• oversee the forward planning, sales, and delivery of touring exhibitions, working closely with internal teams and external partners
• guide the development of content and experiences for large-scale exhibitions, ensuring high-quality, audience-centred outcomes
• manage and develop the Exhibitions Development team, fostering a positive, high-performing, and future-focused environment
• build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, cultural institutions, and commercial partners
• support governance, planning, and delivery processes, including working closely with the EPMO once projects are approved

You might have a background in

You may come from museums or cultural institutions, the creative industries, events or touring production, or a related commercial environment where you've worked on large-scale experiences, partnerships, or programme development.

Experience in international touring, exhibition programming, or commercial partnerships would be an advantage.

Knowledge of te reo and tikanga Māori is also an advantage.

Salary and applications

The starting salary will be in the range of $131,156 - $155,747 pa. Offers will be made within the range to reflect the skills and experience offered by the candidate and internal relativities.

Applications close on Sunday, 19 July 2026.

This is a permanent, full-time position of 40 hours per week, based in Wellington.

Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Prior to Te Papa confirming any offer of employment, pre-employment checks will be undertaken including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.

We use a range of selection tools to ensure the best match for the role. Preferred candidates may be invited to complete assessments (e.g. psychometric or skills-based) as part of the recruitment process before a formal offer is made.

If you have questions, please ask

For a confidential discussion, contact Briar Barry via Briar.Barry@tepapa.govt.nz