A living library for now, for the future, for all of us
Exhibition Designer
State Library of New South Wales
Experience & Engagement | Exhibitions and Design
Clerk Grade 5/6 | Temporary - 12 months with the possibility of conversion to an ongoing role
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Competitive remuneration package up to $128,742 p.a. (package includes salary between $102,936 - $113,579 p.a., plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading)
About the State Library
The State Library of New South Wales is one of Australia's oldest and most important public institutions. The Library preserves and presents the history of our State and our Nation for the benefit of all, offering essential services, extraordinary collections and magical experiences. Its rich collections, both physical and digital, alongside partnerships with the public library network across NSW and other vibrant collaborations enable Australians to examine their past and imagine their future.
About the Role
The State Library of New South Wales is seeking a creative and collaborative Exhibition Designer to help bring our stories, collections and ideas to life through engaging and accessible exhibitions.
As part of the Exhibitions and Design team, you will design and deliver temporary, permanent and touring exhibitions that inspire audiences and showcase the Library's unique collections. Working closely with curators, project teams, collection specialists and external contractors, you will develop innovative exhibition concepts and translate them into high-quality visitor experiences.
From creating detailed exhibition designs and display solutions for collection material to coordinating installations and overseeing contractors, you will play a key role in delivering exhibitions that are visually compelling, functional and audience-focused. You will develop design concepts, technical drawings and specifications, integrate a range of exhibition elements including graphics, multimedia, lighting and interactives, and ensure the safe display of collection material.
This is an exciting opportunity for a talented designer who enjoys balancing creativity with practical problem-solving and thrives in a collaborative project environment with fixed deadlines and diverse stakeholders.
About you
You are a creative and technically skilled exhibition designer with a passion for developing engaging visitor experiences. You have experience translating ideas into immersive exhibition environments and understand how thoughtful design can connect audiences with stories, collections and culture.
You will bring:
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Demonstrated experience in exhibition design or a related field such as interior, architectural or industrial design.
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Strong knowledge of exhibition production, construction methods, audience experience, interpretive techniques and the display of original collection material.
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Experience developing exhibition concepts and detailed design documentation from initial brief through to installation and delivery.
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Advanced proficiency in Vectorworks, including the development of technical drawings, models, renders and visual presentations.
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Experience using the Adobe Creative Suite to communicate and present design concepts.
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Sound knowledge of relevant Australian Standards, workplace health and safety requirements and applicable sections of the Building Code of Australia.
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Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, work to fixed deadlines and deliver quality outcomes within resource constraints.
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Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with curators, project teams, collection specialists and external contractors.
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A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to participate in exhibition installation, maintenance and dismantling activities.
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To be successful in this role, you will hold a tertiary qualification in architectural, interior or industrial design, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and relevant professional experience.
What we offer
The State Library of NSW is a great place to work. We are a purpose-driven organisation, and you would be working with colleagues who are collaborative, knowledgeable, and like-minded.
Working at the Library gives you access to a range of benefits including:
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Flexible working arrangements
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A range of wellbeing events, lunchtime groups and initiatives like discounted gym programs, annual flu vaccinations and access to an employee assistance program
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Professional development opportunities including time off for study
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Staff discounts at the Library café and bookshop
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Staff engagement activities
How to apply
To apply for this role please provide a response to the following questions. Attach your answers as part of your application and/or as part of your cover letter. Please keep question responses to a maximum of 300 words and please respond to the shortlisting questions in your own words - we’re looking to understand your perspective, not answers generated by AI tools.
Please ensure you attach an up-to-date copy of your CV as part of your application for the role.
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Provide an example of a recent exhibition design. Explain your understanding of audience needs, methodology and stakeholder engagement. How did the exhibition achieve its stated goals and objectives.
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Describe a situation where a problem occurred that was not anticipated during the exhibition design process. How did you manage the setback/s, ensuring all design deliverables were met?
The State Library of NSW welcomes and encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTQI+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and workers of all ages.
Candidates can request a reasonable adjustment throughout each step of the recruitment process by noting this in your application or contacting the People and Culture Team via
[email protected].
Talent Pool
Applicants not initially offered a role but have been assessed through the recruitment process as being suitable will be placed in the Talent Pool to fill future ongoing and temporary vacancies as they arise. Placement in the Talent Pool remains valid for 18 months.
Eligibility to apply
To be eligible to apply for this role you must be either;
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an Australian citizen or
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a permanent resident of Australia, or
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a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand passport or a citizen of another country with an appropriate visa that allows you to work in Australia for the period of temporary employment or if you are seeking ongoing employment, you must hold a permanent visa that allows you to work in Australia.
Appointment to this role is subject to Pre-employment Checks. Additional checks may be required throughout your tenure at the Library should the accountabilities of your role change.
Further information that may assist you with applying for this role
Role Description (pdf)
Role Description (word)
Applying for a role in the NSW Public Service
NSW Public Sector Capability Framework
State Library Accessibility Guide
The Guide for applying for roles at the State Library of NSW will assist you in completing your application and provide you with an understanding of the selection process.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Lisa Loader on
[email protected] or (0 92731712.
Closing date for applications: Monday 7th September at 11:59pm.
