Project Manager, Museum Transition

• Shape the early planning for Wellington Museum’s possible transition to the Tangaroa Gallery in Tākina
• Lead a complex, high-profile project with governance, community and cultural partners
• Fixed term to 30 June 2027, 30 hours per week, based in central Pōneke Wellington

Te tūranga | The role

Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington is looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead the early establishment and planning phase of Wellington Museum’s possible transition to the Tangaroa Gallery at Tākina. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will put in place the project systems, governance arrangements, plans, budgets and reporting needed to move this significant project forward.

Te āhua o te tūranga | The nature of the position

You will be the central coordination point for project information, decisions and follow-up. You will establish and maintain project plans, milestones, risk and issues registers, budgets, forecasts and governance reporting; coordinate consultants, advisers and interdependent workstreams; and support the development of an initial museum concept for donor engagement.

You will also work alongside fundraising and finance teams, help prepare clear project and investment information, and build constructive relationships with mana whenua, community and cultural organisations, donors, funders and strategic partners. This role supports fundraising readiness but does not hold primary responsibility for fundraising.

Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako | The essential skills and experience for the role

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Demonstrated experience establishing or managing the early planning phase of a complex, multi-stakeholder project.
• Experience setting up project governance, controls, records, risk management and reporting frameworks.
• Strong budget development, financial planning and project monitoring capability.
• Experience coordinating consultants, advisers or suppliers across interdependent workstreams.
• Excellent written communication skills, including governance reports, briefings, business case material and presentations.
• Proven stakeholder engagement, facilitation and relationship-management skills.
• The ability to work independently, use sound judgement and deliver in an evolving environment.
• Strong organisation, attention to detail and follow-through.

Experience in museums, galleries, heritage, cultural, community, tourism or public infrastructure projects would be an advantage, as would experience supporting governance bodies or working alongside fundraising teams. An understanding of Te Ao Māori and experience building effective relationships with iwi and hapū are also desirable.

Ko wai mātou | Who are we

At Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington, we deliver remarkable Wellington experiences every day. We offer incredible audience experiences across our six sites: Te Whare Toi City Gallery Wellington, Nōku Te Ao Capital E, Te Waka Huia o Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho Wellington Museum, Te Ara Whanui ki te Rangi Space Place, Cable Car Museum and Nairn Street Cottage.

We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support tāngata whenua as kaitiaki.

This is a fixed-term position working 30 hours per week until 30 June 2027.

If you want to work with like-minded community builders who are passionate about art and culture, we would love to hear from you. To join our team, please submit your CV, a cover letter and complete our online application form. For further information about the role, please contact [email protected].

Applications close Sunday 18 October. Applications will be shortlisted as they come in.

Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand through current New Zealand citizenship, residency or a valid work visa. For advice on obtaining a New Zealand work or residence visa, visit www.immigration.govt.nz.