March 22, 2022

Centre for Stories is in a period of growth and it is an exciting time to be part of our team. We are seeking an energetic and skilled research officer to develop the Western Australian (WA) Stories Research and Development Project. The findings from this Project will inform the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries’ (DLGSC) funding plan for the WA Bicentennial in 2029, which will seek to showcase diverse stories and make them available to the wider public. Currently, this is a part-time position prorated to three days per week based at the Centre for Stories in Northbridge.

As Research Officer you will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and work closely with a small team of dedicated, dynamic and multi-skilled people who include writers, producers, festival curators and story trainers.

The Research Officer’s duties will include researching and identifying potential works that tell ‘WA Stories’ and providing recommendations for suitable programs or partnership delivery models to inform one-off and multi-year ‘WA Stories’ funding programs.

As well as this, other key duties include:

• Consult with a diverse range of stakeholders including arts centres, multi-cultural organisations, and community groups, as well as historians, storytellers, writers, academics, researchers, publishers, and curators.
• Desktop research into existing findings, publications, and repositories of Western Australian stories, with a particular focus on unearthing First Nations, diverse, and lesser-known Western Australian histories and stories.
• Provide examples of programs or partnerships developed in Western Australia, or in other jurisdictions, that were successful in promoting stories, histories, and other types of cultural and historic commemorations.
• Provide an overview of any Western Australian projects or ideas already in development for the Bicentenary and analyses of their merit, including potential barriers or challenges.
• Recommend program or partnership model(s) to deliver the funding in one-off or multi-year programs (up to 5 years).
• Present and write a final report to be presented to DLGSC.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• A higher degree in history, politics, arts, community development, or equivalent experience
• Strong administrative and organisational skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to effectively work with a team and diverse range of stakeholders
• Advanced research and report writing skills
• Excellent computer literacy skills

Desirable

• Previous experience working in a culturally inclusive work environment
• Previous experience working with First Nations communities
• Ability to travel within the State

We’re committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage application from people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, culturally and linguistically diverse, or living with disability.

Salary: $69,500 (pro rata)

Days/Hours: 0.6 FTE (3 days a week)

Conditions of Employment

• 10% superannuation
• One-year fixed term contract
• Four weeks annual leave will be pro-rated to 3 days a week
• Three-month probationary period
• Must comply with mandatory COVID-19 vaccination rules

How to Apply

Please read and follow instructions carefully.

This position is open to Australian citizens and residents with permission to work full-time in Australia. Your application must include the following:

1. Cover letter addressed to Caroline Wood.
2. Attachment addressing the selection criteria.
3. Copy of your CV including the names and contact details of two referees.

Please email your application to info@centreforstories.com

For enquiries about the position, contact Caroline Wood at caroline@centreforstories.com

Closing date for applications is at 5pm (AWST) on Monday, 4 April 2021.

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