Rights & Permissions Manager

About this role

The National Gallery of Australia is seeking an experienced Rights and Permissions Manager to lead its copyright, licensing and image sales function. The role leads a responsive, efficient and compliant rights and permissions service that supports the Gallery’s collection, exhibitions, publishing, digital and content programs, campaigns and commercial outcomes. The Rights and Permissions Manager provides expert advice on copyright, intellectual property and licensing. The role ensures the Gallery meets its legal and contractual obligations, while enabling access to the collection and supporting strategic and commercial objectives. The Creative Studio operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with responsibility for publishing, rights and permissions, exhibition design and workshop services. This position reports to the Head of Creative Studio and manages the Rights and Permissions Coordinator, Rights and Permissions Assistant and Rights and Permissions Assistant, Tyler Graphics. The Rights and Permissions Manager provides expert advice and high-quality service across the Gallery on copyright, intellectual property and licensing matters. You will manage key internal and external relationships and oversee the sourcing and licensing of images and related content, including related reporting, ensuring compliance with legislative, financial and administrative frameworks. Working collaboratively, you will build productive relationships, foster best practice and mitigate organisational risk, while identifying opportunities to enhance the value and reach of the Gallery’s content. This is a full-time, ongoing employment opportunity. In accordance with the EL1 work level standards, and under the leadership of the Head of Creative Studio, you will: • Lead the Gallery’s Rights and Permissions function, including image sales, licensing, permissions workflows and associated reporting. • Manage, support and develop the Rights and Permissions team, setting priorities, building capability and fostering a responsive, accountable and service-focused team culture. • Provide expert advice on copyright, intellectual property, licensing and image reproduction matters, including advice that considers legislative, contractual, cultural, reputational and operational risks. • Oversee the sourcing, clearance and licensing of images and related content for the Gallery’s collection, exhibitions, publishing, digital and content programs, campaigns and commercial activities. • Build and maintain productive relationships with artists, estates, copyright agencies, rights holders, internal stakeholders and senior colleagues to support effective permissions outcomes. • Monitor workloads, budgets, income, reporting requirements and service performance, and provide timely information and advice to support planning and decision-making. • Identify and implement improvements to rights and permissions systems, processes, templates and records management to support consistent, efficient and compliant service delivery. • Support best practice approaches to rights management, including appropriate consideration of the Gallery’s legal and ethical obligations. • Contribute to Creative Studio and portfolio planning, reporting and leadership, ensuring rights and permissions activities are aligned with Gallery priorities.