Location: Melbourne, Australia | Term: Full Time, Fixed-Term Contract

This is your opportunity to drive the vision, strategy and cultural impact of an iconic public institution grounded in the enduring mission of a great library: stewardship of collections, access to knowledge, and public learning. As Chief Executive Officer of State Library Victoria, you will lead a period of renewal and transformation, strengthening the Library’s national and international profile and deepening its contribution to community, culture and learning.

• Lead an Australian icon with global reach – steward one of the world’s great libraries, welcoming millions of visitors annually, while amplifying the Library’s voice nationally and internationally.

• Deliver a Board backed strategy – execute and deliver the refreshed organisational strategy with a focus on core library services, collections, scholarship and access, aligned to Board and government priorities.

• Be the public face of culture and learning – shape conversations across education, technology and the arts; build alliances with government, the education sector, cultural institutions and Indigenous communities.

• Mobilise philanthropy and partnerships at scale – lead major campaigns and strategic partnerships that fuel programs, collections and digital innovation, securing the Library’s long term sustainability.

Founded in 1854, State Library Victoria is one of the world’s most visited public libraries and among the first free libraries in the world. Today, it is a globally connected cultural institution and a vibrant hub for learning, creativity, and innovation. Its iconic heritage spaces, including the La Trobe Reading Room, inspire millions of visitors annually, while its digital platforms extend its reach worldwide.

As CEO, you will:

• Lead the execution and delivery of a refreshed organisational strategy in partnership with the Board.

• Champion a contemporary culture—embedding accountability, collaboration and innovation across the Library.

• Serve as the Library’s public champion, strengthening local, national and international partnerships.

• Drive philanthropic strategy and major campaigns; ensure financial sustainability and strong governance.

• Build a cohesive, enterprise wide executive leadership coalition and ensure operational excellence across collections, research capability, public access and digital services.

• Proven strategic leadership of complex, high profile public or cultural institutions, ideally with international experience.

• Stakeholder influence and credibility with Boards, government, donors and global partners.

• Philanthropic and commercial acumen, including major fundraising/capital campaigns.

• Culture and change leadership, cultivating an inclusive, high-performance culture and enabling cohesive senior leadership.

• A leadership style that is authentic, inspiring, people focused and accountable, with a deep commitment to public cultural institutions.

Regularly ranked among the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne offers a dynamic cultural scene, world class dining and a thriving creative community—an ideal home base for global cultural leadership.

Ready to Lead a Legacy?

For a confidential discussion, please contact Patrizia Anzellotti, Andrew Abbott, Grace Tan, or Jonathan Lai at Korn Ferry.

Applications close: 11:59pm, 26th March 2026

How to apply: Submit your CV and cover letter to [SLV-CEO@Kornferry.com].