Job Purpose

To lead and oversee the management, preservation, and strategic development of the Bank’s art and heritage assets, ensuring full compliance with South African heritage legislation and best practice standards, while strengthening the institution’s cultural legacy and supporting the visibility of South African artists.

This role sits at the intersection of heritage stewardship, governance, and strategic cultural impact — requiring both technical expertise and strong stakeholder leadership.

Key Responsibilities: Heritage & Collections Management

• Oversee the end-to-end management of the Bank’s heritage and archival collections, ensuring preservation in line with international best practice
• Implement and maintain collections management systems, including accessioning, cataloguing, and documentation
• Ensure preventative conservation measures are in place to protect artefacts, archives, and artworks

Research, Curation & Institutional Storytelling

• Drive research initiatives and curatorial outputs to enhance the visibility and relevance of the Bank’s heritage portfolio
• Translate archival and heritage material into meaningful narratives that support the organisation’s brand and legacy
• Engage with internal and external researchers, donors, and stakeholders

Governance, Compliance & Risk

• Ensure full compliance with:
  • National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999)
  • South African Heritage Resources Agency guidelines
  • International charters (Burra Charter, Venice Charter)
• Develop and implement policies, frameworks, and protocols for heritage and art asset management
• Identify and mitigate risks relating to heritage assets, archives, and collections

Art Collection Oversight

• Oversee the management and curation of the Bank’s art collection, ensuring:
  • Proper conservation and care
  • Strategic acquisitions and deaccessioning
  • Alignment to the organisation’s cultural and transformation objectives
• Manage the Art Specialist and provide direction on exhibitions, placements, and collection growth

Stakeholder & Advisory Role

• Act as a trusted advisor to business units and leadership on heritage, conservation, and art matters
• Provide input on heritage-related aspects of buildings, sites, and corporate assets
• Build strong relationships with external stakeholders, including heritage bodies, museums, and academic institutions

Operational & Financial Management

• Manage departmental budgets, vendor relationships, and resource allocation
• Oversee financial planning and reporting related to heritage and art portfolios
• Ensure effective systems, controls, and operational processes are in place

Governance & Committee Management

• Lead and coordinate the Art and Heritage Committee, ensuring alignment with its charter
• Prepare reports and insights for senior leadership and governance structures

Minimum Requirements ? Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in:
  • Heritage Studies / History
  • Archaeology
  • Museum Studies / Archival Science

Preferred:

• Honours or Postgraduate qualification in a related field

Professional Memberships (advantageous):

• South African Museums Association
• Association of Professional Heritage Practitioners
• South African Society of Archivists

Experience

• 3–6 years’ experience in:
  • Heritage management
  • Archives / collections management
  • Museum or institutional environments
• 1–2 years’ experience in a leadership or management capacity

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of:
  • Archival and museological practices
  • Preventative conservation and stabilisation techniques
  • Heritage legislation and compliance frameworks
• Working knowledge of:
  • Budgeting and financial management
  • Project management
  • Policy development

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and quality orientation
• Ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders
• High level of initiative and accountability
• Strong networking and relationship-building capability
• Courage to challenge and uphold governance standards

Ideal Candidate Profile (What will make you stand out)

• Experience managing both heritage archives AND art collections
• Exposure to corporate, financial services, or institutional environments
• Ability to balance academic rigour with commercial awareness
• Strong storytelling ability — able to bring history to life in a modern context

Why this Role?

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Shape and preserve the legacy of a leading South African financial institution
• Work at the intersection of culture, history, and corporate strategy
• Contribute to the growth and recognition of South African art and heritage