Melissa Ray
Head of Marketing at National Gallery of Victoria
Melissa Ray is the Head of Marketing at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Australia's oldest and most visited art gallery.
With over a decade of experience in arts marketing, she leads the gallery's marketing team, focusing on social media, content marketing, digital engagement, interstate and international tourism and campaign and brand marketing. Prior to joining NGV, Melissa held marketing positions at The Australian Ballet, Orchestra Victoria, and the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB). She is a passionate creator and collaborator who loves a challenge.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
Learning from smart, passionate women across many industries.
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background?
I’m currently leading the marketing team at the NGV in Melbourne, and previously I’ve led the digital marketing team at the Gallery – before that in campaign marketing at The Australian Ballet and Orchestra Victoria. In a previous life I majored in music composition and worked in music publishing at the AMEB.
I’m continuing to learn and innovate in my current role – taking on new challenges across content, brand and campaign executions – including championing new partnerships for the Gallery alongside my colleagues. My team and I are also focused on growing interstate and international tourism ahead of the opening of NGV Contemporary.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
- The Art of Noticing
- Ways of Looking: How to Experience Contemporary Art
- A Field Guide to Getting Lost
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
- New Yorker Critics at Large
- Ezra Klein
- Radiolab
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Authenticity
- Humour
- Perseverance
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
I want to support women to excel in their careers when so many women have gone out of their way to do the same for me along the way. I hope I can share advice and insights but also the nightmare stories that help you learn and laugh.
What are the top 5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Direct
- Nurturing
- Open
- Passionate
- Present
Ready to apply?
The best time is right now. Take a chance – you never know where an Assisterhood mentor can take you.