Chief Curator
On-siteToronto, Ontario, Canada
Job Summary
Develop strategic direction for the collection's development and lead creative planning for annual and long-range programming, including temporary, in-house, and travelling exhibitions, publications, and events. Direct curatorial support management, ensure adherence to professional standards for collection care and exhibition design, and integrate intergenerational educational programs to enrich the visitor experience. Build relationships with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, as well as local, national, and international institutions to commission new works and place exhibitions elsewhere. Engage actively in fundraising initiatives with collectors, government agencies, and foundations to support collection growth, while representing the institution at public functions and disseminating information through lectures and publications. Manage divisional budgets, select and develop departmental staff, and liaise with government representatives on funding and partnerships. This role requires travel, evening, and weekend work within the expanding AGO, which will become Canada's largest art museum in Fall 2027.
Required Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Art History or equivalent related experience in exhibition and program planning and production and a passion for the mission of the AGO
- At least 10 years of museum experience at a senior management leadership level in exhibition and publication planning and development, project management, art support production, collections care, and management
- Broad curatorial experience gained in museums that have sought and achieved imaginative ways of engaging with their visitors and which have met targeted results
- Broad knowledge of art history and respected connoisseurship in a dedicated area of expertise
- Track record of significant exhibitions and publications that are both scholarly and accessible
- Demonstrated experience/ability to partner with the Director in developing the artistic vision of the institution, developing exhibition projects, positioning the institution externally, and realizing financial support and works of art from donors
- At least five years of demonstrable experience managing, mentoring, and retaining talent, and discipline in managing curatorial staff to reach for excellence in ideas, project execution, and goal achievement
- Experience in setting and managing performance benchmarks and creating a team-oriented culture of performance and accountability
- Demonstrated experience working successfully with senior leaders of an organization to achieve both their own and their peers' objectives
- Demonstrated experience serving as a visible member of the broader community and public face of an institution
- Superior communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, and presentation skills both internally and in the media
- Effective comprehension and application of confidentiality and diplomacy
- Superior judgment and demonstrated experience managing multiple and competing priorities, pressure related to deadlines, productive conflict, and management of professional personnel across various fields of expertise
- This role will require travel, evening, and weekend work
Desired Qualifications
- While expertise in contemporary art is not required, the ability to passionately engage collectors of contemporary art is important
- Experience managing in a unionized/volunteer environment is an asset
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.