Chief Curator
$185,000–$210,000 year
On-siteToronto, Ontario, Canada or Ontario, Canada
Job Summary
Develop strategic direction for the collection's development, including elective de-accessioning initiatives, in collaboration with the Director and CEO. Lead creative concept and planning processes to develop prospective annual and long-range programming, including temporary, in-house, and travelling exhibitions, publications, and live performances. Contribute to Board of Trustee meetings by providing regular updates on strategic growth and positioning. Direct the development of collections, art support, and curatorial administration processes while ensuring adherence to professional standards for collection care and exhibition design. Engage actively in fundraising initiatives with individuals, government agencies, corporations, and foundations to support the gallery's growth. Represent the AGO at public functions as a spokesperson and advocate, while liaising with government representatives and cultural institutions on funding and partnerships. Manage departmental staff, select and train curatorial talent, and develop a succession management plan for the division. This role requires travel, evening, and weekend work.
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
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