Curatorial Project Director, Canada (24-month contract)

WHO WE ARE

Opened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's most-visited museum, ranking among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. At ROM, we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections, sharing knowledge, inspiring learning, and fostering community engagement. As a globally recognized field research institute, ROM houses an impressive collection of over 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, showcased in over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. We are committed to creating a space where art, culture, and nature intersect, connecting people and communities to the past, present and shared future.

As we continue to work toward our goals to transform and evolve as one of the world’s foremost 21st-century museums, we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values.

WHO WE NEED
ROM is seeking a strategic and highly collaborative Curatorial Project Director, Canada, to lead the vision and conceptual development of its new Canada Gallery. Reporting to the Chief Curator, Art & Culture, this senior leader will convene diverse cultural voices and community members to explore the many perspectives and stories of Canada, guiding a multidisciplinary team from concept through preliminary design.

ROM’s Canadian gallery closed in 2022 in preparation for building upgrades and gallery renovations. Building on ROM’s interpretive planning and gallery rejuvenation work, this project will reimagine how Canadian stories are researched, interpreted, and shared through collections, including Canadian decorative arts and material culture, Indigenous belongings, natural history specimens, and objects reflecting diasporic communities. The new gallery is envisioned as an accessible, visitor-centred highlight on the Museum’s main floor.

Working with curators, interpretive planners, researchers, designers, and a project manager, you will help deliver gallery themes, an object list, a preliminary interpretive plan and design, and a production budget.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Provide intellectual leadership for the Canada Gallery’s vision, conceptual direction, and interpretive framework.
• Lead planning for the gallery redevelopment in partnership with the project manager, including timelines, budgets, research activities, and risk management.
• Develop integrated approaches to curatorial research, interpretive planning, exhibition design, and community consultation.
• Coordinate collaboration across Curatorial, Interpretation, Exhibitions, Design, Programs, Education, and Management.
• Work with Art & Culture and Natural History curators and interpretive planners to translate scholarly research into accessible and engaging visitor experiences.
• Serve as a liaison among curatorial leadership, the project team, and museum management, providing updates and documentation for decision-making.
• Support fundraising and engagement with donors and external partners.
• Champion community engagement so diverse perspectives shape gallery content and development.
• Monitor project progress and alignment with ROM’s institutional priorities and strategic goals.

WHAT YOU BRING

• An established record of cultural leadership in a museum or related institutional setting.
• An advanced degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Canadian History, or a related field.
• At least five years of leadership experience in project management, curatorial practice, exhibition planning, or related museum work.
• Experience leading complex, multi-year projects involving multiple stakeholders, budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
• Broad knowledge of Canadian history and society and a professional network of diverse cultural leaders and stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of museum practice, interpretive planning, and exhibition development.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• An ability to engage donors, community partners, cultural organizations, and internal stakeholders with curiosity and respect for multiple perspectives.
• Strategic thinking, sound judgment, adaptability, and the ability to navigate complex institutional environments.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Comprehensive benefits coverage: For permanent and full-time contract positions (conditions apply), enjoy paid benefits for individuals and families, a health spending account, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Worry-free retirement savings: With our optional pension plan, you benefit from an employer-matched Defined Benefit contribution plan, which provides predictable lifetime retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options without the stress of investment decisions.
• Perks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff, plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario.
• And more!

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• START DATE: April 2027
• OPEN DATE: October 27, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: Open until filled
• STATUS: Full-time contract (24 months)
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union
• EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $100,000–$140,000 annually, commensurate with experience, paid bi-weekly.
• SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 6 months
• LOCATION: Toronto, ON (on-site)

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. Initial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation** with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact.
2. First interview: A 1-hour in-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the HR team. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the team's and ROM's needs.
3. Second interview: A 1-hour in-person meeting with the Hiring Manager and relevant team members. You may be asked to present a pre-assigned case study and discuss scenarios relevant to your role. Depending on the position, you might also be given a tour of ROM and receive a preview of your responsibilities and interactions.
4. Third Interview: a final interview with key stakeholders.

The above-listed process may change or vary based on the nature and scope of the position.

**All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.**

WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM

• Cultural engagement: Daily interactions with Toronto's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences.
• Continuous learning: At ROM, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.
• Passion & fulfillment: Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.
• Team & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving.
• Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.

If you’re excited about this role, even if your experience differs from the specific requirements, we encourage you to apply. We’re keen to meet candidates who can contribute their talents to our goals, and will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY
At ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibits, communities, and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who can further diversify our ideas. We are committed to equitable employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• ROM does not require “Canadian experience.” International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
• ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
• This posting is for a new position.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply for the Curatorial Project Director, Canada position, please submit the following as one PDF document:

• Cover Letter: Outline your interest in the position and highlight your experience in curatorial leadership, major gallery or exhibition development, interpretive planning, and collaborative projects involving diverse communities and stakeholders. We welcome your perspective on how you would approach the redevelopment of ROM's Canada Gallery.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Provide a current CV outlining your relevant professional experience, education, and accomplishments.

• Professional References: Include the names and contact information of three professional references, along with your relationship to each. References will only be contacted with your prior consent.

As part of the later stages of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide examples of relevant projects, exhibitions, publications, or other professional work demonstrating their leadership and expertise.

APPLY NOW

Click Apply Now to submit your application through ROM's careers portal.

This search is being managed by Arts Consulting Group (ACG) on behalf of the Royal Ontario Museum. All applications submitted through ROM's careers site will be managed by Arts Consulting Group using ROM's applicant tracking system.

For confidential inquiries regarding the position or the search process, please contact:

Arts Consulting Group (ACG)

Nagham Wehbe
Arts Consulting Group
[email protected]

Josyanne Roche
Arts Consulting Group
[email protected]

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check, verification of professional references, and other checks depending on the role.