Curator of Canadian Art & Culture

WHO WE ARE
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada’s premier museum, featuring a comprehensive collection of Art, Culture and Nature. Among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America, ROM has a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. ROM's mission is to transform lives by helping people to understand the past, make sense of the present, and come together to shape a shared future. The museum is known globally for expanding the boundaries of knowledge and presenting it in new and innovative ways across the intersecting worlds of art, culture, and nature.

ROM is an agency of the Government of Ontario | ontario.ca.

Evolving for the 21st Century

ROM’s vision is to become a distinctly twenty-first century museum, one that is globally recognized for expanding the boundaries of knowledge, fostering innovation in presenting that knowledge, and increasing public relevance within the intersecting worlds of art, culture, and nature.

To realize this vision, ROM has adopted a strategic direction that builds on its strengths and capabilities while evolving in step with a rapidly changing world. The Museum is becoming an ever more outward-facing institution, focused on playing a central role in community and cultural life, while increasing artistic, cultural, and scientific impact both nationally and internationally. ROM's extensive exhibition schedule and public programs attract approximately 190,000 students and a total average attendance of more than one million visitors annually. As the country’s preeminent field research institution and an international leader in collections-based discoveries, ROM builds and shares global collections, creates knowledge, inspires learning, encourages gathering, and sparks exchange on topics that matter to people and communities.

Situated in the most diverse major city in the world, Toronto, within a province and country known for pluralism, openness, and global perspectives, ROM is well positioned for the future and for an even larger role on the world stage, encouraging greater engagement through inclusion and transdisciplinary thinking.

WHO WE NEED
Royal Ontario Museum is seeking a thoughtful, innovative, and collaborative L.R. Wilson Curator of Canadian Art & Culture to advance the research, stewardship, interpretation, and public engagement of one of Canada's most significant collections of Canadian art and material culture.

Home to more than 40,000 works spanning decorative arts, paintings, prints, drawings, and material culture, ROM's Canadian collection reflects the diverse histories, artistic traditions, and evolving identities of Canada. From furniture, ceramics, silver, and textiles to paintings, documents, and rare books, these collections provide extraordinary opportunities to explore the cultural, social, and historical forces that have shaped Canada and its connections to the wider world.

Reporting to the Chief Curator of Art & Culture, the successful candidate will provide intellectual and curatorial leadership in developing a bold, inclusive, and nationally significant program of collections-based research, exhibitions, acquisitions, and public engagement. They will bring critical and contemporary perspectives to Canadian art and culture, exploring themes of identity, migration, colonialism, reconciliation, cultural exchange, and the evolving relationships between Indigenous peoples, settler communities, and Canada's diverse populations.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of Canadian art and culture at ROM, including contributing to the redevelopment of the Canada Gallery. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Museum, Indigenous Nations, artists, researchers, community partners, and cultural organizations, the Curator will develop compelling exhibitions and interpretive experiences that connect historical collections with contemporary conversations and engage audiences locally, nationally, and internationally.

The successful candidate will bring recognized expertise in Canadian art and culture, an established or emerging record of original research and public scholarship, and a commitment to collaborative, community-informed curatorial practice. ROM welcomes candidates at different stages of their curatorial careers and is open to appointments ranging from Associate Curator to Senior Curator, depending on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated contributions to the field.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Provide intellectual and curatorial leadership in advancing a contemporary, inclusive, and globally connected vision for Canadian Art & Culture at ROM, reflecting Canada's diverse histories, identities, creativity, and cultural futures.
• Lead the stewardship, strategic development, and growth of ROM's Canadian art and culture collections through acquisitions, loans, donations, research, documentation, exhibitions, publications, and responsible collections care.
• Develop and implement a long-term collections strategy aligned with ROM's mission and strategic priorities, expanding representation of Indigenous, diasporic, newcomer, contemporary, and historically underrepresented perspectives.
• Conceive and deliver innovative exhibitions, gallery projects, and interpretive experiences that connect Canadian art and material culture with broader global histories, cultural exchange, migration, and contemporary social issues.
• Contribute to the redevelopment of ROM's Canada Gallery, working collaboratively with curators, interpretive planners, designers, researchers, and community partners to develop engaging, accessible, and inclusive visitor experiences.
• Conduct and publish original scholarly research in Canadian art and culture, advancing knowledge through exhibitions, publications, lectures, conferences, digital initiatives, and collaborative research projects.
• Champion ethical collections stewardship, provenance research, community access, shared authority, and responsible approaches to repatriation and restitution, where appropriate.
• Build and sustain meaningful relationships with Indigenous Nations, artists, cultural communities, academic institutions, museums, and other partners to ensure diverse perspectives inform collections development, research, exhibitions, and public engagement.
• Serve as a visible spokesperson and thought leader for Canadian Art & Culture at ROM, contributing to public dialogue through lectures, media appearances, publications, educational programming, and national outreach initiatives.
• Collaborate with ROM Governors, donors, foundations, government agencies, and external partners to support fundraising, acquisitions, exhibitions, research, and other strategic initiatives.
• Strengthen academic and institutional partnerships, including relationships with the University of Toronto and other national and international institutions, to advance research, knowledge exchange, and collaborative programming.
• Support ROM's learning mission by facilitating collections access for visiting scholars, mentoring students and emerging museum professionals, and contributing to educational initiatives and professional development.
• Participate actively in national and international museum, scholarly, and cultural networks, positioning ROM as a leader in Canadian art and culture research, interpretation, and public engagement.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Advanced academic training and recognized subject matter expertise in Canadian Art and Culture, Art History, Museum Studies, Cultural History, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in curatorial practice, collections-based research, exhibition development, cultural programming, or related museum and cultural heritage work.
• An established or emerging record of original research, scholarship, and knowledge sharing through exhibitions, publications, public presentations, digital initiatives, or other forms of public engagement.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian art, material culture, and cultural histories, including an understanding of the relationships between Indigenous histories, colonialism, migration, cultural exchange, and contemporary Canadian identities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop compelling exhibitions, interpretive experiences, and public programs that engage diverse audiences and connect historical collections with contemporary issues.
• Experience contributing to collections development, acquisitions, stewardship, provenance research, or other aspects of responsible museum collections management.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain meaningful partnerships with artists, Indigenous Nations, community organizations, cultural institutions, academic partners, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research and cultural perspectives into accessible and engaging content for scholarly and public audiences.
• Strong collaborative and relationship-building skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively across disciplines, departments, and communities.
• Strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and sound professional judgment, with the ability to identify emerging cultural themes and translate them into meaningful museum initiatives.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive, and community-informed approaches to research, collections stewardship, exhibitions, and public engagement.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to balance research, exhibitions, collections responsibilities, and institutional priorities within a dynamic museum environment.

Preferred Assets

• Experience working with significant Canadian art, decorative arts, or material culture collections within a museum or comparable cultural institution.
• Demonstrated experience developing major exhibitions, permanent galleries, or collaborative interpretive projects.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities on collections research, cultural stewardship, shared authority, repatriation, or related initiatives.
• A record of securing research grants, philanthropic support, or other funding for exhibitions, collections, or scholarly initiatives.
• Established professional networks within Canadian and international museum, academic, artistic, and cultural communities.
• Experience with interdisciplinary or transnational research that situates Canadian art and culture within broader global contexts.
• Experience mentoring students, interns, emerging scholars, or museum professionals.
• Ability to communicate in French.

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.
• Paid time off: Vacation entitlement and personal days in accordance with the applicable collective agreement.
• Worry-free retirement savings: With our 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.
• Support for new parents: Enjoy a parental leave top-up to 95 percent of your salary for 17 weeks, helping you balance work and family life.
• 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: July 2027
• OPEN DATE: October 27, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: Open until filled 
• STATUS: Full-time permanent
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: ROM Curatorial Association (ROMCA)
• EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $78,047–$166,647 CAD per annum, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and curatorial rank, paid on a bi-weekly basis. ROM is open to considering candidates at the Associate Curator, Curator, or Senior Curator level, with compensation aligned to experience and the applicable collective agreement.
• SCHEDULE: 35 hours per week (subject to confirmation)
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: To be confirmed in accordance with the applicable collective agreement.
• LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. Initial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation with a representative from Arts Consulting Group to discuss your interest in the role, your professional background, and how your experience aligns with ROM's mission and the L.R. Wilson Curator of Canadian Art & Culture opportunity.

2. First interview: A 1-hour virtual or in-person interview with the Hiring Manager, key stakeholders from across the Museum, and a member of the HR team. This conversation will focus on your curatorial experience, research expertise, collections stewardship, collaborative approach, and vision for Canadian art and culture at ROM.

3. Second interview: A half-day in-person interview at ROM with the Hiring Manager, members of the Art & Culture team, and key stakeholders. As part of the visit, you may be asked to deliver a presentation highlighting your research, curatorial accomplishments, and vision for the role, including potential contributions to the Canada Gallery and the future development of ROM's Canadian collections. You may also have the opportunity to tour the Museum, meet colleagues across departments, and engage with relevant collections.

4. Third interview: A final interview with senior leaders and key stakeholders focused on your strategic vision, leadership approach, community engagement philosophy, and potential contributions to ROM's research, collections, exhibitions, public engagement, and institutional priorities.

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

All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Zoom or 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 an existing vacancy.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please submit the following as one PDF document:

• Cover Letter: Outline your interest in the L.R. Wilson Curator of Canadian Art & Culture position, highlighting your experience in collections-based research, exhibitions, public programming, and collections stewardship. Please also describe your proposed areas of research and how your expertise and curatorial vision could contribute to the future development and interpretation of ROM's Canadian art and culture collections.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Provide a current CV outlining your academic qualifications, professional experience, research, exhibitions, publications, and other relevant accomplishments.
• Professional References: Include the names and contact information of three professional references, along with your relationship to each reference. 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 samples of scholarly publications, exhibition projects, interpretive work, or other relevant research and professional outputs.
 

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:

Nagham Wehbe
Arts Consulting [email protected]

Josyanne Roche
Arts Consulting [email protected]

For additional information about Arts Consulting Group, please visit:
https://artsconsulting.com/

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.