Chief Curator

Art Gallery of Ontario•Toronto, ON

4d•$185,000 - $210,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is seeking a visionary, dynamic, and experienced Chief Curator to lead the Gallery’s artistic, curatorial, collections, and publishing direction. The successful candidate will have a track record of creating dynamic and culturally relevant programs that attract significant audiences, engage artists and audiences, and strengthen the Gallery’s local, national, and international visibility, engagement, and contribution. This role also involves developing relationships with collectors and donors to support the continued growth and dynamism of the AGO. The AGO is one of the largest art museums in North America, located in Toronto, with a collection of over 130,000 works of art. It is undergoing an expansion to include the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery, set to open in Fall 2027, which will make it the largest art museum in Canada. The AGO is known for its diverse and youthful audiences, extensive membership, and affordable accessibility.

Requirements

Advanced degree in Art History or equivalent related experience in exhibition and program planning and production.
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.

Nice To Haves

Ability to passionately engage collectors of contemporary art.
Experience managing in a unionized/volunteer environment.

Responsibilities

Participate in and be accountable for the institution's senior leadership and performance, contributing to strategic goals, planning initiatives, policies, and resource allocations.
Develop strategic direction for the collection's development in collaboration with the Director and CEO and the Chief, Exhibitions, Collections and Conservation.
Lead the creative concept and planning processes for annual and long-range programming, including exhibitions, publications, film, live performances, and related events.
Contribute to Board of Trustee meetings and related committee meetings with updates on the Gallery's exhibitions and programming plans.
Lead personnel concerned with the creative and artistic elements of each project, balancing external talent with internal staff development.
Direct the development of collections, art support, and curatorial support management processes.
Ensure adherence to professional standards of excellence for collection care, exhibition design, graphic design, production, collection information management, and donation documentation.
Work collaboratively with the Chief, Education & Public Programming to integrate educational programs, public programming, and interpretive strategies.
Develop and nurture relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and participate in Truth and Reconciliation efforts.
Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional, national, and international institutions, curators, and artists.
Provide articulate written information about programming, creative artistic direction, exhibition, and publication standards for all communications.
Engage actively in fundraising initiatives, particularly with individuals, government agencies, corporations, and foundations.
Provide expert advice on visual arts and museum programming trends and practices.
Collaborate with other functional areas to develop strategies to encourage public visitation and increase access to art and programming.
Develop and implement a strategic plan for the Curatorial Affairs Division.
Direct development of and ensure compliance with established budgets and schedules for division functions and services.
Select, orient, train, develop, and manage the work performance of departmental staff.
Develop a succession management plan for the ongoing development of the division.
Manage delivery of services in accordance with department systems, procedures, collective agreements, and AGO policies.
Represent the AGO at public functions as a spokesperson, advocate, and champion.
Direct the development and implementation of policies and procedures for contracts and grant submissions.
Liaise with government representatives, agencies, and other cultural institutions on matters related to funding, partnerships, loans, and exhibitions.
Perform other responsibilities as required.

Benefits

Annual base salary range of $185,000-$210,000 CAD, commensurate with experience.
Extended Health Plan
Drug/Prescription Plan
Dental Benefits
Vision Care Benefits
Disability and Life Insurance Benefits
Individual Retirement Savings Plan (RSP)
Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
Spousal Life Insurance (AD&D)
Child/Dependent Life Insurance (AD&D)
Pension Plan (Defined Contribution, non-contributory)
Home & Auto Insurance Plan
Business Travel Accident Insurance
Paid vacation days
Relocation allowance to be considered.
Discounts from the Provincial/City Reciprocal Agreements (Free admission to museums, the CN Tower & discounts off amusement parks, city attractions, hotels, wine tours, Second City, the Ontario Science Centre, and much more!)
Discounts to Goodlife Fitness
Employee Discounts & Free tickets to every major exhibit at AGO
Professional Membership Fee Reimbursement