Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Director/Curator, Dunlop Art Gallery, the Curator and Head of Engagement is responsible for managing the permanent collection, curating exhibitions and related programming, as well as the development, implementation, evaluation and supervision of the Dunlop Art Gallery's educational programs and services for people of all ages. The Curator and Head of Engagement supervises the Dunlop Art Gallery's Art Educator, Gallery Facilitators, and Gallery Preparator, including recruitment, training, monitoring, and coaching. The Curator and Head of Engagement leads the development of inventive interpretive strategies for exhibition display elements aimed at engaging broad audiences in the enjoyment and understanding of the Dunlop Art Gallery's exhibitions and related programming.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Curates exhibitions at Central and Sherwood Village Galleries, including displays of the RPL Permanent Collection across the RPL system.
2. Supervises, hires, trains, monitors and coaches the Art Educator, Gallery Preparator, and Gallery Facilitator staff.
3. Envisions and oversees interpretive exhibition strategies, educational and community engagement programs for the Dunlop Art Gallery and RPL, with the goals of enhancing public access to, and understanding and interpretation of the Dunlop Art Gallery's collections and exhibitions.
4. Oversees and supervises gallery staff and professional artists in the design, implementation and evaluation of innovative arts education programs that use the artists' expertise as advisors, artists-in-residence in the library system, and with community partners.
5. Guides exhibition and display installation in the Dunlop Art Galleries and system-wide displays in coordination with Gallery Preparator, Curators, and other gallery staff.
6. In collaboration with the Director/Curator, develops long-range goals and objectives for the Dunlop Art Gallery's educational services to schools, teachers and the general RPL public. Establishes a systematic series of steps to accomplish these goals and objectives over time with clearly articulated benchmarks, whilst also being flexible to community concerns, opportunities and reactions.
7. Works with selected professional artists (visual and performing) in the design, implementation and evaluation of innovative arts-in-education programs that use the artists' expertise as advisors, artists-in-residence in schools or library branches, workshop leaders etc. to strengthen the RPL user experience.
8. Under the supervision of the Director/Curator and in collaboration with Dunlop Art Gallery's Coordinator of Collections and Digital Engagement, develops and executes an interpretive plan for the Dunlop Art Gallery's digital media activities, as they relate to education and outreach.
9. Scheduling gallery tours and supporting Gallery Facilitators in tour development.
10. Conduct guided tours as needed for internal RPL staff and external stakeholders.
11. Assists in the preparation, management, and administration of education budgets and statistics. This includes the purchasing of services and payment procedures.
12. Works with the Director/Curator to determine funding sources for education programming.
13. In conjunction with the Director/Curator and the Marketing & Communications Unit of the RPL, develops and supervises the production of online and printed materials pertinent to educational programs.
14. Develops and maintains appropriate contacts with staff across the entire RPL, particularly library branches, peer professional groups, including GAME (Gallery and Museum Engagement) and attends RPL Program Committee meetings, when applicable.
15. Performs other duties as instructed by the Director/Curator.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Master of Fine Arts degree in Visual Art, Curatorial Studies, Art Education, or related field.
2. Two or more years of experience with gallery/arts organization, museum education and curatorial experience supplemented with a demonstrated knowledge of contemporary art, art history and museum education theory.
3. Experience in organizing work and supervising staff. Experience with supervision in a unionized environment could be an asset.
4. Teaching experience in formal or informal community settings for children and adults.
5. Experience as an administrator.
6. Experience working in the cultural sector.
7. An original thinker who will connect the RPL's Collection to community-based projects through remarkable and meaningful library branch, off-site, outreach and online learning experiences for children and youth, adults and elders of all abilities.
8. Demonstrates interest and involvement in the arts, plus a desire to provide all ages with an opportunity to appreciate the visual arts.
9. A clear sense of initiative, leadership and flexibility.
10. Strength and mobility to perform required physical duties.
11. Excellent research, writing/grant writing, public speaking, teaching and organizational skills, and demonstrated proficiency with technology.
12. An ability to work both independently and cooperatively within a highly creative and small office environment.
13. A valid Driver's License is required.
Closing Date: October 31, 2025
Competition #63/25 - position #16161

Skills Required