Job Description

Description Requisition Id: 2025-104
Number of Positions: 1
Job Status: Regular Full-Time
Hours & Days of Work: 35 hours per week
Minimum Salary: $66,411.00
Maximum Salary: $83,010.00
Target Start Date: 06/16/2025
Program Associate, Access and Volunteer Education
Regular Full-Time
(35 hours per week; some weekend and evening work)
ART + AUDIENCE + LEARNING
Located in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, attracting approximately one million visitors annually. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces.
AGO Values:

• Respect: We foster belonging and appreciate each other.
• Openness: We interact with an open mind and thoughtful engagement.
• Collaboration: We believe in the power of together.
• Accountability: We own our actions and outcomes.

We are currently seeking a Program Associate, Access and Volunteer Education to join our Education & Programming team. Under the direction of the Richard and Elizabeth Currie Chief, Education and Programming, and working in collaboration with the Coordinator, Volunteers (People Division), the Program Associate, Access and Volunteer Education coordinates, develops, facilitates, and assesses AGO Gallery Guides volunteer training and learning. They also support with the overall implementation of the Gallery Guides program. The Program Associate, Access and Volunteer Education collaborates with other Education and Programming areas to ensure access is implemented for programs.
In response to the AGO's permanent collection and temporary exhibits, develops, schedules, facilitates, and assesses training for AGO Gallery Guide volunteers to engage diverse AGO audiences through meaningful and culturally relevant dialogues about the art, exhibitions, and building. Develops, facilitates and monitors a mentorship and capacity building program amongst volunteers. Gathers and analyzes data to assess the effectiveness of volunteer training and learning to meet the needs of AGO's diverse audiences, and to engage in continual learning and improvements. Provides guidance, support, resources, and tools to staff who supervise volunteers and assists with fostering effective partnerships between staff and volunteer leaders.
Collaborates with Education and Programming Division to support overall coordination of division programs. Maintains a strong knowledge of museum education best practices regarding accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
What is this position responsible for?

• In response to the AGO's permanent collection, temporary exhibits, and rich and diverse history, develops, schedules, facilitates, and assesses training for AGO Gallery Guide volunteers who engage diverse AGO audiences through meaningful and culturally relevant dialogues about the art, the exhibitions, and the building. The training and learning will align with current best practices in museum volunteer education, and will follow the principles of Universal Design for Learning:
• Have knowledge of the AGO's history to engage volunteers in conversations with AGO visitors;
• Collect and analyze data on the impacts of the volunteer training for volunteers and AGO visitors. Share the impacts through reports/slideshows;
• Supports volunteer scheduling in the galleries and assesses how to best serve AGO audiences.
• Using evidence-based best practices, develops, facilitates and monitors a mentorship and capacity building program for Gallery Guide volunteers:
• Using evidence-based best practices, develop, facilitate and monitor a mentorship program for AGO volunteers;
• Gather, analyze, and present data on the program's effectiveness to build volunteer capacity in leading mentorship.
• In collaboration with other Education and Programming Division Staff, ensure programs are accessible to diverse AGO audiences
• Assists and supports the Coordinator, Volunteers (People) President, Volunteers of the AGO and Volunteer Executive members on volunteer community and program concerns including participating on projects and teams as required and assisting with the Volunteer Annual Gathering and Volunteers Connect events. Recommends policies, practices and initiatives as required. Responds to volunteer resource management information and service requests as an ad hoc member of the Volunteer Executive Committee.
• Collaborates in supporting volunteer recognition initiatives
• Collaborate and support overall Education and Programming Division Production:
• Supporting with documenting and tracking Education and Programming programs;
• Work with other AGO staff to ensure communication and marketing of programs
• Support with work orders.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

What are we looking for?

• 2-3 years of experience developing, facilitating, and assessing training in the visual arts, or related experiences.
• 2-3 years of experience working with volunteers along with volunteer recognition, recruitment orientation, training, and development coordination and/ or certificate in Volunteer Resources Administration or equivalent combination of other relevant experiences and education.
• Post-secondary degree in visual arts, art history.
• Effective communication skills that include listening, spoken, and writing with attention to detail, and highly developed organizational skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal competencies: leadership, conflict resolution, presentation skills, creating impactful slideshows, organization, time management, supervisory, analytical, customer service and administrative skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current best practices in gallery guide (docent) volunteer training.
• Proficiency in using computers for word processing, database management, blogs, and social media.
• Collaborative.

What are the benefits of working at the AGO?

• Discounts to GoodLife Fitness.
• Free tickets to every major exhibit at AGO.
• Discounts to major attractions as a part of the Provincial/City Reciprocal Programs.
• Free admission to the AGO for friends and family, discounts at the gift shop, bistro, and Learning Centre.

If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, apply now!
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility:
At the AGO, we lead global conversations from Toronto through extraordinary collections, exhibitions, and programs, reflecting the diverse community we serve. Committed to fostering inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, we embed these values into our strategic plan and ongoing priorities.
To Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications online at https://jobs.jobvite.com/ago/jobs/viewall. If you prefer to submit an application in person, please leave it at the Shipping Dock (next to the Jackman Hall entrance on McCaul Street), addressed to the People Division. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM.
We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Art Gallery of Ontario is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
External Application Deadline: 07/14/2025