Assistant Manager, ROMKids (12-month Contract)

Royal Ontario Museum; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits coverage

Pension plan

ROM membership

Attractions discounts

Job summary

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) invites applications for the Assistant Manager, ROMKids (12-month Contract) to lead care-based programming for children and youth aged 2–14, with emphasis on Summer Club, Camps and early years activities at ROM.

You will supervise staff and volunteers, help design engaging learning experiences, manage budgets, ensure safety, and collaborate with families. This role requires weekend work and occasional early mornings or evenings, with a 35-hour workweek.

Qualifications

• University degree in Education, Museum Studies, Child & Youth Studies, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in camps, childcare, early years, or youth-focused programming.
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers in active, program-based environments.
• Experience supporting program development, evaluation, and/or operational coordination.
• Strong understanding of play-based, inquiry-based, and care-centered learning approaches.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day delivery of ROMKids programs, including Summer Club, Camps, and early years programming, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality participant experiences
• Provide on-the-ground leadership during program delivery by supervising staff and volunteers, ensuring adherence to schedules, procedures, and safety standards
• Collaborate with the ROMKids team to design, develop, and enhance engaging, play- and inquiry-based learning experiences
• Contribute to curriculum updates, pilot programs, and new initiatives that integrate museum collections, exhibitions, and studio spaces
• Support staff and volunteer management, including hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and ongoing coaching and feedback
• Coordinate program logistics, including attendance tracking, materials preparation, and communication with families and caregivers
• Promote inclusive, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate environments for children, youth, and families
• Support program evaluation by collecting data, contributing to reports, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
• Monitor program budgets and support tracking of operational expenses
• Act as a first point of contact for day-to-day issues, supporting resolution of participant, family, or staff concerns and ensuring proper documentation
• Support the implementation of care-based practices, child protection protocols, and health and safety standards
• Perform other related duties in support of ROMKids programming and operations

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Curriculum design

Program delivery

Collaboration

Communication

Education

University degree in Education, Museum Studies, Child & Youth Studies

Job description

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

We are seeking an Assistant Manager, ROMKids (12-month Contract) to support the delivery and development of care-based programming for children and youth.

Reporting to the Manager, ROMKids, this role plays a key part in delivering high-quality programs for participants aged 2–14, with a particular focus on Summer Club, Camps, and early years programming (ages 2–4 and caregivers). The Assistant Manager provides on-the-ground leadership during program delivery while contributing to the design and enhancement of new learning experiences.

This role blends operations, program development, and people leadership, ensuring programs are safe, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and engaging. The position requires regular weekend work, as well as occasional early morning and evening shifts.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Support the day-to-day delivery of ROMKids programs, including Summer Club, Camps, and early years programming, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality participant experiences
• Provide on-the-ground leadership during program delivery by supervising staff and volunteers, ensuring adherence to schedules, procedures, and safety standards
• Collaborate with the ROMKids team to design, develop, and enhance engaging, play- and inquiry-based learning experiences
• Contribute to curriculum updates, pilot programs, and new initiatives that integrate museum collections, exhibitions, and studio spaces
• Support staff and volunteer management, including hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and ongoing coaching and feedback
• Coordinate program logistics, including attendance tracking, materials preparation, and communication with families and caregivers
• Promote inclusive, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate environments for children, youth, and families
• Support program evaluation by collecting data, contributing to reports, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
• Monitor program budgets and support tracking of operational expenses
• Act as a first point of contact for day-to-day issues, supporting resolution of participant, family, or staff concerns and ensuring proper documentation
• Support the implementation of care-based practices, child protection protocols, and health and safety standards
• Perform other related duties in support of ROMKids programming and operations

WHAT YOU BRING

• A university degree in Education, Museum Studies, Child & Youth Studies, or a related field
• 5–7 years of experience in camps, childcare, early years, or youth-focused programming
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers in active, program-based environments
• Experience supporting program development, evaluation, and/or operational coordination
• Strong understanding of play-based, inquiry-based, and care-centered learning approaches
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities in dynamic, fast-paced environments
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Positive Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Availability to work weekends and flexible hours, including early mornings and evenings

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: ASAP
• OPEN DATE: July 31, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: August 10, 2026
• STATUS: Full‑time Contract
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non‑Union
• EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $90,488- $106,457CAD
• SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months
• LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON

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.
   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.

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 [e-mail] 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.

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 and verification of professional references, and other checks depending on the role.

#LI-Onsite