Chief of Learning & Public Programs

Royal Ontario Museum; Old Toronto; On-site; CAD 190,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a visionary leader for the Chief of Learning and Public Programming role. This dynamic position at a prestigious museum offers the chance to shape educational strategies and engage diverse audiences through innovative programming. With a focus on collaboration, community engagement, and evaluation, the successful candidate will lead a dedicated team in delivering impactful experiences. Embrace the opportunity to influence the future of cultural education while working in a vibrant, resource-rich environment. Join a forward-thinking institution committed to equity, diversity, and accessibility, and make a meaningful difference in the community.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Access to U of T’s libraries

Coaching for new hires

Travel budget for collaborations

Access to galleries and classrooms

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in educational programming.
• Proven track record in developing innovative cultural engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of educational programs aligned with ROM’s mission.
• Engage diverse audiences through inclusive programming and community outreach.

Skills

Leadership

Public Programming

Educational Program Development

Budget Management

Collaboration

Community Engagement

Fundraising

Communication

Research and Evaluation

Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Practices

Education

Advanced degree in Education

Advanced degree in Museum Studies

Tools

Budgeting Software

Evaluation Tools

Job description

About the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

ROM is Canada’s largest museum of Art, Culture, and Nature. Founded in 1914, the museum has over a century of history and has evolved into a world-class institution. Situated in Toronto, the most diverse major city in the world, ROM is a leader in the museum and research sectors, well-positioned for reinterpreting objects and narratives for a global audience.

This position offers the opportunity to work in an environment that values engagement with a wide range of audiences. Leading a dynamic team, collaborating with top educational and cultural institutions, and having access to a vast array of resources makes this role an exceptional opportunity for professional growth and impact.

POSITION SUMMARY:

ROM seeks a dynamic and innovative leader for the position of Chief of Learning and Public Programming (CLPP). This role provides vision and direction for the museum’s educational and public engagement strategies, ensuring they align with ROM’s mission and strategic goals. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Engagement, the Chief of Learning and Public Programming will lead a large team responsible for the development, delivery, and evaluation of diverse educational programs and public initiatives that are meaningful and attractive to a wide range of audiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Program Leadership: Provide vision and direction for the team responsible for designing and implementing lifelong educational programs that support ROM’s mission, including school curricula, adult learning, family programming workshops, lectures, performances, and community outreach initiatives; support Indigenous staff leadership in development of Indigenous learning and programs aligned with ROM’s strategic direction.
2. Public Engagement: Reinforce ROM’s identity as a community focal point. Develop and implement strategies to engage diverse audiences, fostering inclusive and meaningful interactions with the museum’s collections and exhibitions.
3. Collaboration: Work with internal and external stakeholders, including educational institutions, artists, scientists, subject matter experts, community organizations, and other cultural institutions, to enhance ROM’s educational offerings.
4. Evaluation and Research: Develop a system of regular assessments of educational programs to measure their impact and effectiveness, and lead research initiatives to inform future programming.
5. Team Leadership: Provide guidance, support, and professional development opportunities for a team of education professionals, as well as oversee seasonal staff and volunteers.
6. Budget Management: Contribute strategic thinking to budget management that meets attendance/participation and revenue targets, aligned with institutional priorities for mission and community impact.
7. Senior Leadership Team: Participate in senior leadership meetings and initiatives that shape the institution and its priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Advanced degree in Education, Museum Studies, or a related field.
2. Senior leadership experience (10 years +) in educational and/or public programming within a museum or cultural institution.
3. Proven track record of developing and implementing innovative educational and/or cultural engagement initiatives.
4. Exceptional leadership and management skills, applied to large and diverse teams, including seasonal staff and volunteers.
5. Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
6. Experience in managing budgets over $2.5 million.
7. Demonstrated success in fundraising.
8. Demonstrated success in implementing community partnerships.
9. Knowledge of decolonial, anti-oppression, and Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility practices.
10. Experience (5 years +) of managing unionized staff.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

1. Intellectually curious and enthusiastic about engaging in a wide array of topics across art, culture, and the natural world.
2. Embody a growth mindset, while remaining adaptable and resilient.
3. Actively hold existing relationships with diverse community stakeholders beyond ROM’s current network.
4. Comfort with public speaking on behalf of large organizations, both internally and externally.
5. A leadership style that fosters clear procedures and directives to support staff, as well as collaborative consensus building with peers.
6. Able to prioritize competing demands within a large, multi-layered, publicly funded institution.
7. Aspirational to build high-calibre programs, but patient and flexible, able to set incremental goals.
8. Sensitive to cultural heritage and aware of the complex societal pressures present in this work.
9. Aware of new trends in the delivery and dissemination of digital learning initiatives.

INTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS:

The Chief of Learning and Public Programming reports to the Deputy Director of Engagement and is a key member of the executive leadership team. This role involves working closely with various key ROM stakeholders.

SUPPORT & RESOURCES:

1. Collaboration with ROM’s curators, who steward ROM’s collection of 16 million objects across art, culture and nature.
2. Access to galleries, a theatre, classrooms and an outdoor performance terrace for programming.
3. 30 hours of coaching during candidates first 6 months at ROM.
4. Access to U of T’s libraries and research facilities.
5. Travel budget for North American collaborations.
6. Full-time evaluation researcher assigned to CLPP.
7. Budget for consultations and program evaluation.

TEAM SIZE & STRUCTURE:

1. Approximately 25 full-time staff.
2. Up to 100+ part-time staff during peak programming periods.

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

START DATE: April 2025
OPEN DATE: November 21, 2024
CLOSE DATE: Open until filled
STATUS: Full-time Permanent
EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union
SALARY: $190,000 - $224,000*
SCHEDULE: 35 hours
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months
LOCATION (hybrid): Toronto, ON

*Compensation is in CAD and will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Successful candidates will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package.

Application Submission

To apply in confidence, submit one (1) combined PDF document containing:

1. A letter expressing interest in this particular position.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Names of three (3) references with contact information.

Applications should be submitted electronically only.

Diversity Statement
At ROM, we consider equity, diversity, and inclusion foundational to our institutional success.

Accessibility Statement
ROM is committed to fair and accessible employment practices.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.