Curator

University of the Fraser Valley; Abbotsford; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university in Abbotsford is seeking an experienced Curator responsible for curating exhibitions and supporting reconciliation initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, at least three years of experience, and demonstrated skills in Indigenous engagement and strategic thinking. This role includes collaboration with diverse stakeholders and managing important cultural collections.

Benefits

Career and lifestyle benefits

Diverse and inclusive environment

Commitment to Indigenization and Reconciliation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, Master’s preferred.
• 3+ years experience with collections and exhibition research.
• Familiar with Museum Standards for community engagement.
• Strong understanding of relevance in contemporary museums.
• Experienced in managing and conserving collections.

Responsibilities

• Collect and present objects of historical importance.
• Collaborate with various university departments.
• Support reconciliation and Indigenization initiatives.
• Maintain relationships with Indigenous communities.

Skills

Research

Communication

Indigenous engagement

Strategic thinking

Exhibit design

Collaboration

Organizational abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master’s degree

Job description

Job Summary

Reporting to the AVP, Xwexwilmexwawt, the Curator is responsible for collecting, researching, documenting, preserving and presenting objects of historical and aesthetic importance to the University through exhibitions, publications, displays, and artwork.

The Curator will support this work with departments across the university and its campuses including but not limited to Facilities, Library, Research and Graduate Studies, Xwexwilmexwawt, Academic units, and Continuing Education. They will further reconciliation and Indigenization on campus and beyond by using UFV’s collections to create awareness and understanding about the impacts of colonialism, and by fostering relationships and collaborations between UFV (faculty, staff, departments, students) and the Stó:lo and other Indigenous communities.

The Curator will make every effort to ensure that all Indigenous works are acquired and cared for “in a good way” and donors and artists are honored appropriately as per the Guidelines for Acquiring Indigenous Cultural Heritage. Due to the broad scope of, and constantly changing environments and locations in which, these activities are performed, this position periodically requires irregular or long hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in a relevant field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with collections and exhibition research and production.
• Familiar with Museum Standards, Practice and Procedures in interpretation, exhibit development, and community engagement in an object based, interpretive context.
• Experience managing, conserving, exhibiting, and interpreting tangible and intangible collections following nationally and internationally recognized museum standards, practices and procedures.
• Experience in conducting research, designing, producing and mounting various types of exhibitions (e.g., physical, digital, travelling, etc.).
• Experience in Indigenous engagement and collaboration, an awareness of Indigenous knowledge and protocols, and understands principles around decolonization, Indigenization, and reconciliation principles.
• Strong understanding of what makes museums relevant in the contemporary world.
• Is a high-level strategic, critical and well-developed thinker, has organizational and decision-making abilities, is creative, detail-oriented, and focuses on accuracy.
• Experience and knowledge working within university settings and has worked with various cultural and community groups outside of academia, including local, regional, and national bodies in the fields of art, culture and heritage, history, and science.
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to create and provide clear, audience-appropriate information.
• Uses strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively and engage with diverse stakeholders, including senior administration, faculty, students, staff, as well as off-campus community groups, cultural, heritage and government agencies, and industry partners.
• Is experienced at recruiting, supervising, motivating, and mentoring staff.
• Understanding of decolonization, Indigenization, and reconciliation principles, with experience implementing inclusive practices.

About UFV

The University of the Fraser Valley is located on the traditional territory of the Halq\'eméylem-speaking peoples. We express our gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in Stó:lo Tém:éxw (Stó:lo Land; Stó:lo World). In all that we do, UFV strives to support and honour the Stó:lo peoples goals of self-determination and well-being on these lands. A commitment to Indigenization and Reconciliation is core to our institutional Vision and Integrated Strategic Plan: IYAQAWTXW — which means House of Transformation. This commitment includes the goal of centering Indigenous ways of knowing throughout our organization, recognizing our responsibilities to community, and a multi-year plan to increase the number of Indigenous faculty, staff, and administrators working at UFV.

UFV has campus locations in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, and Hope in the beautiful British Columbia, and in Chandigarh, India. Recognized as one of BC\'s top employers, UFV offers a combination of career and lifestyle benefits. Join a team of 1,400 passionate professionals who value integrity, inclusivity and excellence. At UFV, you will serve a vibrant community and shape the future of 15,000 students.

Indigenization, equity, and diversity are essential to our work as a university. A diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented and marginalized. At UFV, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we proudly serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, members of groups that experience discrimination due to race, colour, place of origin, ancestry, and/or religion, persons who identify as women and 2SLGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities. We invite applicants to complete a confidential self-identification survey as part of the application process. All questions are voluntary, with an option to decline to answer. Information will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the recruitment process, and results are not shared with the selection committee. Inquiries about the survey may be directed to [e-mail]. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In an effort to be both environmentally and fiscally responsible, UFV will contact only candidates receiving an interview. We thank all applicants for considering UFV for employment. Shortlisted applicants may be required to undergo a criminal record check and/ or a verification of their education credentials.

UFV is committed to the principle of equity in employment.