Curator

McGill University; Montreal; Hybrid; CAD 66,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

RRSP/TFSA

Vacation policy

Two personal days

Floating holidays

Remote work up to 2 days per week

Tuition waiver

Job summary

McGill University in Montreal seeks a Curator to manage and interpret the Visual Arts Collection across four campuses. You will work with the Director to develop exhibitions, conduct original research, write publications, and lead education programs on campus.

You will oversee policies, loan programs, acquisitions, donor relations and collaborations with departments and external partners. A Master’s degree is required; bilingual English/French capability is valued; CMS experience is an asset.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Art History or related field required.
• Knowledge of modern and contemporary Canadian art is required.
• Experience managing student staff and interns; leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication in English and French.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policies and new initiatives for the Visual Arts Collection.
• Curate art displays across four campuses reflecting faculties, units, staff and students.
• Engage in research and prepare material for presentation/publication.
• Manage daily operations including loan program, installs, de-installs, storage and security.
• Coordinate donations and ensure deeds of gifts and tax receipts are processed.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Research skills

Project management

English-French bilingual

Public speaking

Team supervision

Education

Master’s degree in Art History or related field

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

MS Office

Adobe Creative Suite

CMS experience

Social media tools

Job description

Duration : Temporary position : Until December 31, 2027, with possibility of extension.

Position Summary

Working jointly with the Director of Curatorial Affairs, Visual Arts Collection, the Curator develops, administers, oversees and interprets the Visual Arts Collection through exhibitions, original research, and publications. The Curator uses their scholarly background as a resource to staff and visitors, and develops, executes and/or supervises art education and information programs on campus.

Primary Responsibilities

• Participate in the development and implementation of policies and new initiatives that support the strategic direction of the Visual Arts Collection, as a unit within McGill’s Libraries.
• Curate art displays in institutional spaces across the University’s four campuses that respond to and reflect the visions of faculties, units, faculty, staff, and students.
• Working closely with the Director, engage in research activities: locate, assemble, analyze, consolidate and presents information on a variety of topics; prepare material for presentation and/or publication.
• Manage the Visual Arts Collection’s daily operations, including but not limited to its campus loan program, inter-institutional loans, all art moves, installations, de-installations, emergencies, security, and storage.
• Commission and assist in the payment for services from a wide variety of contracted professionals (art conservators, appraisers, installation technicians, transportation, etc.).
• Collaborate with University’s Gift Records unit and donors to ensure that deeds of gifts and tax receipts are carried out in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Together with the Director, provide professional expertise, advice, and on donation offers and new acquisitions to ensure collection development aligns with the mandate and is culturally reflective and relevant.
• Write the documentation for the biannual Advisory Acquisitions Committee meetings.
• Together with the Director, maintain and develop relationships with potential, current, and past donors, as well as collaborations with other University departments, other museums, galleries, and community and government organizations.
• Working closely with the Director, secure funding for the Collection, gathering and presenting information in support of applications for internal and external funding opportunities for collection maintenance and student employment.
• Together with other professional staff, train and supervise a team of undergraduate and graduate student staff and interns in research and maintenance of the Collection, coordinating their hiring and training, as well as overseeing their work and professional development.
• Develop outreach and art education initiatives, including weekly art tours, and special event tours, strategically organizing these around the University’s, the community’s, and the city’s annual cultural calendars.
• Maintain and develop all of the Collection’s communications and publicity (web, blog posts, social media, and print), while consistently seeking opportunities for promotion of the Collection and its initiatives in University and external media.
• Manage image rights for the Collection, receiving, processing, and advising on all reproduction queries, including during film shoots on campus.
• Receive and respond to requests for information about the Collection to researchers, students, and the public.
• Attend meetings and/or give presentations together with and/or in the absence of the Director.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Master’s degree in Art History or related field.
• Knowledge of modern and contemporary Canadian art is required.
• Previous experience working in a public and/or private art collection preferred.
• Experience managing student staff and interns.
• Must be results-driven, a self-starter, and highly motivated, with a leadership and interpersonal style that fosters constructive and productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Client-focused, with strong skills in listening, negotiating, planning, organizing, priority setting, analyzing, and problem-solving.
• Strong presentation and written communications skills.
• Experience in web and print communications is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects within tightly prescribed timetables.
• Demonstrated ability in a PC environment, proficient using MS Office (Excel, Word, Power Point) and sound knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and social media tools.
• Previous experience with museum-grade Collections Management Systems (CMS) is also an asset.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills both in English and in French.

Minimum Education and Experience

Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience / Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 04) $66,190.00 - $82,740.00 - $99,290.00

Job Profile

Job Profile: MPEX-ADM2E - Library & Archives - Professional 2 Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time) Supervisor: Curator Position End Date (If applicable): 2027-12-31 Deadline to Apply: 2026-11-20

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 3 on a scale of 0-4.

Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future. McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer. Grandescunt Aucta Labore. By work, all things increase and grow. Find a sense of purpose. Develop your future. Join us today.