Educational Program Coordinator, Public Programs – Museum

City of Markham; Markham; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government in York Region is seeking a program supervisor to lead educational initiatives at the museum. Candidates should have a relevant degree and at least 3 years of experience in education programming. Responsibilities include developing public programs and training staff. This role offers valuable opportunities to impact the community and work in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Employee assistance programs

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in a similar context.
• Experience instructing hands-on activities.
• Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’ certification.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and implement public education programs.
• Develop and facilitate outreach programs.
• Train staff and volunteers on educational content.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Post-secondary degree in Education Studies or Museum Studies

Tools

MS Office

Database management

Job description

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 5th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2025, the City of Markham is ranked 2nd among municipalities in Canada and 12th overall for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 366,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

Applications are now being accepted for the above position at the Markham Museum in the Economic Development, Culture and Entrepreneurship Department of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume online by December 4, 2025. Join us and make a lasting difference!

Job Summary

Reporting to the Program Coordinator, this position is responsible for supervising and implementing public education-based programs in accordance with healthy child development practices, including the development of core program deliverables, the marketing of public education-based Programs within Markham and the development of outreach programs within the community. This position is additionally responsible for assisting in the development of programs and activities that complement Markham Museum’s exhibitions and special events. This includes supporting the tour guides and frontline visitor services through trainings and ongoing support. The role includes facilitating specialized programming in the Museum’s studio and exhibition spaces, including the print shop and blacksmith shop.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Meets with Program Coordinator and Museum Curator to review Museum exhibition themes and content and determine the focus of discovery and interactive programs for public use.
• This position is responsible for researching, planning, implementing, and training staff and volunteers on exhibition interventions and programmed components for special events and public programs. Duties also include assisting with the research, design, preparation, and installation of interactive exhibit elements for both in‑house and travelling exhibitions.
• Researches, reviews and/or modifies interdisciplinary programming relevant to healthy child development practices, Museum Strategic Plan and customer expectations.
• Assisting the FT Program Coordinator with the management of the co‑op education program with local high schools, Colleges, Universities and supervises co‑op students in the Museum. As well, as opportunities for work experiences for diverse sectors of the community, including those with special needs and new comers.
• Meets with community partners to promote public programs based on museum exhibitions and collections. Liaises with community partners for special events and integrating partnered programs into our festivals, events and public programming.
• Plans, co‑ordinates and schedules P.A. days for children.
• Liaises as required with Museum Communications Assistant, Communications department and/or external publishers, to produce brochures, advertising, signage and promotional materials that market public education and camp programs. Provides content regarding public education and event programs for the Museum website.
• Deliver outreach programs to schools and local organizations.
• Represent the Museum and deliver public programming at various offsite local festivals and events.
• Oversees and coordinates the training of the Educational Program Instructors and Tour Guides and other volunteers on the content of museum exhibitions to ensure excellent public tours and to develop programming to support healthy child development.
• Under the direction of the Program Coordinator, be the lead representative from the Programming Department on developing visitor experiences in each of the Museum buildings during Winter Holidays, Applefest, Scary fest, March Break, International Museum Day, etc.
• Completes all program related forms as required (i.e., accident report, maintenance work orders, occurrence reports, etc.).
• Meets with Educational Program Instructors to identify their needs with respect to basic supplies. Maintains inventory of supplies for the public Education Programs.
• Assists front desk staff with Xplor inquiries and provides training on new processes when applicable.
• Provides specialised program delivery as required e.g., blacksmithing, operating the historic printing press, snowshoeing and geocaching, etc.
• Purchases and transports equipment and supplies to on‑site and off‑site locations.
• Ensures that each Educational Program Instructor has course supplies, first aid supplies, evaluation forms and cancellation notices.
• Supervises and visits programs on a regular basis to ensure quality program delivery and obtains feedback from program participants and on the quality and content of programs delivered.
• Writes applications to grant programs (e.g., Young Canada Works, Ontario Arts Council) in support of Museum public education programming.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Post‑secondary degree in Education Studies, Museum Studies, and/or equivalent.
• At least 3 years previous experience assisting with the development of programs, teaching and leading children and/or adults in informal educational experiences in a Gallery or Museum context or equivalent.
• Experience instructing hands‑on activities.
• Up to date Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’.
• Must be able to provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Screening.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal and communication skills and above‑average organizational and follow‑up skills required.
• Strong time management, multi‑tasking and above‑average organizational and follow‑up skills required.
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Outlook, database management, etc.
• Knowledge of Museum themes, interpretive principles, planning and programming.
• Demonstrated knowledge of history and STEAM education.
• Experience working with volunteers in a museum or other similar setting is an asset.
• HIGH FIVE Principle Healthy Child Development is an asset.
• Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License is an asset.

Core Behaviours

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self‑management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier‑free hiring process.

Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.