Gallery Activation Lead (24-month Contract)

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 enthusiastic and adaptable Gallery Activation Lead to provide on-the-floor leadership for ROM’s hands-on learning spaces and visitor activations.

Under the supervision of the Manager, Gallery Engagement and working closely with the Gallery Activation Coordinator, you will provide daily guidance to Gallery Assistants and volunteers as they deliver interactive, family-friendly learning experiences throughout the Museum. You will help coordinate staff assignments and breaks, oversee activation setup and materials, support visitor flow, and ensure programs are delivered safely, consistently, and with exceptional customer service.

You will also be an important first point of support when operational challenges arise, using sound judgment to address visitor concerns, troubleshoot activities, and respond to situations such as lost children, first aid incidents, and other urgent needs before escalating when appropriate. This role is particularly important during high-attendance periods such as ROM for the Holidays, Family Day, March Break, and other special programs and events.

Evening, weekend, and select holiday availability is required. A Vulnerable Sector Screening will be required as a condition of employment.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

- Provide daily guidance and on-the-floor leadership to Gallery Assistants and volunteers delivering hands-on activities and educational activations
- Coordinate daily staff assignments, breaks, activation schedules, and operational needs to support smooth and consistent program delivery
- Help create fun, interactive, and meaningful learning experiences for visitors of all ages using appropriate educational approaches and knowledge of ROM galleries and programming
- Oversee the setup and takedown of activations, signage, supplies, teaching materials, artifacts, and specimens, ensuring materials are handled safely and returned appropriately
- Monitor visitor flow and adjust operations during busy periods to support safe, welcoming, and efficient experiences in galleries and learning spaces
- Respond to visitor concerns, activation issues, lost children, first aid situations, and other operational needs using established procedures and escalating significant issues as appropriate
- Support Gallery Assistants and volunteers through coaching, problem-solving, and clear communication while modelling excellent customer service and collaborative teamwork
- Track activation resources and inventory, provide feedback on program delivery, and communicate operational or materials concerns to the Gallery Activation Coordinator
- Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and adaptable environment for visitors, staff, and volunteers during regular operations, peak periods, and special events

WHAT YOU BRING

- Minimum three (3) years of experience working with families and children in an interactive museum, educational, arts, or camp environment, including experience developing and/or delivering activities related to art, culture, or nature
- Completion of at least two (2) years of post-secondary education in education, visual art, natural history, world cultures, or another museum-related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Demonstrated team leadership skills; experience training or supervising staff, particularly in a unionized environment, is an asset
- Knowledge of lifelong learning principles and diverse learning styles, with the ability to support engaging, hands-on learning experiences for visitors of different ages and backgrounds
- Strong customer service, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment in a busy public-facing environment
- Proven research, planning, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively as priorities change
- Experience coordinating, recruiting, or training volunteers, interns, or staff is an asset
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard digital tools used for communication, scheduling, and coordination
- Ability to spend extended periods walking and standing in galleries and regularly lift and move program materials weighing up to 15 kg
- Availability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and select holidays
- Fluency in French or another language is an asset; First Aid and/or lifeguard certification is also an asset

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

- START DATE: November 2026
- OPEN DATE: October 27, 2026
- CLOSE DATE: November 13, 2026
- STATUS: Part-time, contract
- EMPLOYEE GROUP: OPSEU
- HOURLY RATE: $29.76 - $34.00 per hour
- SCHEDULE: Up to 24 hours weekly
- PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 420 hours or six (6) months
- LOCATION (on-site): Toronto, ON

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

- Initial conversation: Apply online. Selected individuals will be invited to complete a pre-recorded video questionnaire to tell us more about your interest in ROM.
- 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.

If you’re excited about this role, even if your experience differs from the specific requirements, we encourage you to apply. We’re keen to meet candidates who can contribute their talents to our goals, and will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & 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 [email protected] for assistance.

APPLY NOW

Apply today and help us create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity and learning flourish.

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.

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