Chief of Learning & Public Programs

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.

Ontario, with a population of approximately 14.8 million, boasts a rich tapestry of cultural and ethnic diversity. Over 200 different ethnic origins are represented, and nearly 30% of the population is composed of visible minorities. This vibrant demographic landscape provides a fertile ground for innovative and inclusive educational programs that reflect and celebrate this diversity.

ROM is charting a new and bold way forward as it pursues its goal to become one of the world’s foremost museums by leveraging its strengths and capabilities in fresh and far-reaching ways, investing to create greater engagement through inclusion, transdisciplinary thinking, community engagement, and innovation.

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 the 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, for example with community leaders, artists, scientists, international scholars, and institutions.
4. Comfort with public speaking on behalf of large organizations, both internally and externally, to diverse stakeholders, including board members, funders, government officials, and grassroots community organizations.
5. A leadership style that fosters clear procedures and directives to support staff, as well as collaborative consensus building with peers in an environment that values diplomacy and discretion.
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, including Chief Curators, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, ROM Governors, external partners, ROM Board members, and museum volunteer leadership.

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 the candidate's 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 (e.g., camps).

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

1. Compensation is in CAD and will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Successful candidates will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical and dental coverage, life insurance, long-term disability, and a defined benefit pension plan. The ROM operates on a five-day workweek, with a hybrid schedule requiring in-office presence three days per week (Tuesday through Thursday).

Application Submission

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

1. A letter expressing interest in this particular position, including brief examples of past educational and public programming experience and proposed initiatives;
2. Curriculum vitae;
3. Names of three (3) references with contact information.

Applications should be submitted electronically only. Ensure all application materials are included in a single PDF document.

Any questions regarding this search should be directed to Menon Dwarka of MPD Culture Consultants, Inc. at menon@mpdcultureconsultants.com or 647.719.9624.

Diversity Statement
At ROM, we consider equity, diversity, and inclusion foundational to our institutional success. We seek to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the city and province in which we are located and welcome all qualified and experienced candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, age, sex, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Accessibility Statement
ROM is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) to applicants invited to an interview.

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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