Senior Curator, Programs & Exhibitions

hybrid
401 Richmond Street West Studio LL01, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5V 3A8
full-time . September 30, 2025

Description

The Senior Curator, Programs and Exhibitions plays a central leadership role shaping Museum of Toronto’s exhibition and public programming strategy as we enter an exciting phase of growth and expansion.

Reporting to the CEO, this person will be a member of the leadership team and will be responsible for developing, managing, and overseeing all public-facing programs—including exhibitions, live events, as well as educational and community initiatives.

This new position will assume programmatic responsibilities previously held by the CEO, and will be a key creative force in shaping the Museum’s curatorial direction. The successful candidate will need to be both strategic and tactical, known for their collaborative style and superb communication skills. They must be able to guide and mentor a small team, manage invited curators and partnerships, and ensure our programs remain innovative, unique, relevant, and inclusive.

Key Responsibilities

In consultation with the CEO, lead the annual development of engaging temporary and permanent exhibitions and public programs and education in alignment with the Museum’s mission and strategic plan, with attention to representing a diversity of voices and connection to the broader public.
Shape a multi-platform curatorial vision, including exhibitions, public events, digital, performance, workshops, and educational initiatives.
Cultivate and steward a growing network of collaborative relationships with a broad range of external stakeholders including artists, historians, researchers, journalists, educators, and community groups—some of whom will serve as guest curators with significant roles in shaping program content.
In collaboration with the Director of Digital Programs, lead, manage and mentor, a small team of associate and assistant curators and programmers, providing clear direction modelling collaboration, creative confidence and cross-team communication.
Guide the research, development, design, budgets and production of exhibitions, including narrative development, object selection, and design oversight and installation.
Oversee the creation and monitoring of effective project workflows, ensuring consistent communication and alignment across all curatorial initiatives.
Lead all stages of program development—from concept to execution—including research, planning, budgeting, production, and evaluation ensuring most resource efficient and timely work flows.
Work closely with the Director of Digital Programs to ensure digital is considered as an integrated facet of annual program delivery and a holistic visitor experience.
Collaborate with the Director of Fundraising, the board and related stakeholders to help manage relationships and work together to secure funding through grants, donors, and corporate stakeholders.
Support the marketing and operations team to craft program descriptions for visitor-facing and marketing materials. Oversee the care, storage, transportation, and display of objects and material culture as needed.
Determine evaluation metrics to determine the effectiveness of programs and exhibitions and contribute to ongoing learning and iteration.

Qualifications and Skills

Advanced degree in museum studies, public history, art history, cultural studies, history, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience.
Minimum 5–7 years of experience in exhibition planning, public programming, education, or curatorial leadership within a museum or cultural organization that delivers exhibitions and programs.
Knowledge and experience of museum theory and practice, with an understanding of museums and an interest in public history and civic museums.
Demonstrated experience managing staff and mentoring early-career professionals.
Experience with budgeting, stakeholder engagement, and cross-departmental collaboration.
Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines.
Comfort working in a small, nimble, evolving environment and within a growing non-collecting museum model.
Familiarity with museums and digital content, and engagement is considered an asset.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, attention to detail and a strong methodical approach to planning and execution
Post-secondary degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A combination of skills and experience will be considered

Conditions of Employment

This is a full-time, hybrid position. Occasional evening work can be anticipated in relation to Museum events, with a time-in-lieu system in place.

Following a three-month probationary period, employees receive a health and dental benefits program.

The Museum of Toronto is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates from visible and invisible minority group members, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. We are committed to hiring on merit and to removing barriers in employment policies. Reasonable accommodation for disabilities will be provided, on request, to support applicant’s participation in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

How to Apply

To apply, candidates should a letter of interest and CV in one PDF document. Please reference “Senior Curator” in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The hiring process will involve a 30-minute screening call, followed by at least one in-person interview. A reference check will precede any offer of employment. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For further information on the Museum of Toronto, please refer to our website: www.museumoftoronto.com.

Compensation

$90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

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