McMaster Museum of Art Hiring Assistant Curator
(18-month contract)
The McMaster Museum of Art (MMA) is seeking an informed, experienced, committed and collegial individual to fill the position of Assistant Curator from Tuesday, August 19, 2025 – January 22, 2027.
The MMA is a public, university-affiliated art museum, one amongst 48 such institutions in Canada. The MMA houses one of the best collections in a university-affiliate in the country. The collection of approximately 7,000 objects, includes Indigenous, Inuit, contemporary Canadian and 15th– 20th Century European art. The collection is housed in a facility with museum standard environmental and security controls, 5 exhibition galleries, 5 on-site storage vaults and 11 full-time staff. The Museum hosts an on-going exhibition program, public/education programs and acquisitions program supported by a significant on-line and social media presence.
Vision
The MMA will positively disrupt the traditional museological narrative by creating more inclusive, dynamic and experiential relationships between peoples and artistic practices.
Mission
The MMA is a meeting space for both the campus and the community situated within the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations. The Museum engages, educates and inspires through: Growing an awareness of the interconnectivity of the past, present and future; Advancing de-colonization; Engaging in innovative and imaginative research; Dismantling institutional and ideological boundaries; Partnering and collaborating with intentionality; Diversifying the collection; and Building capacity.
It is an exciting time to join the M(M)A! If you feel you are the right person to join our team: in a time of transition, in a time of significant social and political action in the arts and socio-cultural communities; if you are dynamic, motivated and a team player, this job offers the opportunity to contribute to a transformation in the arts in Canada.
Job Description
Start Date: August 19, 2025
End Date: February 20, 2027
Salary Grade: 7 ($27.12 – $31.65 hourly)
Duties and Responsibilities
- Responsible for assisting in research, interpretation, collection development and exhibition production relating to the Museum collection areas and exhibition program.
- Support the operational needs for different exhibitions.
- Conduct database, literature, and web searches to find references and articles. Compile this information to be used for various purposes such as exhibition interpretation, collection support, grant applications, and policy and procedure manuals.
- Provide support for the planning and organization of incoming and outgoing touring exhibitions including estimating time and resources needed.
- Draft curatorial texts, including exhibition statements, didactics, and short essays.
- Assist with the care and control of the permanent collection. This will include inventory management, condition reporting, physical handling and data entry into the collections database.
- Draft acquisition justifications that enhance the Museum’s art collection.
- Collaborate with education and programming teams to develop meaningful public programs that engage audiences.
- Provide support in the design and delivery of educational programs that encourage involvement in Museum activities. This can range from offering feedback on pilot programs to assisting with exhibition tours.
- Work with all project members to obtain sign off to deliverables & timelines.
- Attend and participate in meetings. Take meeting minutes.
- Review, edit, and format a variety of documents including but not limited to correspondence, grant applications, manuscripts, reports, abstracts, and slide presentations.
- Maintain confidentiality of information.
- Apply museological best practices in collections management and exhibition development.
- Foster connections with artists, scholars, and peer institutions at a regional and national level.
- Grow curatorial expertise through mentorship, professional development, and practical experience.
How To Apply
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
Deadline for applications: June 27th, 2025
Employment Equity Statement
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey – Statement of Collection for additional information.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:
Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
School of Graduate Studies
at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.
Hybrid Work Language
To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.
