The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is Canada’s sixth national museum. Our mission is to share the ongoing story of immigration to Canada—past to present and coast to coast to coast. The Museum is located in the Pier 21 national historic site at the Halifax seaport where nearly one million immigrants landed in Canada from 1928 to 1971.
We have an opening for the role of Assistant Curator, Temporary and Travelling Exhibitions This is a full time and permanent role and will be located on site at the Museum in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
We are committed to having a skilled, diversified workforce reflective of Canadian Society. Applications are invited from all qualified candidates, including Indigenous persons, women, people of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, visible minorities, racialized people, and people with disabilities.
You will be responsible for the planning, implementation and maintenance of incoming and outgoing temporary and travelling exhibitions, with support provided to the Core Exhibitions and Collection departments as needed.
In consultation with the Curator, Temporary and Travelling Exhibitions, you will lead the planning and implementation of exhibition schedules, timelines, procurement, staffing and budget of assigned exhibition projects. You will also work with internal and external stakeholders to determine and deliver exhibition programing requirements and objectives.
You will also lead the offsite, in-person installation for some of our travelling exhibitions. There will be a requirement for you to travel across Canada for 3 to 4 weeks per year.
Principal Accountabilities
Exhibitions
· Leads the Museum’s travelling exhibition program’s operational aspects, including securing host bookings, arranging shipping, developing exhibition layouts, ensuring proper care and security of artifacts on display and in storage, onsite or remote installation direction, follow-up after deinstallation, developing and updating host materials;
· Leads the maintenance and repair of travelling exhibitions including a 24hr response time for hosts of travelling exhibitions;
· Develops and implements detailed plans for exhibitions including installation, shipping/storage, cost projections, staffing, procurement, technology and fabrication and design requirements in consultation with the Curator, Temporary and Travelling Exhibitions;
Project Management
· Supports project management of larger exhibitions in consultation with the Museum’s Vice President, Operations as determined by the Senior Leadership Team;
· Conducts exhibition preparations, installations, de-installations and related logistics for temporary exhibitions, including maintenance and storage of exhibition components, and disposal of surplus components;
· Works with Collections Unit and lenders to ensure appropriate shipping/receiving, packing/unpacking, and handling, display, and storage of exhibition artifact loans;
· Develops and analyzes temporary exhibition layouts with Curator, Temporary and Travelling Exhibitions and key project stakeholders following museum best practices;
· Communicates with internal and external project stakeholders to determine project objectives and requirements and meet project deadlines;
· Negotiates, updates and tracks exhibition contracts in consultation with the Curator, Temporary and Travelling Exhibitions and the Vice President, Operations;
· Develops and monitors Request for Quotes for the procurement of goods and services in the Exhibitions Department, in consultation with the Museum’s Vice President, Operations;
· Reviews, analyzes and tracks exhibition proposals and advises Curator and Exhibition Committee on exhibition feasibility based on schedule and project requirements for proposed exhibitions;
· Recommends and monitors priorities for exhibition projects;
· Assists with monitoring and maintaining exhibitions, and coordinates necessary follow-up arrangements;
· Monitors and provides estimates for the purchase of exhibition-related supplies, materials and equipment for temporary and travelling exhibitions;
· Installs graphics, artwork, and large objects as required.
Partnerships and Accessibility
· Confers with key Museum team members to identify innovative ways of increasing accessibility to, and engagement with the Museum’s exhibitions and collection;
· Explores and identifies partnerships for the Museum with opportunities to grow audience through exhibition development external consultation and Community Presents;
· Assists with, or participates in organizational or partnership-based exhibition projects;
· Nurtures existing partner and donor relationships, and networks to expand existing partners and contact lists;
· Assists in responding to general inquires pertaining to exhibitions;
· Speaks to the public and journalists to promote and educate audiences about project content in consultation with Curator, Temporary and Travelling Exhibitions and the External Relations department.
Administration
· Records Exhibition Committee meeting minutes, prepares and collates documentation and information relating to exhibitions;
· Processes and tracks all invoices for department and maintains budget tracking sheets;
· Processes Estimated Travel and Hospitality forms and books travel for offsite exhibition installations;
· Monitors, negotiates and maintains licensing tracking and renewals for temporary and travelling exhibitions.
Supervision
· Assigns duties, delegates tasks, and supervises on a project basis the work of preparators, technicians, service providers, interns and volunteers;
· Conducts day-to-day supervision of Welcome Home to Canada employee as applicable.
Secondary Accountabilities
· Assists in ensuring the care, preservation, preventative conservation, security and accessibility of the Museum’s collection and artifacts under the Museum’s stewardship, including the preparation of artifact condition and progress reports as required;
· Represents and promotes activities of the Museum’s Exhibitions departments by participating in regional and national professional organizations;
· Monitors trends and developments in the Museum field and their potential to apply to exhibitions;
· Participates in appropriate committee activities and meetings as required.
Education, Knowledge & Experience
Skills and Qualifications – Required
· Bachelor’s degree in History, Public History, Anthropology or related field;
· Graduate certificate or diploma related to Museum Studies or equivalent combination of training and experience;
· Minimum of three years of experience working with exhibitions in a museum or gallery setting larger than 1,500 sq. ft.;
· Experience with both physical and digital collections;
· Demonstrated understanding of museum principles and best practices specifically in terms of exhibitions and collections;
· Project management experience, including management of multiple and simultaneous projects;
· Demonstrated research skills: ability in locating, evaluating, analyzing and synthesizing large amounts of information from diverse sources;
· Demonstrated ability to be pro-active, work on own initiative and within a team;
· Demonstrated problem solving ability for shipping and handling, teamwork, and exhibition installations;
· Ability to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful and professional manner;
· Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills: ability to plan, organize, prioritize and meet deadlines;
· Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in the handling of confidential matters.
· Experience supervising personnel.
Skills and Qualifications – Desired
· Knowledge of Canadian immigration patterns and history;
· Experience with a CAD program such as SketchUp to develop exhibition floorplans;
· Project management training;
· Fluent in both official languages, French and English, both spoken and written;
Competencies
· Communication – well developed communication skills: knowledge of various communication methods, and the ability to present and receive information in the most appropriate manner.
· Problem Solving – knowledge of problem-solving and decision-making techniques, and the ability to anticipate, generate solutions to problems and decide on a course of action.
· Planning & Organizing – effectively manages resources (people, funding, material, support) and eliminates roadblocks to achieve goals.
· Responsiveness – ability to respond to and learn from new developments and initiatives, ability to deal with sensitive and difficult personal issues that may arise, with tact, sensitivity and confidentiality.
· Customer Focus – knowledge and ability to provide high levels of service to both internal and external customers, leading to high customer satisfaction and established relationships.
· Motivation – encourages others to do their best through empowerment, reward and recognition, delegation, and the creation of a positive work environment and strong teams
· Ethics – exercises sound ethical judgment, applies ethical principles to the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of data and information.
· Adaptability – knowledge and ability to effectively manage ones’ own behavior and positively influence the actions of others during times of change, stress or uncertainty.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
· Combination of work in an office environment, onsite in exhibitions and travel to work across Canada;
· Requires lifting and moving objects up to 50 pounds;
· Must be able to safely climb inclines, negotiate uneven surfaces, stairs and ladders;
· Must be able to acquire Fall Arrest Training and be comfortable working from heights;
· Use of hand tools and basic power tools;
· May require irregular hours (evening, weekends).
Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefit package, including the public service pension plan. Some assistance with relocation costs may also be provided.
The salary range for this role is: $59,772 – $77,705.
To apply for this role please click on the link below:
The closing date for applications is 5pm AST on Friday, October 18, 2024.
About The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is Canada’s sixth national museum. Our mission is to share the ongoing story of immigration to Canada—past to present and coast to coast to coast. The Museum is located in the Pier 21 national historic site at the Halifax seaport where nearly one million immigrants landed in Canada from 1928 to 1971.
Our purpose is to explore the theme of immigration to Canada in order to enhance public understanding of the experiences of immigrants as they arrived in Canada, of the vital role immigration has played in the building of Canada and of the contributions of immigrants to Canada’s culture, economy and way of life.
We are committed to having a skilled, diversified workforce reflective of Canadian Society. Applications are invited from all qualified candidates, including Indigenous persons, women, people of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, visible minorities, racialized people, and people with disabilities. The Museum is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. Alternative selection tool methods and/or reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
For further information on the Museum please visit https://pier21.ca
