Visitor Wayfinders (Volunteer Opportunity)

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.

The Department of Museum Volunteers (DMV) plays an essential role in bringing the ROM experience to life. Our volunteers are passionate ambassadors of discovery, dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience through guided tours, wayfinding, educational outreach, shared enthusiasm for the collections, and much more. We are committed to supporting the Museum’s mission to inspire learning, wonder, and deeper connections with our global heritage. 

WHO WE NEED
We are looking for 20 engaging volunteers to join us as Visitor Wayfinders for Fall 2025. As a Visitor Wayfinder, you will serve as an ambassador of curiosity, helping guests from around the world navigate the Museum and discover its wonders. Recognizable by your welcoming smile and distinctive "Ask Me" badge, you will be the friendly face that ensures every visitor's journey is smooth, enjoyable, and memorable. 

This role is perfect for those who enjoy connecting with people and want to be at the heart of the Museum experience. You will have the opportunity to share your enthusiasm for art, culture, and natural history while helping visitors explore our expansive galleries and exhibitions. By joining our team, you will play a vital role in supporting ROM's mission of education and inspiration for all our guests.


HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Greet guests with a friendly demeanor and approachable attitude, ensuring a positive and welcoming atmosphere. Offer clear directions to galleries, exhibitions, amenities, and facilities.
• Answer questions about collections, exhibitions, and events, or direct visitors to appropriate staff.
• Share personalized recommendations to enhance each visitor’s experience.
• Provide digital wayfinding assistance using the ROM website and mobile guide app.
• Share 30-second introductions to popular objects throughout the Museum.
• Maintain current knowledge of exhibitions, events, and Museum layouts.
• Represent ROM with professionalism and enthusiasm.

WHAT YOU BRING 
Department of Museum Volunteer (DMV) Qualifications: 

• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. 
• Agree to a criminal background check conducted by a third-party provider. 
• Obtain a valid ROM membership upon receiving a conditional offer. 
• Commit to paying a nominal annual fee after successfully completing the 6-month provisional period. 

Visitor Wayfinder Qualifications: 

• Willing to make a two-year commitment, volunteering an average of 4 hours per month (yearly minimum requirement is 24 hours). 
• Available for a flexible schedule that includes weekdays, weekends, and occasional evenings or holidays such as March Break, ROM for the Holidays, and ROM After Dark. 
• Able to engage comfortably with visitors while standing and walking for one-hour shifts (accommodations available). 
• Passionate about art, culture, natural history, and sharing knowledge with others. 
• Exceptional communicator with strong interpersonal skills and a welcoming demeanour. 
• Committed to providing outstanding visitor service to diverse audiences. 
• Adaptable team player who can also work independently. 
• Eager to learn and grow within the museum environment. 
• Previous experience in museums, cultural institutions, or visitor services is an asset. 
• Background in customer service, hospitality, or wayfinding roles is advantageous. 
• Proficiency in French or other languages is a plus. 

WHAT TO EXPECT 

Application & Selection Process: 

1. Apply Online: Submit your online application before the deadline on September 15, 2025. 
2. Interview: Selected applicants will be invited to a one-hour interview (conducted in-person or via Zoom) with a member of the Membership and Visitor Wayfinder committees. This conversation will focus on your experience, interests, and alignment with the role. 
3. Conditional Offer & Screening: Candidates receiving a conditional offer will be required to provide proof of an active ROM membership and complete a criminal background check via a third-party service before receiving an official placement. 
4. Mandatory Orientation: All accepted volunteers must attend the Department of Museum Volunteers (DMV) Orientation on November 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM. 
5. Training Program: Accepted volunteers must complete two (2) mandatory training sessions on November 15 and 22, 2025. Full details will be provided at a later date.

**All virtual interviews will be conducted via Zoom. ** 

Training & Time Commitment: 
Becoming a Visitor Wayfinder involves a supportive training program designed to set you up for success: 

• DMV Provisional Period: All new volunteers enter a maximum 6-month provisional term, which includes attending Museum tours, workshops, and DMV events to fully integrate into the department. 
• Visitor Wayfinder Training: This role-specific program consists of two mandatory training sessions on November 15 and 22, 2025, where you will learn wayfinding strategies, key museum knowledge, and visitor engagement techniques. 
• On-the-Floor Experience: Your training will include a minimum of 10 solo practice shifts, culminating in a final assessment with an experienced Wayfinder. 
• Ongoing Support: You will receive continuous guidance and have access to a network of committee members and fellow volunteers for questions, mentoring, and skill development throughout your training and beyond.

VOLUNTEER TERMS 

• START DATE: November 8, 2025 (Orientation) 
• OPEN DATE: September 2, 2025 
• CLOSE DATE: September 15, 2025 
• STATUS: Volunteer Opportunity (unpaid)
• EMPLOYEE GROUP:  Department of Museum Volunteers (DMV) 
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months maximum 
• LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON 

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY 
At ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibitions, 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 opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Apply today and help us create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity and learning flourish. 
 
We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.



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 offer will be subject to a standard criminal background check.

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