Assistant Coordinator, Hands-on Galleries (12-month contract)

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.

As we continue to work toward our goals to transform and evolve as one of the world’s foremost 21st-century museums, we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values.

We are seeking a part-time Assistant Coordinator (Hands-on Biodiversity & Discovery Galleries) to support the daily operations, volunteer program, and visitor experience within some of ROM’s most interactive gallery spaces.

Reporting to the Gallery Coordinator and working under the direction of the Manager of Learning, this role plays a key part in delivering engaging, high-quality, hands-on experiences for visitors. The successful candidate will supervise volunteers, interns, and staff, support programming and operations, and help ensure the smooth functioning of the Hands-on Biodiversity Gallery (including the Bat Cave), Discovery Gallery, and Schad Gallery.

This role also provides operational coverage in the absence of full-time staff and supports emergency procedures as required.

• Oversee day-to-day gallery operations, ensuring a safe, engaging, and high-quality visitor experience across Hands-on Biodiversity, Discovery, and Schad Galleries
• Supervise, train, and support volunteers, interns, and staff to deliver interactive, visitor-centered programming
• Support the coordination and ongoing development of the volunteer program, including recruitment, training, engagement, and retention initiatives
• Provide operational and administrative support to the Gallery Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator, including scheduling, communications, and program coordination
• Monitor gallery objects, specimens, equipment, and supplies, and support maintenance, reporting, and ordering processes
• Assist with the care and monitoring of live animals in accordance with museum policies and procedures
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of gallery programs, events, and interpretive materials for diverse audiences
• Support digital engagement by contributing content to gallery social media channels and web pages
• Ensure smooth gallery operations in the absence of full-time staff, including acting as Fire Marshal in emergency situations
• Perform other related duties in support of gallery operations and visitor experience

• Post-secondary education in education, museum studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in a museum, gallery, or interactive educational environment
• Experience supervising or coordinating staff, volunteers, or interns, with a focus on training and engagement
• Experience supporting or contributing to a volunteer program, including coordination or training
• Strong understanding of experiential and inquiry-based learning, with the ability to engage diverse audiences of all ages
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort using digital tools, including social media platforms
• SmartServe certification required
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak periods as required
• Bilingual proficiency (English/French) is considered an asset

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• START DATE: April 2026
• OPEN DATE: March 23, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: Open until filled
• STATUS: Part-time, contract
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: OPSEU
• SALARY: $29.76 - 34.00 hourly
• SCHEDULE: Up to 24 hours weekly
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 420 hours or six (6) months
• LOCATION (on-site): Toronto, ON
• POSTING TYPE: This posting is for an existing vacancy. 

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. Initial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation** with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact.
2. First interview: A 1-hour in-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the HR team. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the team's and ROM's needs.

• Cultural engagement: Daily interactions with Toronto's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences.
• Continuous learning: At ROM, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.
• Passion & fulfillment: Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.
• Team & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving.
• Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.

If you’re excited about this role, even if your experience differs from the specific requirements, we encourage you to apply. We’re keen to meet candidates who can contribute their talents to our goals, and will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY
At ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibits, 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 employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• ROM does not require “Canadian experience.” International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
• ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
• This posting is for an existing vacancy.

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.