Associate Director, Lifelong Learning and Engagement, and Operations
Regular Full-Time

(35 hours per week)

ART + AUDIENCE + LEARNING

Located in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, attracting approximately one million visitors annually. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces.

AGO Values:

• Respect:We foster belonging and appreciate each other.
• Openness:We interact with an open mind and thoughtful engagement.
• Collaboration:We believe in the power of together.
• Accountability:We own our actions and outcomes.

We are currently seeking an Associate Director, Lifelong Learning and Engagement, and Operations to join our Education & Programming team. Under the direction of the Richard & Elizabeth Currie Chief, Education & Programming, the incumbent will facilitate and support the vision and work of the Education and Programs Division ensuring that they align with the AGO mission of Art, Audience and Learning, and the values of Respect, Openness, Collaboration, and Accountability.

The Associate Director, Lifelong Learning and Engagement, and Operations, will support and facilitate major intergenerational initiatives from early childhood learning to older adults/seniors. The Associate Director will develop initiatives from strategy through to implementation and evaluation, ensuring that projects are optimized to achieve the Gallery’s strategic goals of engaging intergenerational and diverse audiences with art and learning. The Associate Director will provide strategic advisory, budgetary, production and organizational support to the Chief, Education and Programming.

The Associate Director, Lifelong Learning and Engagement, and Operations manages the operations, processes, scheduling and logistics of the Education and Programming Division, including oversight over education and programming spaces throughout the building through operations, staffing, space booking and maintenance. Leads the collection of attendance and overall division statistics as needed for reporting. Plays lead role in reporting, report writing, overseeing collection of content and data for requests. Represents the division at gallery-wide planning and logistics teams. Will work collaboratively to facilitate the production of various public programs including the Artist in Residence Program. Manages processes and protocols for partner negotiations and contracting across the division.

What is this position responsible for?

• Responsible for the day-to-day leadership, management, coaching and development of intergenerational programs from Early Childhood, Family Learning to older adults/seniors' programs.

• • Lead the team by example and encourage ambitious goals to establish the AGO as a site of learning and programming excellence that delivers on world class museum engagement and learning connecting visitors to the art in galleries and more broadly culture.
  • Model and maintain a collaborative, joyful, team-oriented departmental culture, on all levels.
  • Supports the management of the Artist in Residence Program
  • Lead, supervise, mentor and oversee direct reports on a day-to-day basis, and general employee management to ensure the effective follow-up and execution of the team’s responsibilities, assignments, and work to facilitate strong and measurable performance ensuring excellence and professional standards across all team members.
  • Always ensure that team members are delivering to AGO professional norms and values of respect, openness, collaboration and accountability both internally and externally.
  • Encourage collaboration and transparency amongst education and programming division staff to work in reciprocity with other museum departments such as Curatorial, Exhibitions, Visitor Experience, Brand and Business Facilities and Media and Logistics and Art Services, etc.
  • The role will include the oversight of the Family Learning and community engagement teams, including the Artist in Residence program.
  • Manages work performance of department staff through hiring; training processes; assigning, scheduling, and monitoring work completion; and managing work performance by facilitating performance evaluation and management as needed.
  • Manages delivery of services in accordance with department systems and procedures, applicable collective agreements; and AGO’s policies and procedures on security, administration, human resources, and department manager/supervisor responsibilities for workplace health and safety.

• Working in collaboration with the Chief, Education and Programming develop, implement, and assess engaging and robust intergenerational programming for lifelong learning with a focus on older adult/senior programming and supporting the Family Hands-On Learning Centre.

• • Working in collaboration with Brand and Business and Development, intentionally develop and implement a program for older adults/seniors' engagement with art and learning based on data, research, and best practices.
  • Gather data and feedback to analyze effectiveness of programs and implement necessary changes, and to track statistical data.
  • In collaboration with Family programs teams, further build the profile and program of the Weston Family Learning Centre and Community Gallery and assess current partnerships and design a more effective integrated strategy.
  • Ensure delivery of annual financial targets and oversee the development of a plan that tries to better align the work of Intergenerational, lifelong learning programs within the institution.
  • Consistently identify and deliver opportunities that meet the AGO’s overall mandate, with consideration of how other stakeholders and areas within the institution might work collaboratively to maximize space potential in fiscally responsible ways.

• Supports the Education & Programming Division teams (School and Teacher Programs, Camps and Course, Family and Public Programs) programs and activities.

• • Supports with organizing the Education and Programming Division staff to work with partners and internal colleagues to plan and implement events, programs, courses and initiatives at varying scales and levels of complexity with best-in-class production and implementation.
  • Supervises the timely and accurate creation, approval, and distribution of intra-gallery communications about programs. Manages long- and short-range schedules for the Education and Programming division including staffing and programs.
  • Works collaboratively with the Education and Programming management team to ensure administrative and production resources are managed consistently and equitably across the division. Establishes processes and systems that maximize divisional efficiency, evaluating existing systems and implementing shifts, as necessary.

• As a senior member of the Education and Programming team, participate in strategic planning and budgeting while working closely and collaboratively with other relevant members of the division.

• • In collaboration with the Chief, Education and Programming, oversees the annual overall budget for the Education and Programming team. Develops and monitors departmental financial budgets. Identifies and explores rationale and solutions to budget variances.
  • Takes responsibility for tracking, updating, and consulting with Education and Programming manager team about hitting fiscal goals to ensure targets are met.
  • Is lead contact for the finance department for all budget related tasks and cycles throughout the year, working with the manager team to ensure all deadlines and requests are met.
  • Collaborates with the Chief Education and Programming about capital requests for the Education and Programming division.

• Manages the booking and usage of all galleries, Weston Family Learning Centre, Gallery School and Community Gallery, and Jackman Hall spaces for programs and divisional needs.

• • Collaborating with other Education and Programming managers, oversee operations including staffing, supplies, equipment, site maintenance, health, and safety.
  • Works with other Education and Programming Staff to oversee the Artist in Residence Program
  • Oversees scheduling, installation, and project management for the Community Gallery, in collaboration with Chief, Education and Programming
• • Jackman Hall – oversees all operations for the Jackman Hall theater space including partnership management, staff scheduling, day to day technical and production needs.
  • Oversees the execution of a more efficient workflow and processes within established timelines.
  • Utilizes gallery systems and processes for tracking and reporting, including but not limited to Education and Programming attendance data and statistics.
  • Works collaboratively with the Education and Programming team and cross gallery team members to share information, build alignment and address challenges proactively.
  • Is point person to compile necessary information for reports, government requests, audit requests, and is responsible for all required reports (for example, CADAC, development, provincial, etc.).
  • Supports Education and Programming to ensure divisional activity is compliant with municipal, provincial, and federal legislative requirements regarding access and health & safety, including AODA.
  • Works alongside the E&P management team to develop operations related divisional strategies, set key internal program deadlines and manage scope.
  • Performs other duties as required.

What are we looking for?

• Seven to ten years’ experience working at the management level in a museum or cultural organizations with demonstrated experience related to project management, logistics, production, budgeting, reporting, and using and implementing a wide range of tools and administrative systems, services, and practices.
• Demonstrated experience with developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating lifelong learning and engagement programs in the arts with a focus on older adult/senior programs.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement complex projects from design to execution; facilitation capacity and motivation to achieve results in collaboration with other professionals, particularly in an environment where influence is as important as positional authority.
• Must have a background in the visual/media arts field and knowledge of contemporary art practices (Studio, Art History, Museum Studies, etc.). An MA/MFA, PhD would be an asset
• Proven success to work effectively and positively with other professional employees in a highly collaborative environment, and at times high volume organization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team and ensure best practices and success.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and communicate across departments within a dynamic environment. Pressure related to frequent and short deadlines.
• Strong demonstrated ability to create multi program opportunities and to hold and deliver on divergent ideas and programs simultaneously.
• Strong demonstrated ability to prioritize and make quick decisions.
• Proven ability to conduct research and analysis.
• Demonstrated effective project management abilities within a visual arts context.
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex budgets.
• Exceptional Microsoft office, word processing, presentation, electronic calendaring, and messaging skills.
• Broad knowledge of current museum and culture-sector practices, particularly the role of events, artistic programming, and outreach, is an asset.
• Experience working in a unionized environment is an asset.

What are the benefits of working at the AGO?

• Discounts to GoodLife Fitness.
• Free tickets to every major exhibit at AGO.
• Discounts to major attractions as a part of the Provincial/City Reciprocal Programs.
• Free admission to the AGO for friends and family, discounts at the gift shop, bistro, and Learning Centre.

If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, apply now!

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility:

At the AGO, we lead global conversations from Toronto through extraordinary collections, exhibitions, and programs, reflecting the diverse community we serve. Committed to fostering inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, we embed these values into our strategic plan and ongoing priorities.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications online at https://jobs.jobvite.com/ago/jobs/viewall. If you prefer to submit an application in person, please leave it at the Shipping Dock (next to the Jackman Hall entrance on McCaul Street), addressed to the People Division. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM.

We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Art Gallery of Ontario is an Equal Opportunity Employer.