Program Assistant, School, Teacher Programs and Adult Experiential Learning

Regular Full-Time

(Up to 35 hours per week; some evening and weekends)

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 a Program Assistant, School, Teacher Programs and Adult Experiential Learning to join our Education & Programming team. Working closely and collaboratively with the Manager, School Programs and Early Learning, the incumbent will assist in the research, development, production and delivery of the AGO School, Teacher and Adult Learning programs that addresses to needs and interests of a broad and engaged public.

They will assist in the research and identification of significant trends in the visual arts both historical and contemporary, as well as ideas, trends and best practice in current museum education practices as it relates to schools, teachers and adult learning. They will work collaboratively with colleagues, internally and externally, to create and realize programs for audiences of all ages that support the AGO values of art, audience and learning and participate in the ongoing operations of the department.

What is this position responsible for?

• Assists and supports the research, development, scheduling and delivery of new and innovative programs with particular focus on schools, teachers and adult learning, as well as supports other related activities that generate varied forms of engagement in the public spaces throughout the museum addressing the needs and interests of a broad and engaged public. Supports the administration, logistics and operations to ensure that school, teacher and adult learning programs are integrated into the larger museum logistical systems.

• • Support Art Educator, student and teacher communication and welcome. Under the supervision of the Manager, School Programs and Early Learning, Prepares and updates attendance for school, teacher and adult learning, including the review of changes to schedules.
  • Under the direction of the Manager, School Programs and Early Learning prepares materials for marketing, curatorial and other departments, coordinating with pan-institutional teams to ensure fluid communication of internal and external promotions and marketing information for school, teacher and adult learning.
  • Digital production responsibilities will include, production to run/produce Zoom meetings for school, teacher and adult learning programs, and other for Public Programming & Learning, but is not responsible for editing the material.
  • Supports established copyright clearance processes for images used in online and onsite program, including tracking use of each in designated spreadsheets and websites.
  • Participates in production meetings to vet and communicate details including health and safety, conservation, facility services, media, art services, gallery logistics and other support departments; creates and modifies all work orders and related communication
  • Collects and inputs program information for gallery ticketing and web systems
  • Works to solve customer service challenges as they arise
  • Ascertains locations and spaces for activities as needed and works with the support of the Manager, School, Teacher and Adult Learning to secure spaces

• Assists in inviting and securing artists, preparing external contracts, and serving as onsite coordinator for school, teacher and learning programs:

• • Prepares invitation letters and agreement forms, as well as contracts, correspondence, cheque requisitions forms, any signage or related documents to ensure successful execution and production of said activities under the direction of various colleagues within the E&P team
  • Acts as the point person for orienting and briefing of Art Educators, students, teachers, visiting talent and contractors both onsite and at other times when necessary, including orienting to AGO policies and procedures
  • Acts as core internal point person to brief protection services, visitor services, AGO media, as well as other staff as required
  • Ensure that deadlines are met and projects are delivered against work orders, schedules and logistics; addressing any technical and communication challenges that may arise during production.

• Under the guidance of the Manager, School Programs and Early Learning, ensure that the administrative systems within E&P provide clear lines of communication and procedures resulting in shared information and external growth of the events.

• • Prepares information, including E&P guest lists and takes RSVPs for all relevant events
  • Attends and takes minutes of core project team meeting and tracks internal documents ensuring they are updated to provide transparency for greater E&P communication across the institution
  • Acts as the point person for any internal stakeholders related to programs and, at times work collaboratively and under the guidance of various colleagues within the E&P team

• Works to assist in the development of donor, board and committee related materials when necessary

• Ensures that a record of all events and core image database is maintained to ensure easy access to all relevant partners Internal and external

• Answers the telephone, takes messages, screens and direct calls, resolves problems when possible, opens, sorts and responds to general queries from the public when necessary whether in person, or by mail or phone.

• Schedule meetings and appointments for team, monitors department monthly expenses, monthly reports, program statistics, and contributes to other reports and meetings as necessary

• Maintains files and keeps online and offline systems organized and up-to-date.

• Accountable for any special projects as required

• Can develop content for one program per year as it aligns with the overall AGO vision, in agreement with the Manager, School Programs and Early Learning. Identifies and recommends changes to procedures

• Assists in other E&P programs, working with other Program Assistants as required, for high peak periods, vacation, illness or temporary workload relief.

• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

What are we looking for?

• Demonstrated experience of at least 3 years minimum in the administration and production of school, teacher and adult visits including supporting large-scale events, public programs or any related programs,
• Demonstrated experience working with artists, teachers and cultural producers, on-site events, program production, logistics and communication for public audiences.
• Minimum 2 years of directly related experience with planning and software including scheduling, planning, project coordination, coordination with multiple stakeholders internal and external and clients, artists and producers.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Ontario Curriculum, adult learning pedagogies and methodologies and museum education
• Demonstrated knowledge of museum education best practices in relation to accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusion and de-escalation.
• Highly developed administration and organizational skills, public relations, interpersonal and verbal and written. Strong communication skills
• Experience processing complex information efficiently and effectively while working within tight deadlines.
• Working knowledge and understanding of Visual/Media Arts, Art History, Studio Practices and Art Education as an asset
• Excellent front line customer service skills
• Knowledge of a foreign language 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.