Manager, Travelling Exhibition Sales & Coordination

Toronto, ON, Canada
Full Time
ENGAGEMENT & LEARNING
Manager/Supervisor
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.

WHO WE NEED
We are seeking a Manager, Travelling Exhibitions Sales & Coordination to lead the growth and execution of ROM’s travelling exhibition program.

This role is ideal for professionals with experience in travelling exhibitions, touring programs, or international exhibition logistics, particularly within museum or cultural institution environments.

Reporting to the AVP, Exhibition & Gallery Planning, this role is responsible for driving revenue-generating exhibition tours while overseeing the full lifecycle of travelling exhibition projects - from concept development through installation and tour delivery.

This role combines sales/business development, global partnership management, project management, and complex project leadership, ensuring exhibitions are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards. The successful candidate will represent ROM in the international marketplace, cultivate strategic partnerships, and ensure exceptional client experiences across all host venues.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
  • Lead the development and growth of ROM’s travelling exhibitions program by creating and executing global sales, marketing, and business strategies
  • Identify and secure national and international touring opportunities, building strong relationships with museums, institutions, and partners
  • Drive measurable program success through increased exhibition bookings, revenue growth, and strong client satisfaction outcomes
  • Develop innovative business models, partnerships, and licensing opportunities to expand reach and generate revenue
  • Act as the primary liaison with host venues, ensuring strong client relationships and high levels of satisfaction
  • Lead project planning, including budgets, timelines, procurement, and resource coordination, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget
  • Oversee on-site installation and de-installation activities, ensuring alignment with design specifications, timelines, and safety standards
  • Monitor financial performance, including cost tracking, revenue forecasting, and reporting, in collaboration with Finance and Procurement teams
  • Manage vendor and contractor relationships, including contract negotiation, performance oversight, and invoice approvals
  • Support cross-functional collaboration with internal teams (e.g., curatorial, design, marketing, learning, retail) to ensure cohesive exhibition delivery
  • Represent ROM globally at conferences, sales events, and industry forums, building international partnerships and expanding ROM’s presence in the travelling exhibitions market
  • Lead reporting and evaluation efforts, including business cases, attendance analysis, and post-project reviews
  • Provide functional leadership and coordination to cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors during exhibition planning, installation, and tour execution
  • Identify risks and proactively develop mitigation strategies to ensure successful project delivery

WHAT YOU BRING
  • A university or college degree in a museum-related, business, or cultural field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 10+ years of experience in the museum or cultural sector, including at least 5 years working with travelling/touring exhibitions
  • Demonstrated experience in business development, sales, and partnership management within the cultural or exhibition sector
  • Strong project management expertise, including budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and contract management
  • Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept through delivery
  • Proven ability to manage vendor, contractor, and partner relationships at a national and international level
  • Familiarity with the global travelling exhibition market, including North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
  • Demonstrated ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments with diplomacy, tact, and sound judgment, including managing sensitive or high-pressure situations
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
  • Experience interpreting technical drawings, exhibition layouts, and fabrication specifications
  • Demonstrated experience in risk forecasting, mitigation planning, and issue resolution across complex projects
  • Strong financial management capability, including budget control, cost tracking, and variance analysis
  • Experience with tools such as Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office Suite, and SharePoint
  • Demonstrated leadership experience, including supervising teams and facilitating collaboration
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
  • PMP certification is an asset
  • French language proficiency is an asset

WHAT WE OFFER
  • Career progression opportunities within a growing program, with potential to advance into senior leadership roles in travelling exhibitions
  • Comprehensive benefits coverage: For permanent and full-time contract positions (conditions apply), enjoy paid benefits for individuals and families, a health spending account, and an Employee Assistance Program.
  • Worry-free retirement savings: With our pension plan, you benefit from an employer-matched Defined Benefit contribution plan, which provides predictable lifetime retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options without the stress of investment decisions.
  • Support for new parents: Enjoy a parental leave top-up to 95 percent of your salary for 17 weeks, helping you balance work and family life.
  • Perks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff, plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario.
  • And more!

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • START DATE: Summer 2026 (earlier start may be considered based on candidate availability)
  • OPEN DATE: April 15, 2026
  • CLOSE DATE: May 8, 2026
  • STATUS: Full-time Permanent
  • EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-union
  • EXPECTED COMPENSATION: Salary: $99,788 - $117,398
    SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months
  • LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON

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.
  3. Second interview: A 1-hour in-person meeting with the Hiring Manager and relevant team members. You may be asked to present a pre-assigned case study and discuss scenarios relevant to your role. Depending on the position, you might also be given a tour of ROM and receive a preview of your responsibilities and interactions.
The above-listed process may change or vary based on the nature and scope of the position.

**All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.**


WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM
  • 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.
APPLY NOW

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.

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