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
This is an opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role overseeing one of the most visible and complex operational environments at ROM. As Manager, Gallery Engagement, you will provide people leadership and operational oversight across gallery-based engagement portfolios, ensuring safe, high-quality, and inclusive visitor experiences throughout the Museum.

Reporting to the AVP, Gallery Engagement, you will lead a team of Coordinators responsible for day-to-day operations across hands-on galleries, activation spaces, and peak-period programming. You will oversee a large and dynamic workforce of approximately 36 staff and more than 150 volunteers working across multiple public-facing environments operating seven days a week.

This role is central to maintaining operational continuity, supporting staff and volunteer success, and ensuring strong health, safety, and duty-of-care practices across gallery engagement spaces. You will play a key role in fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture while enabling teams to deliver engaging, accessible, and visitor-centred experiences aligned with institutional priorities.

If you are a confident people leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, brings sound judgment, and is motivated by creating exceptional public experiences, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at one of Canada’s leading cultural institutions.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Provide day-to-day operational leadership across gallery engagement spaces, ensuring safe, consistent, and high-quality visitor experiences across multiple public-facing environments
• Lead and support Gallery Engagement Coordinators and the Gallery Activation Coordinator, fostering strong team performance, accountability, and a collaborative culture
• Oversee the delivery of programming, activations, and peak-period operations, ensuring alignment with learning goals, visitor engagement priorities, and institutional standards
• Champion health, safety, and duty-of-care practices across gallery environments, supporting effective incident response and risk mitigation
• Lead integrated operational planning for peak periods and special events, balancing visitor experience, staffing models, and operational readiness
• Oversee budgets and resource allocation across engagement portfolios, ensuring responsible stewardship and alignment with program priorities
• Act as a key operational liaison with Security, Facilities, Visitor Services, Curatorial, and other departments to support seamless gallery operations
• Identify operational risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement, driving continuous enhancement of visitor experience and team effectiveness
• Support evaluation and reporting on engagement activities, contributing insights to inform planning, decision-making, and strategic priorities

WHAT YOU BRING

• A post-secondary degree in a museum, education, arts, science, cultural studies, or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Minimum five years of progressive experience in museum, gallery, cultural, or visitor-facing environments, with demonstrated operational leadership
• At least three years of experience supervising professional staff, with the ability to coach, support, and develop leaders and teams
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple programs, teams, or operational areas simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to foster collaboration, accountability, and inclusive team cultures
• Proven experience managing budgets, financial tracking, and resource planning
• Sound judgment and the ability to lead complex operations, respond to emergent issues, and make decisions under pressure
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across teams
• Demonstrated commitment to access, equity, inclusion, and visitor-centred practice
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and operational systems
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as required
• Fluency in French or additional languages is considered an asset

WHAT WE OFFER

• Comprehensive benefits coverage: For permanent and full-time contract positions (conditions apply), enjoy 100 percent premium-free benefits for individuals and families, a health spending account, flexible working options (varies by position), 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: April 2026
• OPEN DATE: March 2, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: Open until filled
• STATUS: Full-time Permanent
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union
• EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $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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