Assistant Manager, Community and Public Programs, Art Gallery of Ontario

Assistant Manager, Community and Public Programs

Regular Full-Time (Frequent evenings and weekends; evenings Tuesday to Saturday, with some flexibility)

Art + Audience + Learning

We are currently seeking an Assistant Manager, Community and Public Programs to join our Education & Programming team. Under the direction of the Richard and Elizabeth Currie Chief, Education and Programming, the incumbent will lead and collaborate with the Public Programs team to intentionally program the public spaces of the museum addressing the needs and interests of diverse AGO audiences. They are involved in identifying significant trends in global contemporary visual arts programming and in the ideas, trends and best practices in contemporary culture, museum programming and learning. They work collaboratively with a Public Programs team to research, develop, produce, create AGO public programming opportunities across the museum with a particular focus on global contemporary art and culture. They will work in consultation with colleagues, internally and externally, to create and realize all these programs and ensure they support the AGO values of art, audience and learning, and serve diverse AGO audiences. Public Programs include talks, openings, screenings, live performances, events, Friday night programming. They will support the overall directions and goals of the Education and Programming Department, including the collection and analysis of data to inform community and public programming decisions. At times, supervise and collaborate with the Community Programs including intergenerational programs.

Salary Range: $72,017 – $89,962 per annum

What Is This Position Responsible For?

1. Intentional Public Program Development and Implementation

Working with the Richard and Elizabeth Currie, Chief Education and Programming, guides a collaborative Public Programs team and with various departments throughout the development, productions and evaluation of public programs to create opportunities to enhance public engagement and learning for current exhibitions, the AGO collections and history through talks, openings, screenings, live performances, events and Friday nights.
Effectively gathers and analyzes data to inform decisions about programming, audience engagement, attendance, revenue and areas of improvement.
As needed, supports community programs with the development of engaging and relevant intergenerational programs.
Contributes to the development of the AGO as a site of dynamic global contemporary programs; builds and initiates positive relationships with museum colleagues and the larger cultural community, locally, nationally and internationally.
Works closely with the Curatorial Division to develop and produce talks, openings, performances and events that enhance the presentation of exhibitions and collections, generating local relevance and international profile and interest for the AGO’s curatorial and programmatic output.
Position the museum as the leader in museum in community and public programs.
Collaborate with the Development Division to enhance fundraising opportunities and donor appreciation.

2. Community and Public Programming Management

Manage and support logistical planning and onsite coordination of talks, openings, live performances, events, Friday nights.
Contribute to a strategy that includes an effective balance and mix of programs, events, screenings, cross-disciplinary live performances, events
Determines and monitors adherence to professional programming practices ensuring programs deliver stated institutional goals and visitor outcomes.
Manage the work performance of related Public Programs staff with the support of the Richard & Elizabeth Currie Chief, Education & Programming and when required. This includes hiring; training processes; assigning; scheduling; monitoring work completion; managing work performance.
Manage delivery of services in accordance with department systems and procedures, apply collective agreements, and policies and procedures on security, administration, human resources, and departmental manager/supervisor responsibilities for workplace health and safety.

3. Program Evaluation

Work to develop suitable metrics and evaluation tools to collect and analyze data for all programs to better understand and articulate impact over short and extended periods of time
Oversee the delivery of copy and images for all programs.
Liaise with artists, performers, speakers, and guests to ensure programs are organized and implemented with excellence.
Oversee, develop, shape, and implement critical schedules for public programs and ensure that all deliverables related to the programs are met
Promote the AGO to the art community and the general public; act as host and speak publicly.
Always build positive relationships with external stakeholders; participate in AGO’s public, Board, donor programs; assist with donor cultivation when required.

4. Financial Management

In collaboration with the Richard and Elizabeth Currie Chief, Education and Programming, establish a budget that supports public programs informed by data and audience engagement.
Monitor expenses and revenue budgets, assisting in setting targets and delivering annual goals.
Administer departmental budgets, determine the best allocation of funds to achieve financial equilibrium.
Provide input into the development of the overall Division vision, strategy, policy and procedures and related strategic thinking.

5. Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

What Are We Looking For?

Minimum 3-5 years directly related experience programming collaboratively and cross departmentally within a comparable large-scale museum or educational setting programming for diverse audiences.
A strong knowledge of contemporary art, public programs, social practice, and a comprehensive knowledge of art history, museum and informal learning spaces, and other related museums practices and pedagogies.
Requires a degree in art history, visual and/or performing arts, cultural studies, museum education or museum studies, or extensive related field experience, equivalent of combined education and relevant experiences.
Minimum 1-2 years leading and/or overseeing staff, visiting artists and/or volunteers.
Well-developed organizational, interpersonal, and public relations skills.
Directly related experience in family programming, public programs and learning administrative leadership.
Knowledge of intergenerational approaches to community and public programming.
Demonstrated commitment to teamwork to effectively communicate and utilize available resources and experience working effectively with team members.
Show experience in speaking and writing about art and museum studies, public programs or learning to specialized and broader audiences.
Knowledge of program production inside a museum.
Demonstrated experience working with a variety of computer software packages; including content management systems, excel, and production suites.
Demonstrated writing and research skills.
Ability to build and nurture collaborative teams.

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 app.jobvite.com/j?cj=ohKkwfwB&s=Akimbo

Deadline to Apply: Monday, July 14, 2025

The Art Gallery of Ontario is an Equal Opportunity Employer.