Careers

Program Lead, Community Engagement and Learning

Deadline to apply: Sunday, February 2, 5:00 p.m.

Position Summary:

The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery is seeking a creative leader for the full-time role of Program Lead, Community Engagement and Learning. The position ensures the conception, development, and delivery of the Gallery’s public programming. The incumbent will unite curatorial content, educational objectives and audience development goals to provide integrated and meaningful ways to engage the Gallery’s diverse audiences. With the exhibitions at the heart, this position contributes to enhancing and expanding the Gallery’s reach and advancing access to and interpretation of contemporary art through robust, interdisciplinary and intergenerational programming opportunities.

In keeping with the Gallery’s priorities and goals, the position’s oversight includes a blend of traditional and innovative/experimental programming avenues, including workshops, camps, exhibition tours, in-gallery learning activities for schools, youth, seniors, and families, professional development initiatives, artist talks, topical discussions in contemporary art, and community collaborations. The position works collaboratively with the Curatorial Department to build impactful community-based programming, as well as with the Visitor Services, Marketing and Communications, and Development teams to promote programs. An important part of this position entails building and maintaining strong relationships with external partners in social, health, education and academic sectors.

The ideal candidate is an ambitious and collaborative thinker, well-versed in contemporary art and topical issues. The position contributes to a vibrant, positive organizational culture that values accountability and openness to foster respect and trust amongst the Gallery team. The incumbent believes in and supports an equitable and inclusive environment that values and encourages each person's potential. This position has one direct report and oversees the supervision of contract positions such as tour guides and workshop facilitators as well as independent contractors.

Key Responsibilities:

•    Leads the research, development, and delivery of innovative learning programs for participants of all ages and backgrounds 
•    Works in partnership with community groups and organizations to develop and deliver programming that is partner-led with the ethos of ‘nothing for us, without us’
•    Collaborates with the Curatorial team to ensure learning and engagement activities are supported and embedded in exhibitions and other curatorial initiatives
•    Conceives of and oversees the delivery of tours and other educational experiences that serve all ages, abilities, and learning styles, with support from Program Coordinator
•    Works collaboratively with teachers, schools, and the school board to develop programming that is responsive to and meets curriculum needs
•    Oversees direction of March Break and Summer Camps, and contract staff to support program development and delivery
•    Administers the logistics and operations of programs including recruitment and training of part-time and contract workers, such as workshop facilitators, tour guides and volunteers
•    Prepares descriptions and content for promotional materials
•    Tracks individual and group bookings 
•    Cultivates dynamic and respectful appreciation of cultural diversity in all areas of program content and delivery and develops effective strategies for inclusion
•    Conveys and demonstrates positive impact of contemporary art on community and individual well-being 
•    Responds to and resolves customer challenges and opportunities as they arise
•    Communicates program needs to internal stakeholders to ensure security, cleaning, front desk supervision and other needs are met
•    Ensures that a record of all events, quantitative and qualitative data, and images are catalogued
•    Participates in programming and partnership meetings to communicate details to team members
•    Researches best practices in the sector and participate in professional development opportunities when available
•    Creates and monitors budgets for programs, managing expenditures and adapting allocations to ensure effective use of resources within budget
•    Assists Development department in writing grants to support projects
•    Oversees program evaluation methods
•    Supports regulatory compliance and safety and security requirements throughout program development, training and program implementation
•    Promotes intersectional connections across the diverse disciplines and communities that converge at the Gallery

Qualifications:

•    A love and personal commitment to contemporary visual art and its various disciplines, expressions in community, and centrality to a healthy and happy life
•    University degree in a relevant discipline 
•    5 years of successful experience in art education (a contemporary public art gallery or art museum setting preferred)
•    Knowledge of Canadian art history including modern and contemporary Canadian art
•    Demonstrated success in project management, and experience in short- and long-term program planning
•    Experience working with children, youth, and adults of diverse backgrounds and abilities
•    Experience in art education an asset 
•    Experience working with people of all abilities, seniors, and ESL 
•    Experience in budget preparation and budget management
•    Experience in recruiting, managing, motivating and developing a team of tour guides, workshop facilitators, volunteers, summer hires or contract positions
•    A meaningful understanding and genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and equity
•    Clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check 
•    Certification in First-Aid is an asset (will be required upon commencement of position)

Skills:

•    Respects diversity and promotes inclusion in the workplace
•    Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, lead, and show tact and diplomacy when necessary
•    Strong administrative and organizational skills
•    Proficient in Microsoft Office
•    Ability to prioritize workloads and excellent time management skills
•    Acute attention to detail, committed toward working to high standards, and meeting deadlines 
•    Enthusiasm to engage visitors and program participants of all ages and abilities
•    Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Working Conditions:

This is a fully on-site position, with all hours worked at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery. Hours are typically worked between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. At times, the employee must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet programming needs to include weekends, holidays and special events (overtime will be given off in lieu).

Salary and Benefits:

This is a full-time position at 35 hours/week with an annual salary range of $47,000 to $50,000. Three weeks of vacation and a health benefits package are also offered.

To Apply:

Please submit a CV with a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the position to:

Jenna Winter, Director of Finance & Administration
Email: jobs@kwag.on.ca

Deadline to apply: Sunday, February 2, 5:00 p.m.

We thank all applicants for their interest in the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Program Coordinator, Community Engagement and Learning

Deadline to apply: Sunday, February 2, 5:00 p.m.

Position Summary:

Working under the direction of the Program Lead, this position supports the Gallery’s mission of connecting people and ideas through art with high-quality innovative programming that engages active participation across the community and extends knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the visual arts. The incumbent is responsible for creating interpretive programs for a range of participants, working closely with curatorial and other staff, and in consultation with the Program Lead. Primary duties include assisting with the administration, coordination, facilitation and evaluation of exhibition-related public and education programs as well as recruiting and training of tour guides. The Coordinator works with the Lead to conceive, develop, measure, and deliver onsite programs for schools aligned with the current curriculum and is responsible for implementing and evaluating educational, interpretive and skills-development programs while strengthening the Gallery’s collaborative networks. The Program Coordinator, Community Engagement and Learning collaborates regularly with other departments and team members, particularly Curatorial and Visitor Services.

Key Responsibilities:

•    Conceives, develops, facilitates and delivers programs relevant to the exhibitions (themes and materials) and Permanent Collection of KWAG, taking advantage of on-site and on-line opportunities
•    Delivers exhibition-related children, youth, adult, and family hands-on art-making programs, including school and camp workshops that is aligned with current curriculum JK-12 (as applicable)
•    Responsible for coordinating the annual student exhibition, Expressions, including oversight of the delivery and installation of student artwork, as well as InSights, an artist-in-residence program in regional secondary schools
•    Facilitates the Gallery’s Youth Council and specialized programs for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities
•    Uses a variety of gallery interpretation techniques that foster critical thinking including 21st Century Learning and visual literacy
•    Evaluates programs upon completion, providing methods of improvement and gathering targeted feedback and statistics to be used for program development and grant reporting
•    Researches best practices in the sector and participates in professional development opportunities when available
•    Designs and adapts activities based on ability and age to ensure programs are inclusive and accessible
•    Develops, organizes, and manages content for outreach and off-site programs 
•    Oversees smooth operation of the studio, including overall organization of space, maintenance of materials and equipment, and future planning for growth or infrastructural upgrades
•    Researches budget-friendly art materials and prepare materials for visual arts-based educational programs including classes, workshops, camps and offsite events
•    Manages evaluation tools based on current practices to assess quantitative and qualitative outcomes of activities
•    Cultivates dynamic and respectful appreciation of cultural diversity in all areas of program content and delivery and develops effective strategies for inclusion
•    Ensures knowledge of art education remains current
•    Cultivates, develops and delivers custom programs for community groups through partnerships that further the Gallery’s mission 
•    Conveys and demonstrates positive impact of contemporary art on community and individual well-being 
•    Assists the Program Lead and Curator in the development of promotional plans and strategies for programs, and assists with the preparation of materials and descriptive text for proposals, program promotion and reports
•    Facilitates bookings for school programs, studio workshops and classes, camps and tours, including Studio Assistants and Art Facilitators
•    Supports regulatory compliance and safety and security requirements throughout program implementation
•    Schedules tour guides and workshop facilitators
•    Facilitates and supports administration of PD Days, March Break and Summer Art Camps
•    Maintains contact lists and database for all programs and tour bookings 
•    Develops and delivers professional development workshops and resources for educators, and coordinates Teachers Nights (two per year)
•    Ensures that website is current with all education program information

Qualifications:

•    A love and personal commitment to contemporary visual art and its various disciplines, expressions in community, and centrality to a healthy and happy life
•    University degree in a relevant discipline
•    2-3 years of successful relevant experience in a contemporary public art gallery or art museum
•    Knowledge of visual art, art history, studio art practices, and current approaches to learning and interpretation in the art museum setting
•    Knowledge of critical theory is an asset
•    Experience in monitoring and updating budgets
•    Experience in delivering public, cultural and/or education programs to culturally and socially diverse audiences
•    Experience in education, art instruction, or related fields
•    Knowledge of current trends in art education and cultural practices
•    A meaningful understanding and genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and equity
•    Clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check 
•    Certification in First-Aid is an asset (will be required upon commencement of position)

Skills:

•   Commitment to and enthusiasm for contemporary visual art
•    Respects diversity and promotes inclusion in the workplace. 
•    Demonstrated ability to work with participants of all ages and backgrounds
•    Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail
•    Solid computer skills in Microsoft Office
•    Strong time-management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills, to deal with a wide variety of individuals 
•    Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively with the others
•    A proven ability to work independently as well as in a team

Working Conditions:

This is a fully on-site position, with all hours worked at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery. Hours are typically worked between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. At times, the employee must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet programming needs to include weekends, holidays and special events (overtime will be given off in lieu).

Salary and Benefits:

This is a full-time position at 35 hours/week with a salary of $42,500. Three weeks of vacation and a health benefits package are also offered.

To Apply:

Please submit a CV with a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the position to:

Jenna Winter, Director of Finance & Administration 
Email: jobs@kwag.on.ca

Deadline: Sunday, February 2, 5:00 p.m.

We thank all applicants for their interest in the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
 

Volunteer Opportunities

Visit our Volunteer page for information on current volunteer opportunities.

Images: (left) Black & Gold 2023. Photo by Daniel Burton; (right) Expressions 49: Breaking Through Opening Reception. Photo by Scott Lee.