Accessibility Coordinator
25 hours per week from July 2026 to April 2027 (45 weeks)
Apply by: Monday, 8 June 2026, 5:00 p.m.
Waterloo region’s leading public art gallery, the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, connects people and ideas through art. Its nationally acclaimed exhibitions and programs welcome all to be inspired and challenged through a deepened understanding of ourselves, our cultures, and our communities.
Position Statement:
The Accessibility Coordinator is a term position at the core of a year-long Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) project focused on improving access to KWAG and its public programs. This project directly addresses intersecting barriers to arts participation, including disability, socio-economic status, language, culture, and health. The Coordinator will lead the effective integration of measures that help remove barriers to participation in KWAG’s programs by working with KWAG staff and an Accessibility Consultant to engage in research, planning, and outreach to develop and pilot new, more accessible public program formats, including through coordination of a twice-monthly “Access Saturday” program. The Coordinator will also create an internal Access Toolkit that will lay the groundwork for programming and gallery-wide accessibility best practices, as well as lead the creation of an Access Guide for public visitors. They will also lead planning of the project-closing Access in the Arts Symposium, to take place in April 2027. The Accessibility Coordinator will work closely with the Programs department, but also with an Accessibility Consultant, Visitor Services, and other staff. The position reports to the Lead, Community Engagement and Learning.
Key areas of responsibility
ACCESS SATURDAYS PROGRAMMING
- Coordinate and support programming of new Access Saturdays (anticipated 8 sessions), including scheduling specialized interpreters or art instructors, supporting creation of artistic programs, sourcing and purchasing materials, submitting information to Marketing, Visitor Services, and other related tasks
- Attend and support all Access Saturday programs
PROGRAMS SUPPORT
- Shadow and support existing public, school, and community engagement programs; identify areas for improved access and adapt related programs, documents, and Artist Instructor training
- Based on toolkit and consultant recommendations, support implementation of increased access in existing and new programs
RESOURCE CREATION
- With the support of the Accessibility Consultant, develop an internal toolkit specific to KWAG with best practices for improved access to all KWAG programs
- With the support of the Accessibility Consultant, develop an external Access Guide for gallery visitors and program participants
SYMPOSIUM: “Access in the Arts”
- Coordinate symposium (April 2027), managing all logistics with Programs & Marketing Staff, Visitor Services, and the KWAG team
GENERAL
- Attend Gallery programs and community events to build relationships, greet guests, and facilitate social interactions;
- Conduct outreach and build relationships with community partners;
- Contribute to the programs and projects of the KWAG team as a whole;
- Assist in completion of external evaluation process;
- Maintain clear notes, schedules, and contact databases re: Access Saturdays, toolkit creation/implementation for archival and reporting purposes;
- Participate in planning and staff meetings as required, as well as staff training;
- Other duties as assigned
Preferred Qualifications:
• Minimum of two years of experience in access-related work, with experience that may include:
• Work in community settings that support people with physical, sensory, psychological, or cognitive disabilities, including Blind/low vision, d/Deaf, neurodivergent
• Work that aims to address and remove barriers to participation, including disability, socio-economic status, language, culture, and health
• Experience with universal design, models of disability
• Leading or coordinating accessibility projects and initiatives in the arts
• Knowledge and curiosity about ongoing disability rights/justice initiatives and practices;
• Familiarity with AODA requirements, the Ontario Human Rights Code, models of disability (including the Social Model of Disability), Universal Design, intersectionality, and disability;
• Understanding of, or experience with, community consultation and inclusive co-design methods;
• Familiarity with the visual arts and related programs, particularly in arts institutions;
• Familiarity with local (KW) support organizations and potential partners;
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently as well as in a team;
• Adept at using Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook;
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, ability to meet deadlines;
• Strong communication skills, verbal and written;
• Demonstrated record of problem-solving and priority-setting in a complex and evolving environment;
• Able to commit to the full duration of the grant (45 weeks).
Location and requirements:
This is an on-site position, with 25 hours per week typically worked at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery between Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A schedule will be decided with the KWAG staff. Some evenings and weekends will be required to attend programs (including Access Saturdays) – work schedules will be adjusted accordingly. This role involves work in a stationary position in front of a computer, using a keyboard, mouse, and telephone, and some interaction with the public. An accessible workstation will be provided.
Salary and Benefits:
This is a part-time, term position at 25 hours/week for 45 weeks, starting in July 2026 and ending in April 2026. The salary is $26 per hour. 6% vacation pay is also offered.
Equity and Access:
Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery is an accessible venue that has been recognized with Gold Certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation. Upon request, the Gallery will work with applicants with disabilities to provide accommodation through the hiring process.
The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery is committed to being an inclusive and respectful workplace that reflects the diversity of our community. We encourage and welcome applications from Indigenous, Black and Racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons. Given the nature of this position, we encourage those with lived experience of disability to apply.
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: Monday, 8 June 2026, 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.
