Manager, Provenance Studies

Manager, Provenance Studies (36-month contract) WHO WE ARE As Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museum, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) houses a world-class collection of artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens across 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. ROM is also the country’s leading field research institute and an internationally recognized center for discovery and scholarship in the arts, cultures, and natural sciences. Among its most significant holdings are the European and Chinese collections, which include Ancient Greek and Roman antiquities, Judaica, and Chinese art and artifacts spanning from the Neolithic period to the 20th century. These collections are deeply intertwined with global histories of war, colonialism, displacement, and the international art market. As ethical standards for collecting and stewardship continue to evolve, ROM is committed to advancing transparency, accountability, and scholarly integrity through dedicated provenance research. In addition, ROM’s collection of Global South Asian, Global African, Islamic World, and Archaeology of Americas also require provenance research when it comes to acquisition and repatriations. The museum is seeking a strategic and communicative leader to manage and facilitate provenance research, focused on European and Chinese collections (with curatorial, registration, collection care, digital content management, communication, etc). This role will support ongoing restitution efforts, respond to external inquiries, and help shape institutional policy in alignment with international best practices. A systematic approach to provenance study will clarify the historical trajectories of key objects, strengthen ROM’s leadership in responsible stewardship, and foster collaboration with peer institutions in Europe, China and others. Provenance research is increasingly recognized as essential to museum practice, with many leading institutions establishing dedicated teams to investigate object histories and address restitution claims. At ROM, this work is already underway and expanding. The Manager of Provenance Studies will play a central role in guiding these efforts, ensuring ethical stewardship, and reinforcing the museum’s commitment to cultural responsibility and public trust. WHO WE NEED The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) seeks a dynamic and detail-oriented professional to serve as Manager of Provenance Studies, overseeing provenance research across its Art and Culture collection areas, with a focus on European and Chinese antiquities. This position, reflects ROM’s commitment to ethical stewardship, transparency, and leadership in global museum practice. The Manager of Provenance Studies will lead and coordinate provenance investigations across both collection areas, ensuring a cohesive and unified approach to research, documentation, and restitution. The role is central to ROM’s efforts to respond to restitution claims, assess acquisition proposals, and engage with international stakeholders. The manager will work closely with curators, in consultation with registrars, data specialists, and conservation teams, to maintain accurate records and develop institutional policies and best practices. Key responsibilities include managing provenance research for existing collections and proposed acquisitions or loans, facilitating internal and external communications, and serving as the primary contact for inquiries from governments, legal entities, and the public. The manager will also advise on cultural property investigations, including those involving the Art Loss Register, and represent ROM in professional forums and media engagements related to provenance and cultural heritage. The successful candidate will bring expertise in provenance research, familiarity with international legal frameworks, and strong communication and project management skills. An advanced degree in art history, archaeology, museum studies, or a related field is required, with specialization in either European or Chinese cultural heritage preferred. Experience navigating archival resources and proficiency in multilingual languages (especially Italian, French, or Chinese) is highly desirable. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape ROM’s institutional approach to provenance and restitution, contributing to the museum’s leadership in ethical collection care and cultural accountability. The Manager of Provenance Studies will play a pivotal role in strengthening public trust, supporting scholarly research, and fostering international collaboration with peer institutions and government agencies. Reporting to Co-Chief Curator Art and Culture, the Manager of Provenance Studies will oversee provenance research and evaluation for ROM’s European and Chinese collections and beyond. This includes managing inquiries, coordinating internal and external communications, and supporting acquisition and loan decisions. The role will work closely with curators, registrars, data specialists, and external stakeholders to ensure accurate documentation and ethical stewardship. HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT - Lead and coordinate provenance research across European and Chinese collections, including acquisitions and loans. - Facilitate collaboration among curators, registrars, conservation, and data teams to assess and document provenance. - Serve as primary contact for external inquiries, including government agencies, legal entities, and media. - Advise on cultural property investigations and restitution claims, including Art Loss Register cases. - Develop and implement institutional policies and procedures for provenance research and restitution. - Ensure accurate and accessible provenance records in collaboration with collections and data teams. - Represent ROM in public and professional forums related to provenance and cultural heritage. WHAT YOU BRING - Advanced degree in art history, archaeology, museum studies, or related field; specialization in European or Chinese cultural heritage preferred - Minimum 2 years of experience in provenance research or cultural property management - Familiarity with international art markets and legal frameworks related to cultural heritage - Experience working with archival sources and databases for provenance research - Strong communication skills and ability to manage sensitive information across diverse stakeholders - Reading proficiency in Italian, French, or Chinese is an asset - Knowledge of the UNESCO 1970 Convention and other relevant international agreements 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 optional 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. - Perks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff, plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario. - And more - START DATE: April 2026 - OPEN DATE: November 5, 2025 - CLOSE DATE: Open until filled - STATUS: Full-time Contract - EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-union - SALARY: $99,788- $117,398 - SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly - PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months - LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON - POSTING TYPE: This posting is for an existing vacancy. WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS - 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. - 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. - 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. ROM does not require “Canadian experience.” International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply. We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at careers@rom.on.ca for assistance. USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN SCREENING ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers. APPLY NOW Apply today and help us create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity and learning flourish. 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. #LI-Onsite Are you legally authorized to work in Canada and able to provide proof of work authorization? Are you a current employee of the ROM or ROM Governors? Are you a former employee of the ROM or ROM Governors? Please indicate if any immediate family members, including parents, siblings, children, or spouses, currently work or have previously worked at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). If you answered yes to the above, please list their names here. Based on the definition below, are you an Indigenous person? "Indigenous peoples" means First Nations, Inuit or Metis peoples of Canada. Based on the definition below, are you a person with a disability? "Persons with disabilities" are individuals who have a long-term or recurring physical, mental, sensory, psychiatric, or learning impairment, and who consider themselves to be disadvantaged in employment by reason of that impairment, or believe that an employer or potential employer is likely to consider them to be disadvantaged in employment by reason of that impairment. This includes persons whose functional limitations owing to their impairment have been accommodated in their current job or workplace. Based on the definition below, are you a member of a visible minority? "Members of visible minorities" are persons, other than Indigenous peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour, regardless of birthplace. To which gender identity do you most identify? What is your salary expectation? Do you hold an advanced degree (Master’s level or higher) in Art History, Archaeology, Museum Studies, or a directly related field? Do you have at least 2 years of professional experience conducting provenance research or working in cultural property management within a museum, gallery, academic, or heritage institution? Have you previously conducted provenance research focused on objects from European and/or Chinese cultural contexts? Do you have research-level reading proficiency in at least one of the following languages: Italian, French, or Chinese? Are you legally authorized to work in Canada for the full duration of this 3-year contract (April 2026 – March 2029)? #J-18808-Ljbffr