Manager, Provenance Studies

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. This 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

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• 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

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 for assistance.

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

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