Program Assistant, Indigenous and Community Programs

Regular Full-Time

(35 hours per week; some evenings and weekends required)
ART + AUDIENCE + LEARNING

Located in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, attracting approximately one million visitors annually. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces.

AGO Values:

• Respect: We foster belonging and appreciate each other.
• Openness: We interact with an open mind and thoughtful engagement.
• Collaboration: We believe in the power of together.
• Accountability: We own our actions and outcomes.

We are currently seeking a
Program Assistant, Indigenous and Community Programs to
join our
Education & Programming
team. Under the direction of the Associate Director, Lifelong Learning & Engagement and Operations, the incumbent will support the development and production of all work initiated to actively animate public spaces in the museum and address the needs and interests of a diverse and engaged audience. Assists in the research, development, production and delivery of the AGO public programs and learning that centers First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists, art, and perspectives. Assists in the research and identification of significant trends in the visual arts - both historical and contemporary - as well as ideas, trends and best practice in contemporary culture, museum programming and learning. Works collaboratively with colleagues, internally and externally, to create and realize community programs for audiences of all ages (Youth and Senior programs), including the Artist in Residence program that supports the AGO mission of art, audience and learning. Participates in the ongoing operations of the department.

What is this position responsible for?

• Alongside the Program Curator, Indigenous Projects assists and supports the research, development, and delivery of new and innovative programs that center First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists, art and perspectives. The focus is Indigenous and Community programs, but may also include, family programs, performances, artist projects, screenings, talks, and other activities related to community and Indigenous programs that generate varied forms of engagement in the public spaces throughout the museum and addressing the needs and interests of diverse and engaged audiences. Supports the administration, logistics and operations to ensure that programs are integrated into the larger museum logistical systems.

• Supports copyright clearance processes for images and music used in online and onsite programs, including tracking use of each in the designated spreadsheets and websites.

• Under the direction of the Associate Director, Lifelong Learning Engagement, and Operations and with guidance from the Education and Programming Programmers, at times prepares materials for Marketing, Curatorial and other departments, coordinating with pan-institutional teams to ensure fluid communication of internal and external promotions and marketing information
• With the support of the Director, Lifelong Learning and Engagement, and Operations facilitates and supports the Artist and Residence Program
• Participates in production meetings to vet and communicate details including health and safety, conservation, facility services, media, art services, gallery logistics and other support departments; creates and modifies all work orders and related communication
• Collects and inputs program information for gallery ticketing and web systems
• Works to solve customer service challenges as they arise
• Secures space for programs

• Support with digital productions such as web builds and reviewing copy for accuracy before being posted on line.

• Assists and supports Indigenous and community programs including the Artist in Residence Program, and Youth program, and is onsite point person for Community and Indigenous programs and assists in scheduling support staff and volunteers, inviting and securing artists, and preparing external contracts:

• Acts as the point person for orienting and briefing support staff, visitors, visiting talent, artists-in-residence and contractors both onsite and at other times when necessary, including orienting to AGO policies and procedures

• Acts as core internal point person to brief Protection Services, Visitor Services, AGO media, as well as other staff as required for programs they work on.
• Ensure that deadlines are met and projects are delivered against work orders, schedules and logistics; addressing any technical and communication challenges that may arise during production.
• Prepares invitation letters and agreement forms, as well as contracts, correspondence, cheque requisition forms, any signage or related documents to ensure successful execution and production of said activities under the direction of various colleagues within the E&P team

• Organizes travel and accommodation for visiting artists, visiting talent and contractors

• Under the Associate Director, Intergenerational Engagement & Operations ensures that the administrative systems within E&P provide clear lines of communication and procedures resulting in shared information and external growth of the events.

• Prepares information, including E&P guest lists and takes RSVPs for all related to Indigenous and Community programs

• Attends and takes minutes of core project team meeting and tracks internal documents ensuring they are updated to provide transparency for greater E&P communication across the institution

• Acts as the point person for any internal stakeholders related to programs and, at times, work under the guidance of a relevant team member

• Assists in other E&P programs, working with other Program Assistants as required, for high peak periods, vacation, illness or temporary workload relief.

• Ensures that a record of all events and core image database is maintained to ensure easy access to all relevant partners Internal and external
• Answers telephone and emails, takes messages, screens and direct calls/emails, resolves problems when possible, opens, sorts and responds to general queries from the public when necessary whether by mail, phone or email.
• Monitors program monthly expenses, monthly reports, program statistics, and contributes to other reports and meetings as necessary
• Maintains files and keeps online and offline systems organized and up-to-date
• Develop content for one program per year as it aligns with the overall AGO vision, in agreement with the Program Curator, Indigenous Projects
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

What are we looking for?

• Demonstrated experience of at least 2 years minimum in the administration and production of large-scale events, public programs or any related programs, including working with artists, teachers and cultural producers, on-site events, program production, logistics and communication for public audiences.
• Personal lived experience with First Nations, Metis and/or Inuit Cultures or working in relationship with First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit Communities
• University Degree in Visual Arts, Art History, Community Arts, Indigenous Arts or relevant learning and working experiences
• Comprehensive knowledge of museum public programs and learning practices, visual art and contemporary culture
• Minimum 2 years of directly related experience with planning including scheduling, project coordination, coordination with multiple stakeholders internal and external and clients, artists and producers.
• Knowledge of museum practices and diversity
• Highly developed administration and organizational skills, public relations, interpersonal and effective verbal, and written communication skills
• Experience processing information and working to tight deadlines.
• Working knowledge of the Museum structure and department roles
• Working knowledge of Art History as asset
• Knowledge of a foreign language an asset.

What are the benefits of working at the AGO?

• Discounts to GoodLife Fitness.
• Free tickets to every major exhibit at AGO.
• Discounts to major attractions as a part of the Provincial/City Reciprocal Programs.
• Free admission to the AGO for friends and family, discounts at the gift shop, bistro, and Learning Centre.

If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, apply now

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 If you prefer to submit an application in person, please leave it at the Shipping Dock (next to the Jackman Hall entrance on McCaul Street), addressed to the People Division. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM.

We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Art Gallery of Ontario is an Equal Opportunity Employer.