Interpretive Planner

Passionate about culture, arts, natural history, and science? Intrigued by the power of storytelling to convey the richness of human experiences? If so, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) invites you to embark on a rewarding career as an Interpretive Planner (IP).

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is actively working towards strengthening the relationship between Indigenous peoples and museums. In line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Canadian Museums Association's Moved to Action report, ROM is dedicated to hiring individuals of Indigenous heritage for crucial positions. ROM seeks to fill three critical roles: Curator of North American Archeology, Curator of Indigenous Art & Cultures, and an Interpretive Planner in the Exhibitions Development department.

In addition to working on exhibitions and galleries of a diverse subject matter, the Interpretive Planner will collaborate with these curatorial roles, as well as the recently appointed Manager of Indigenous Learning and Programs to support Indigenous ways of being and knowing in a range of museum activities; these may include establishing protocols for care of Indigenous collections and cultural belongings, developing exhibition and gallery content, and enhancing ROM's engagement with and service to Indigenous communities.

POSITION SUMMARY:

At ROM, we believe in creating holistic and visitor-centred experiences that blend learning, social connection, and engagement. As an Interpretive Planner, you will play a vital role in ROM exhibition and gallery planning teams. You'll serve as the lead advocate for visitor engagement by crafting captivating narratives and ensuring meaningful connections with objects, and cultural belongings from across ROM’s art, nature, and culture collections. Interpretive Planners also work with objects, cultural belongings, and exhibitions from other institutions that ROM borrows for display.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop interpretive plans for exhibitions and galleries by collaborating closely with curators and, when appropriate, community stakeholders.
• In collaboration with curators, organize objects and information into compelling narrative structures that align with exhibition goals and engage diverse audiences.
• Lead working sessions with team members to achieve objectives outlined in the interpretive plan.
• Research and propose various forms of interpretive methods, such as labels, interactives, audio-visual, and digital elements.
• Coordinate with multimedia and design professionals to create cohesive and diverse communication vehicles.
• Structure, write, and edit text, including outlines for media storyboards and scripts, ensuring readability, cultural sensitivity, and accessibility.
• Incorporate visitor research and evaluation to plan for visitors' needs, behaviour patterns, and expectations, incorporating multiple perspectives and co-creation through community engagement.
• Provide input on interpretive planning procedures, standards, and professional development.
• Assist in training and mentoring IP interns/students.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in Museum Studies, Education, or a related field, along with at least two years preferably in interpretive planning or experience in museums and galleries (or equivalent education and training).
• Proficiency in interpretive text writing, storyboard development, experiential design, content analysis, and problem-solving.
• Excellent communication skills, with creativity in digital, three-dimensional, and graphic design techniques.
• A profound intellectual curiosity about the interconnections between art, culture, and nature.
• Knowledge and understanding of reconciliation, equity, inclusion, and representation in museums, including the complexities of discrimination.
• Ability to foster and maintain relationships with advisors, particularly in Indigenous communities, with a lived Indigenous experience.
• Relocation support is available for the right candidate.

Salary and Terms of Employment 

START DATE: ASAP
OPEN DATE: July 5, 2023
CLOSING DATE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED
EMPLOYEE GROUP: OPSEU Full-time Local 543
SALARY: $66,022 - $75,453 per annum
SCHEDULE: up to 35 hours per week
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:   6 months
LOCATION (onsite/hybrid): Toronto, ON

Diversity Statement

At ROM, we consider equity, diversity, and inclusion foundational to our institutional success. We seek to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the city and province in which we are located and welcome all qualified and experienced candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, age, sex, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Accessibility Statement

ROM is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) to applicants invited to an interview.

COVID Statement

Royal Ontario Museum recognizes its heightened duty to protect employees from health and safety risks during the current pandemic. As such, an offer of employment shall be conditional on proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination with a vaccine series approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The selected candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check.