Current Openings
The Aga Khan Museum connects cultures and communities through the arts. The Museum’s mission is to spark wonder, curiosity, and understanding of Muslim cultures and their connection with other cultures.
The Toronto-based Museum promotes pluralism through art, storytelling, and enlightened encounters, across cultures. Using traditional and contemporary art as well as performing arts as a force for positive change, the Museum’s vision is to impact lives and contribute to more inclusive and peaceful societies. The Museum acts as a global learning hub, playing a unique and pivotal role in building connections between people and communities locally, nationally, and internationally.
Visitor Services Representative (Occasional)
Reporting to the Manager, Visitor Services, the Visitor Services Representative will be responsible for assisting visitors at the Museum by proactively engaging with them and offering information using a sound knowledge of all visitor attractions, including retail products within the Aga Khan Museum. They will work on the Museum floor, supporting Museum Operations, as well as Retail Operations departments.
Key Responsibilities
Overall
- Greet and welcome visitors and patrons to the Museum.
- Communicate with a variety of visitors with diverse interests and abilities to ensure a positive Museum experience.
- Be responsible for processing cash and card payments and balance cash registers with receipts, ensuring that all institutional policies and procedures are followed.
- Resolve visitor concerns and complaints promptly and to their satisfaction and escalate to the supervisor as and when required.
- Ensure that Health and Safety regulations and safe working practices as required by current legislation and the Museum’s Health and Safety Policy and practices are adhered to and participate as directed in all agreed evacuation procedures.
Floor Operations
- Efficiently and accurately process all visitor admission tickets to visitor attractions.
- Usher visitors in the Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium, ensuring all institutional policies and protocols are followed.
- Promote sales by demonstrating merchandise and products to customers and ensuring that shelves are stocked.
- Open and close till — be responsible for cash handling, i.e., opening fund, fund bags, bank deposits, register overages, and shortages.
- Place/replenish and price tag products onto the Museum Shop floor as and when needed/directed.
- Keep up to date with special promotions and assist in putting up displays.
- Maintain sales records and monitor inventory levels.
- Report discrepancies and problems to the supervisor.
- Process Purchase Orders and paperwork as it relates to ordering.
- Be responsible for stockroom maintenance and organization.
- Assist in set up/sales in potential pop-up shops within the GTA as and when directed.
- Deal with customer refunds.
- Be responsible for security within the Museum Shop.
- Any other task assigned by the line manager.
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum college degree or diploma in administration or related field.
- Minimum 2 years of experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative, customer-facing environment.
- Exceptional customer service orientation.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
- Strong computer skills, including MS Excel.
- Experience using customer relationship management (CRM), point of sale (POS), and ticketing software. Knowledge of Tessitura is an asset.
- Experience in cash handling.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
- Ability to travel within the GTA for external pop-up shops and events related to Museum operations, as and when required.
- Flexible availability to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as and when required.
- Previous experience working in a cultural attraction is an asset.
- Expressed interest in the mandate of the Museum.
Please note that the hourly rate for this position is $22.50.
To Apply
Please send your resume to akm.hr@akdn.org by March 31, 2025.
The Museum thanks all those who apply, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note that the Museum is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act for applicants invited to an interview.
Education Manager
The Education Manager will be responsible for overseeing the Museum’s Education programs and events, working closely with the Senior Manager of Education and Public Engagement to design, coordinate, implement, and evaluate on-site, online, and off-site inclusive learning experiences for schools, post-secondary students, families, and multigenerational audiences throughout the year. The Education Manager will additionally be responsible for the supervision and coordination of Museum Educators.
Key Responsibilities
- Researching, developing, implementing, maintaining, and evaluating the Museum’s Education programs (on-site, online, and off-site) for diverse audiences under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Education and Public Engagement.
- Promoting cross-cultural educational content that reflects the diversity of the Museum’s Collections and community.
- Ensuring that the content of all Education programs remains relevant to target audiences, meets or exceeds established standards, supports the Museum’s goals, and fosters an interest and understanding of Muslim cultures and their connection with other cultures.
- Participating in the recruitment and supervision of Museum Educators.
- Working closely with the Senior Manager of Education and Public Engagement and the Education Operations Coordinator to ensure adequate staffing for daily Museum programming.
- Working with the Community Engagement Manager to broaden the range of community program offerings and enhance accessibility.
- Working closely with the Senior Manager of Education and Public Engagement and the Community Engagement Manager to develop and monitor the education budget.
- Liaising with schools, teachers, colleges, universities, community organizations, and private groups.
- Delivering programs on-site, online, and off-site, for different audiences, as needed.
- Contributing to preparing grants and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaborating with the Exhibitions team to create interpretive materials and experiences that support Museum exhibitions.
- Liaising with Visitor Services, Private Hire, and Events departments to coordinate logistics, such as space bookings, equipment needs, and special requests for school/group visits.
- Liaising with HR and the Volunteer Services Coordinator to arrange volunteer training and engagement sessions and scheduling for education programs and events.
- Attending and supporting Museum special events as needed — including evening and weekend events.
- Securing and arranging programming spaces.
- Responding to public inquiries.
- Representing the Museum in a professional, positive manner to all stakeholders.
- Any other tasks assigned by the Senior
Qualifications & Experience:
- Advanced Degree (such as a master’s, graduate diploma, PhD etc.) in Museology, Museum Education, Art History, or related.
- Minimum five years of progressive experience in Museum education, public programs, and outreach, or a combination of relevant education and experience in the field.
- In-depth knowledge of current best practices in museum education, program development, interpretation, and public engagement.
- Extensive knowledge of the Ontario Curriculum.
- Experience in supervising staff.
- Ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with strong abilities in active listening and organization.
- High ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and videoconference applications.
- Experience managing budgets, grants, and contracts.
- Self-directed, able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Committed to continued learning in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion competencies.
- Knowledge of other languages is considered an asset.
- Clear vulnerable sector screening will be required from successful candidates.
- Physical requirements may include lifting and carrying supplies and program materials, up to 30 lbs.
The salary range for this position is $65,000.00–$72,000.00 commensurate with experience.
To Apply
Please send your resume to akm.hr@akdn.org by February 28, 2025
The Museum thanks all those who apply, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note that the Museum is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act for applicants invited to an interview.
Curator
The Curator, as a subject specialist with demonstrated experience and interest in questions around historical Islamic art with relevance to today’s world and a member of the curatorial team of the C&PP Division, is responsible for the curation of the Permanent Collections and temporary exhibitions on-site, off-site and online. They also take a leading role in the conceptualization, planning, and implementation of feature displays and rotations. The Curator further contributes to the provision of audience-centred interpretation for all art installations in the Museum Collections Gallery, redisplays/rotations, and temporary exhibitions. They are expected to produce original research in support of public and educational programs and share knowledge about the Museum’s Collections, mission, and mandate with the public through talks, workshops, courses, and conference contributions, as well as both scholarly and popular, collection-related publications, including exhibition catalogues. The Curator shares expertise associated with acquisitions and contemporary art commissions/residencies and initiates as well as manages the curatorial aspects relating to the loan of works of art between the
Aga Khan Museum and other institutions or private collections. They also drive the Museum’s objectives and priorities by maintaining and expanding national and international networks and partnerships with relevant curators, scholars, and institutions, providing subject matter expertise on the Museum’s behalf.
The Curator works closely with the DCPP, as well as internal and external stakeholders, on strategic planning and the delivery of public programs, including curatorial collection tours and academic as well as other relevant, educational events for the general public. The Curator is also expected to foster and maintain excellent working relationships with other
Aga Khan Museum departments as required, in particular the Development and Marketing and Communications Departments. As a member of the Museum’s curatorial team, CCP Division, and Museum-wide project teams, the Curator plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of a genuinely 21st-century museum in Toronto, as articulated in the Museum’s Transition Plan, with a major focus on growing global impact, audiences, and sustainability.
Main Responsibilities:
- Research, conceptualize, interpret, and deliver on-site- and online-specific curatorial content relating to Museum Collections Gallery updates and interventions; the planned redisplay of the Gallery; temporary exhibitions; touring exhibitions and displays; artist commissions/ residencies; the Museum Collections; Museum publications etc.; work closely with the CPP team, and internal and external stakeholders as appropriate.
- Coordinate, consult, and collaborate with the Collections Management Department on matters relating to the material needs, storage, display, cataloguing, records update, and digitization of the Collections.
- Propose acquisitions and participate in decisions regarding the acquisition of works of art.
- Foster productive cooperative relationships with curators and scholars in other art and academic institutions, as well as dealers, collectors, and other individuals relevant to the interests of the Museum in Toronto, Canada, and globally.
- Provide intellectually impactful yet accessible and audience-focused/centred insights related to the arts and culture of Muslim civilizations for Museum visitors, special interest groups, and Patrons through various public platforms, on-site and online.
- Research, present, and publish academic papers, essays, or books related to works of art in the Aga Khan Museum’s Collections.
- Participate in fundraising activities and cultivate support related to the curatorial and public programs.
- Participate in Museum-wide, conceptual and strategic meetings as required.
- Any other tasks assigned by the line manager.
Periodic Responsibilities:
- Act as a courier for works of art from the Aga Khan Museum when required.
Qualifications:
- A PhD or equivalent experience in Islamic art history. Knowledge of contemporary arts relevant to or in dialogue with Muslim cultures around the world and in Canada is an advantage.
- Significant experience in a museum or academic institution is required, especially in the creation of exhibitions.
- Demonstrated record of scholarly publications and educational activity in the field of Islamic art.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate well to a wide range of publics.
- Fluency in contemporary museological issues.
- Working knowledge in a language related to the arts of the Muslim world. Knowledge of French is an advantage.
- A strong, preferably international, network of academic colleagues in the field of Islamic art.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
- Flexible, collaborative, and results-oriented team player.
- Demonstrates a strong work ethic and maintains a high level of professionalism in all tasks.
- Creative and dynamic thinking skills.
- Exceptional skills in MD Office Suite.
- Technical ability and willingness to learn new systems as required for the role.
Other Factors: (Aspects of the job that significantly impact upon the employee in this job e.g. travel required, specialized equipment used, extraordinary working conditions etc.)
- The position requires a willingness to travel and flexible availability.
The salary range for this position is $120,000.00 – $125,000.00.
To Apply
Please send your cover letter and resume to akm.hr@akdn.org by March 21, 2025.
The Museum thanks all those who apply, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note that the Museum is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act for applicants invited to an interview.
Museum Educator (Occasional)
Purpose of Position
Reporting to the Education and Public Engagement Manager, the Museum Educator will be responsible for delivering on-site and online educational Museum programs for visitors of all ages including school visits; gallery programs for the general public; and outreach programs for schools and communities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In addition, under the direction of the Education and Public Engagement Manager, the Museum Educator may be assigned to specific projects for the development of program content for school visit programs, curriculum resources, gallery programs, outreach programs and training material.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver online and on-site educational Museum programs, tours, and workshops for all ages (including visiting classes of Kindergarten to Grade Twelve students, College and University classes, and Museum visitors).
- Deliver outreach visits to schools and communities in the GTA.
- Assist in the development of educational programs, as needed.
- Assist in the training of Education Volunteers (content development and delivery).
- Plan and facilitate day-to-day program requirements, including supplies, and room set-up and clean-up.
- Liaise with departmental staff for school bookings, supplies orders and reports.
- Support opportunistic and last-minute program arrangements, assisting with location set-ups and program preparation, as and when required to do so
- Any other tasks assigned by the line manager.
Qualifications & Experience
- A University degree in a museum-related discipline. A graduate degree in Education, Museum Studies, Fine Art, or related field is an asset.
- Minimum two years experience in teaching and program delivery in a professional museum or cultural environment.
- Experience in developing and delivering music or performing arts camps/programs is an asset.
- Excellent knowledge of the principles of lifelong, object-based learning and the needs of broadly diverse audiences.
- Passion for museums and their interaction with diverse audiences.
- Knowledge of the arts of Muslim societies as they are represented by the Aga Khan Museum Collections is preferable.
- Experience with art materials and the principles of arts-based learning for hands-on studio activities.
- A teaching degree with music education, performing arts, or visual art specialization is an asset.
- Graphic design skills are an asset.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment that sometimes requires creative thinking and problem-solving when serving the needs of the Museum’s visitors.
- Well-developed organizational skills, including scheduling and project coordination.
- Ability to function extremely well on a team; diplomatic negotiating skills.
- Well-developed interpersonal, oral and written communication and consultation skills.
- Flexible work hours — availability and willingness to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
- Fluency in French is an asset.
- Well-developed computer skills including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- A valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle are an asset.
- Vulnerable Persons Police Check will be required.
- Expressed interest in the mandate of the Museum.
Please note that the hourly rate for this position is $32.00 per hour.
Hours and/or days of work are not guaranteed and the incumbent will be notified when services are required. Flexible availability will be advantageous.
To Apply
Please send your cover letter and resume to akm.hr@akdn.org by February 28, 2025.
Please note this is an ongoing position.
Download the full job description
The Museum thanks all those who apply, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note that the Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act for applicants invited to an interview.