The Chief Curator participates in and is accountable for the institution's senior leadership and performance and contributes to the development and effective communication of strategic goals, planning initiatives, policies, and resource allocations. Additionally, the Chief Curator will:
Develop strategic direction for the collection's development, in collaboration with the Director and CEO and the Chief, Exhibitions, Collections and Conservation. The Chief Curator sets, communicates, and promotes the overall plan with input from curators and collection care professionals, for collection development, collection growth, and elective de-accessioning initiatives.
Lead the creative concept and planning processes with curators and colleagues (internal and external to the AGO) to develop prospective annual and long-range programming including temporary, in-house, and travelling exhibitions, permanent collection presentations, publications, film, live performances, awards and prize programs, and related events projects that achieve programmatic excellence and align with the AGO’s vision, objectives, and revenue/admission goals.
Contribute to Board of Trustee meetings, and related meetings of curatorial and education
committees, by providing regular updates and rationale on the strategic growth and positioning of the Gallery's exhibitions and programming plans.
Lead all personnel directly concerned with the creative, artistic elements of each project, balancing the need for engaging external talent with the development of internal creative staff.
Direct the development of the collections, art support, and the curatorial support management processes in library/research, conservation, and curatorial administration for Gallery operations. The Chief Curator ensures accuracy and efficiency of the collection information and art support for exhibitions and publications.
Ensure adherence to professional standards of excellence for collection care, exhibition design, graphic design, production, collection information management, and donation documentation, including ensuring that Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board (CCPERB) applications are in effect and maintained, and addressing issues as required.
Work collaboratively with the Chief, Education & Public Programming and division to integrate the development of intergenerational educational programs, public programming (talks, openings, performances, and in-gallery activations), and interpretive strategies both in galleries and related public spaces that enrich the visitor experience.
Develop and nurture relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and participate in our national efforts for Truth and Reconciliation.
Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional, national, and international institutions, curators, and artists to develop projects collaboratively, place AGO-organized exhibitions in other institutions, identify exhibitions of possible interest to the AGO, and commission new works (in consultation with Director).
Provide articulate written information about programming, creative artistic direction, exhibition, and publication standards and methodology for all internal and external communications and publications.
Engage actively in fundraising initiatives for the AGO, particularly with individuals, government agencies (e.g., the Canada Council and the Department of Canadian Heritage [DOCH]), corporations, and foundations with interests in Toronto. Build strong relationships with collectors that result in gifts of art to the AGO collection.
Provide expert advice and act as a resource on leading visual arts and museum programming trends and practices, both internally to curators, program/project teams, and committees, and externally to other art institutions, trustees, donors, and the public.
Collaborate with other functional areas in developing strategies to educate and encourage public visitation and increase access to works of art and programming.
Develop and implement an exciting vision and strategic plan for the Curatorial Affairs Division that includes a service mindset for all divisional functions while balancing exhibition programs, art support, and collections development with initiatives that promote the importance of the overall institution’s programs and the collection.
Direct development of and ensure compliance with established budgets and schedules for division functions and services, and all Gallery operations, including approving annual resource needs, project budgets, major expenditure proposals, and service procurement contract agreements.
Select, orient, train, develop, and manage the work performance of departmental staff, ensuring that the Gallery's mission, vision, and core values are integrated into all development activities and informed by the strategic plan.
Develop a succession management plan for the ongoing development of the division to identify gaps in skills and experience and to provide training and opportunities for growth for new and existing staff.
Manage delivery of services in accordance with department systems and procedures, applicable collective agreements, and AGO’s policies and procedures on security, administration, human resources, and department manager/supervisor responsibilities for workplace health and safety.
Represent the AGO at public functions in Toronto and elsewhere, as a spokesperson, advocate, and champion; disseminate information through lectures, publications, conferences, and openings.
Direct the development and implementation of policies and procedures for the preparation, approval, and management of contracts and grant submissions.
Liaise with government representatives, agencies, and other cultural institutions (national and international) on matters related to funding, partnerships, joint ventures, loans, exhibitions, etc.
Perform other responsibilities as required.
