Interpretive Planner Jobs

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. These positions will collaborate with the recently appointed Manager of Indigenous Learning and Programs to establish protocols for caring for Indigenous collections and cultural belongings, develop exhibitions and galleries, and enhance 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 object, cultural belongings, and exhibitions from other institutions that ROM borrows for display.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Structure, write, and edit text, including outlines for media storyboards and scripts, ensuring readability, cultural sensitivity, and accessibility.
• In collaboration with curators, organize objects and information into compelling narrative structures that align with exhibition goals and engage diverse audiences.
• Coordinate with multimedia and design professionals to create cohesive and diverse communication vehicles.
• Assist in training and mentoring IP interns/students.
• Develop interpretive plans for exhibitions and galleries by collaborating closely with curators and, when appropriate, community stakeholders.
• Lead working sessions with team members to achieve objectives outlined in the interpretive plan.
• 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.
• Research and propose various forms of interpretive methods, such as labels, interactives, audio-visual, and digital elements.

Join us and make a difference!
QUALIFICATIONS:

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

Salary and Terms of Employment
START DATE: ASAP
POSTING DATE: July 5, 2023
CLOSING DATE: July 21, 2023
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
The 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.
Diversity Statement
At ROM, we consider equity, diversity, and inclusivity foundational to our institutional success. We seek to foster a workplace that reflects the full breadth of the communities we serve and welcome applications from women, racialized persons/BIPOC, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, LGBTQ2S+, and people with disabilities.
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 conducted via Profile Investigation Inc.