We are looking for a dynamic Programming and Exhibitions Specialist to join our team.

JOB TITLE: PROGRAMMING AND EXHIBITIONS SPECIALIST
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
HOURS: 32 hrs/week, 4 day work week
SALARY: $23.53/hr, plus benefits package; $24.13/hr after June 30th, 2023
DEADLINE: Friday, January 27, 2023

The Workers Arts and Heritage Centre’s mandate is to bring together and celebrate all working people (paid and unpaid) through art, history and culture, enabling a stronger, more connected community. WAHC is located in the James Street North neighbourhood in Hamilton, in a designated heritage building, the Custom House, on the territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek.

We are currently seeking a Programming and Exhibitions Specialist to form part of the permanent core staff team. This position’s primary role is multifaceted: coordinating our Main Gallery exhibition schedule and related auxiliary programs; programming and managing our children and youth programs; coordinating and developing Community Gallery exhibitions; working with artists, community and union partners to deliver programs; co-managing WAHC’s social media presence.

This position is unionized with CUPE 1281, and as such has excellent protection and benefits. WAHC offers a generous compensation package that includes health benefits, a pension plan, plenty of holiday time, sick time and lieu time and flexible work hours.

This position is a critical part of a small staff team, driving and supporting the work of the organization, in a shared office environment. As with most small arts organizations, this position will also be expected to contribute to shared responsibilities and a collaborative work environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Development/Coordination of Programming:

• take the lead in developing, coordinating and implementing innovative and engaging interpretive programming for children, youth and adults linked to WAHC’s strategic plan priorities, including school visits, interpretive tours and unique events that promote understanding of intersections between art, labour and activism
• work with artists and curators to support the development of exhibitions, programs and special projects;
• work in partnership with unions, arts organizations and diverse community groups on joint initiatives;
• supervise project budgets;
• make links between programming and WAHC’s permanent collection of objects reflecting labour history and social movements in Canada;
• ensure that attendance targets are met and engage in proactive outreach.

Promotion and Communications:

• produce and distribute written and visual materials for communication to partners, media and the public including press releases, posters and programming copy;
• generate content for WAHC’s website, social media, bi-weekly newsletter;
• attend events, conferences and conventions for the purpose of promoting WAHC programs as needed.

Administrative:

• support to ED and other staff in the research, development and writing of grants and reports to funders and donors;
• shared responsibilities for admin support;
• possible attendance at appropriate committee meetings;
• assist and support with visitor services;
• help to manage volunteers and placement students.

Qualifications:

• a minimum of 2 years of previous programming and project management experience within a non-profit, arts organization and/or museum setting; fluency with regional/national art practices, and contemporary museum practices
• sound knowledge of event production and planning, working with artists and a proven track record of event/workshop coordination and facilitation for people of all ages; experience with exhibition design and production is an asset
• must have a minimum understanding/knowledge of labour history, a keen interest in Hamilton’s history and heritage, and intersections of art, activism and social practice;
• knowledge of anti-oppressive framework and community engagement strategies an asset;
• sound verbal and written communication skills, and excellent organizational skills and ability to work effectively within a staff team, volunteers and partnering organizations;
• energetic, self-motivated, flexible and adaptable; ability to multi-task and be self-directed;
• working knowledge of social media tools for non-profits and proficient computer skills;
• flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and late nights as needed.

We are looking for someone who is a progressive thinker, supportive and understanding of equity and inclusion, is adaptable, has initiative and has an appreciation for what WAHC does, and our mission/vision/values.

Please send a resume and cover letter as one PDF document before midnight on Friday, January 27, 2023 to info@wahc-museum.ca.

No phone calls or email inquiries please. We regret that we can only respond to those selected for an interview.

WAHC promotes and values employment equity. We encourage those who have experienced discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, class, gender, ability and other systemic forms of oppression to apply and self-identify if they wish to do so.

Please note that our building is fully accessible and should you require any accommodations throughout the hiring process, please let us know with your submission.

WAHC is fully accessible.

Workers Arts and Heritage Centre
51 Stuart Street
Hamilton, Ontario
www.wahc-museum.ca

Photo: Labour Day Walking Tour, 2016 by Kat Williams.