Organizer Information
The National Gallery of Canada is one of Canada’s leading cultural institutions and among the most prominent art museums in North America. Established in 1880 and located in Ottawa, the gallery holds an extensive collection of Canadian, Indigenous, and international art spanning from historical to contemporary practices. Its mission is to advance knowledge, appreciation, and accessibility of the visual arts through exhibitions, research, public programming, and collaborations with artists and institutions around the world.
The gallery plays a major role in supporting curatorial research and presenting exhibitions that explore artistic innovation and cultural dialogue. Alongside its exhibition programs, the institution hosts educational initiatives, professional development opportunities, and collaborations with scholars, artists, and cultural practitioners. Through its Curatorial Research, Collections and Exhibitions division, the museum ensures the development and stewardship of its collections while producing ambitious exhibitions and research projects.
Working within this environment provides an opportunity to engage closely with museum professionals, curators, and artists, while contributing to the operational and administrative systems that support major cultural initiatives. The gallery also emphasises inclusion, diversity, and accessibility in its organizational culture, encouraging applications from individuals representing diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
Title & Description
Administrative Assistant, Curatorial – Full-Time Position
The Administrative Assistant, Curatorial role is a full-time professional opportunity within the Curatorial Research, Collections and Exhibitions department of the National Gallery of Canada. This position supports the internal functioning of the curatorial division by providing administrative, logistical, and financial coordination.
The successful candidate will work closely with curators, assistant curators, researchers, and departmental staff to ensure the smooth management of administrative processes, documentation, communications, and scheduling. Acting as a central contact point for the division, the administrative assistant helps facilitate communication between departments and external collaborators, including artists, museum professionals, and institutional partners.
The position is particularly suited for professionals interested in museum operations, curatorial workflows, and cultural administration. It offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the behind-the-scenes work that enables major exhibitions, research initiatives, and public programming within a leading national art institution.
Role Overview
- Position: Administrative Assistant, Curatorial
- Department: Curatorial Research, Collections and Exhibitions
- Contract Type: Indeterminate (permanent full-time)
- Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week (overtime may be required)
- Salary Range: $63,815 – $75,046 CAD per year
- Reporting to: Director, Curatorial Initiatives
- Affiliation: P.S.A.C.
- Language Requirements: English BBB / French BBB (intermediate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking)
- Number of Positions: 1
The role involves supporting senior curators, associate curators, curatorial assistants, and interns, ensuring that administrative workflows within the department operate efficiently.
Position & Tasks
- Providing administrative and logistical support to the curatorial division.
- Managing departmental correspondence and communication with internal and external partners.
- Supporting financial operations, including budgeting processes, purchasing procedures, and accounting systems.
- Preparing financial and operational reports and monitoring budget allocations.
- Drafting routine documentation and professional correspondence.
- Organizing travel arrangements in accordance with institutional policies.
- Maintaining electronic filing systems and archiving documents.
- Handling physical mail, catalogues, and documentation related to exhibitions and research.
- Scheduling meetings, coordinating calendars, and setting priorities across multiple projects.
- Providing operational support to curatorial staff during exhibition preparation and research initiatives.
The role requires strong organizational and administrative skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic institutional environment.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Museum Administration
- Curatorial Support
- Cultural Management
- Arts Administration
Eligibility
- Post-secondary certificate or diploma in secretarial studies, administrative studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of three years of professional experience as an administrative assistant or in a similar role.
- Experience supporting financial operations and budget management.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Knowledge of office management procedures and administrative systems.
- Proficiency in software such as Word, Outlook, SparkRock, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and PowerPoint.
- Familiarity with financial policies, travel directives, and reporting procedures.
- Ability to manage deadlines, multitask, and work both independently and collaboratively.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and French (intermediate level).
The institution encourages applications from individuals belonging to Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities, and members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
Program Benefits
- A permanent full-time position at a leading national museum.
- Competitive salary and union-affiliated employment conditions.
- Professional experience within a major curatorial division.
- Opportunities to collaborate with curators, researchers, artists, and cultural professionals.
- Exposure to exhibition development, museum administration, and cultural programming.
- A workplace environment committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to submit:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Relevant professional experience information
- Personal contact details
- Supporting documentation demonstrating administrative experience (if required)
Additional documentation may be requested during the selection process.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 23 March 2026
- Interviews: To be scheduled after application review
Location
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Additional Details
The selection process may involve multiple assessment tools to evaluate candidates’ qualifications and competencies. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for applicants participating in the recruitment process. Candidates may choose to participate in the selection process in either of Canada’s official languages.
The position requires meeting bilingual language requirements before the interview stage and obtaining reliability status clearance if selected.