Job Posting

CEO

Toronto opportunity to lead a visionary start- up in the cultural sector

Imagine a celebration of Toronto’s history that pushes the traditional paradigm of museum from the static to the vibrant. Imagine one that combines social media, digital technologies, and constructive citizen dialogue to invite and encourage residents and visitors of all generations to celebrate the past, present and future of Toronto.  

Such a museum is now being developed. An active governance Board has recently conducted a day- long community- based Vision Workshop (June 2, 2014) at the St. Lawrence Hall, and has committed philanthropic seed funding. Planning with a small group of committed citizen advisors and consultants is underway.

The Board now seeks its first chief executive officer (CEO). The CEO will lead the start- up, from participating in the strategic plan’s creation, through design and development of a venue, to hiring the management team, selecting enabling technology, and opening the facility to the public. These tasks will be undertaken over the next two years.

The museum of the future that we are creating today is as yet un- named. It will grow organically, be aware of Toronto’s pronounced multicultural diversity, and tell the stories of people and organizations who have contributed to neighbourhood, community and civic development. It will also be complimentary and respectful of those who are already active in documenting Toronto’s history, and building the collections that reflect our cosmopolitan diversity.

We aspire to rethink the Canadian big- city history museum traditions, and to develop architecturally thoughtful, purpose- built space that will support serious, reflective civic conversations in an environment of tolerance and respect.  We aspire to become Toronto’s centre of citizen engagement on issues of contemporary and historic importance to the life of the city. We will feature brilliant artifacts and explore and implement the latest in museum programming.

The new centre will also host a broad cross- section of events appropriate to its mandate. Its public spaces will feature both permanent and temporary exhibitions that appeal to school children, families, individuals, university students and seniors. The spirit of innovation will be important to our success.

The ideal candidate

If you find these ideas motivational, and wish to lead in their achievement with an active governance board, we want to hear from you. The person we seek will join in shaping and articulating the vision, and then develop the team to execute the strategic plan.

The ideal candidate will have experience at the senior management level in leading a cultural institution start- up, or will have led a significant project in an existing organization with important cultural or historic components. She or he will also possess a nuanced understanding of Toronto’s historic evolution as a leading North American centre of multiculturalism, pluralism and innovation.

Experience in conceptualizing and then realizing the evolution of the traditional museum paradigm could be just as important as established academic credentials.

To be short- listed for the CEO’s position, a candidate must be a critical thinker, an entrepreneurial risk taker, and technologically savvy. They will be able to build relationships and consensus, and be comfortable with philanthropists, politicians and local community leaders. Measureable deliverables will not be seen as a threat, but rather a useful challenge.

If these desired attributes describe you, please send your resume to (museumtoronto@gmail.com). The CEO search will close on September 7, 2014. Short- listed candidates will be interviewed in September. The CEO will commence work as soon thereafter as is possible.

 

Application Deadline: 
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Start Date: 
Monday, November 3, 2014
Type of Work: 
Full Time
City: 
Toronto
Province: 
Ontario
Education Level: 
University (Undergraduate)
Languages: 
English
Travel: 
No
Prefered Method(s) of Application: 
By E-Mail

Employer Details

Museum of Toronto

Mike Robinson
1107 1661 Ontario St
Vancouver, BC v5y0c3
Canada

Imagine a celebration of Toronto’s history that pushes the traditional paradigm of museum from the static to the vibrant. Imagine one that combines social media, digital technologies, and constructive citizen dialogue to invite and encourage residents and visitors of all generations to celebrate the past, present and future of Toronto.