Museum Experience Specialist

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we focus on equity, inclusion, and sustainability. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core values emphasize caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

Dish with One Spoon Wampum:

• Recognizing our shared humanity and land
• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core values, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

The Role

Brings stories to life in a dynamic, thought provoking way, under the supervision of the Heads of Content and Experience and in collaboration with community partners. Assists with researching, developing, and presenting relevant, inclusive, innovative, and visitor-centred museum experiences for diverse audiences that support and further the values of the Region of Waterloo.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Assists to cultivate and promote a respectful, harmonious environment for learning and discovery that inspires curiosity, exploration, dialogue, and trust; encourages and enables a diverse population of museum visitors to explore meaningful connections between past, present and future; and fosters a loyal museum visitor base.
• Supports the Heads of Content and Experience in the development of programs, events, and hands-on experiences, to connect objects and stories stewarded by the museums to contemporary issues in the community, in line with the Museum’s interpretive plan.
• Seeks out and connects with community members to broaden the perspectives reflected in museum content and programming.
• Assists to nurture existing partnerships, and supports the development of new affiliations with organizations and individuals that are representative of our community.
• Explores, researches, and engages new stories about museum collections, sites, and spaces, collaboratively with co-workers.
• Presents programs to school students, community organizations, and the public, on and off-site, under the guidance of the Education Coordinator.
• Provides exceptional customer service and informs supervisor of issues that require immediate attention or follow-up.
• Provides timely, meaningful feedback to supervisor to assist with evaluating programs and methodologies.
• Supports museum strategic planning, and as part of a cross-functional team, supports the development of exhibits and associated programs.
• Acts as a Museums ambassador, including occasional contact with the media.
• Supports guest services, as required (e.g., greets/orients groups, processes payments, answers phones).
• Assists with and/or performs daily opening and closing of site(s); event/program preparation, set up and clean up; purchasing materials/supplies; basic housekeeping and security; and the care and custody of program materials, artifacts, and costumes.
• Refers complex and unusual issues to supervisor for guidance and direction.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills are acquired through a 3-year degree/diploma in a related field (such as but not limited to history, art, theatre), plus 2 years of related experience.
• Skill and experience developing and delivering public programs and/or events in a museum or similar setting.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, and related legislation.
• Analytical, critical thinking, and organizational skills to analyze, interpret, and apply research.
• Communication and presentation skills to convey information so it is meaningful to audiences.
• Experience working with and developing relationships with diverse community members.
• Ability to read, research, and interpret reports and resource materials.
• Familiarity with and ability to learn traditional trades, domestic crafts, and activities.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office and audio-visual equipment.
• Ability to work weekends, statutory holidays, and evenings as part of a regular schedule.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We are strongly committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourage applications from Black, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.