Who We Are
Opened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's most-visited museum, ranking among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. At ROM, we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections, sharing knowledge, inspiring learning, and fostering community engagement. As a globally recognized field research institute, ROM houses an impressive collection of over 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, showcased in over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. We are committed to creating a space where art, culture, and nature intersect, connecting people and communities to the past, present and shared future.
As we continue to work toward our goals to transform and evolve as one of the world’s foremost 21st-century museums, we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values.
Who We Need
The Assistant Vice President (AVP), Public Affairs & Grant Development has a high-impact, strategic role responsible for enhancing ROM’s institutional reputation, government relations, and revenue generation through grants, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs strategies.
As a key advisor to the CEO, CPAO,and executive leadership team, you will develop and execute a cohesive government relations and grant acquisition strategy, ensuring ROM’s ongoing funding success and policy influence at federal, provincial, and municipal levels.
Your stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and strategic communications expertise will position ROM as a leading voice in Canada’s cultural landscape.
This role is ideal for a senior public affairs executive with a proven track record in government relations, funding acquisition, and high-level communications strategy. If you are an influential leader passionate about cultural institutions, public policy, and funding advocacy, we encourage you to apply.
How You Will Make An Impact
As AVP Public Affairs & Grant Development, you will directly contribute to ROM’s institutional success, financial sustainability, and policy influence through the following leadership priorities:
- Design and execute a comprehensive, high-impact government relations and public affairs strategy aligned with ROM’s mission and funding priorities.
- Cultivate and manage high-level relationships with federal, provincial, and municipal governments, advocating for policy, funding, and legislative initiatives that support ROM’s mission.
- Direct ROM’s grant acquisition strategy, securing critical funding for research, programming, operations, and capital projects.
- Provide strategic input on cultural policy, government regulations, and funding frameworks, ensuring ROM remains a key player in public sector discourse.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership , providing insights on government relations, media strategies, and risk management.
- Build and strengthen partnerships with donors, cultural institutions, media, and community organizations to expand ROM’s influence and funding potential.
- Ensure ROM’s public affairs and government engagement strategies reflect its commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA).
What You Bring
You are a highly skilled, results-oriented public affairs leader with expertise in government relations, funding strategy, and media engagement. Your qualifications include:
Education & Experience
- A university degree in public affairs, journalism, communications, or a related field (post-graduate degree preferred).
- 10+ years of progressive senior leadership experience in public affairs, government relations, or strategic communications—ideally within a cultural, public sector, or nonprofit institution.
- Extensive experience in high-stakes government relations, funding negotiations, and public policy engagement at federal, provincial, and municipal levels.
Strategic & Leadership Expertise
- Proven track record of developing and executing large-scale government affairs and public policy strategies.
- Strong leadership, negotiation, and executive advisory skills, with the ability to influence key decision-makers.
- Experience managing complex funding applications, grant strategies, and institutional fundraising efforts.
- Exceptional ability to build and sustain high-value partnerships with government officials, policymakers, media, donors, and advocacy groups.
Government & Public Relations Mastery
- Expertise in Canadian government policy, funding frameworks, and public sector engagement strategies.
- Deep understanding of cultural organizations, public institutions, and government funding bodies.
- Extensive experience leading high-profile media relations and crisis communication strategies.
Exceptional Communication & Advocacy Skills
- Superior ability to craft compelling narratives, policy briefings, executive speeches, and funding proposals.
- Expertise in executive-level media engagement, reputation management, and strategic storytelling.
- Strong track record of public speaking, panel representation, and media interviews on behalf of executive leadership.
Additional Assets
- Established networks within government agencies, media, cultural organizations, and advocacy groups.
- French language proficiency is considered an asset.
What We Offer
- Comprehensive benefits coverage: For permanent and full-time contract positions (conditions apply), enjoy 100 percent premium-free benefits for individuals and families, a health spending account, flexible working options (varies by position).
- Worry-free retirement savings: With the pension plan you benefit from an employer-matched Defined Benefit contribution plan, which provides predictable lifetime retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options without the stress of investment decisions.
- Support for new parents: Enjoy a parental leave top-up to 95 percent of your salary for 17 weeks, helping you balance work and family life.
- Perks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff, plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario.
- And more!
SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
- START DATE: March 2025
- OPEN DATE: February 7, 2025
- CLOSE DATE: February 28, 2025
- STATUS: Full-time Permanent
- EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union
- SALARY: $112,455 – $132,300 (under review)
- SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
- PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 6 months
- LOCATION (hybrid): Toronto, ON
What To Expect In Our Interview Process
- Initial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation** with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact.
- First interview: A 1-hour in-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the HR team. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the team's and ROM's needs.
- Second interview: A 1-hour in-person meeting with the Hiring Manager and relevant team members. You may be asked to present a pre-assigned case study and discuss scenarios relevant to your role.
- Third Interview: a final interview with key stakeholders.
The above-listed process may change or vary based on the nature and scope of the position.
- All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.**
WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM
- Cultural engagement: Daily interactions with Toronto's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences.
- Continuous learning: At ROM, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.
- Passion & fulfillment: Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.
- Team & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving.
- Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.
If you’re excited about this role, even if your experience differs from the specific requirements, we encourage you to apply. We’re keen to meet candidates who can contribute their talents to our goals, and will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY
At ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibits, communities, and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who can further diversify our ideas. We are committed to equitable employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.
APPLY NOW
Apply today and help us create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity and learning flourish.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check and verification of professional references, and, other checks depending on the role.
