AVP, Exhibition Design

September 5, 2025

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Job Description

Description

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
We are seeking an energetic, innovative, and inspiring Associate Vice President (AVP) of Exhibition Design who is committed to achieving excellence in exhibition design, visioning, and art direction for Canada’s most-visited museum. This role leads and provides direction for a team of creative design professionals across a portfolio of eight (8) exhibitions per year, as well as a robust travelling exhibition program and gallery installations.
Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Exhibition and Gallery Development, the AVP ensures that the team delivers inspiring, visitor-centered exhibitions that feature innovation in interpretive and design practices. Working collaboratively with interpretive planners, curators, evaluators, community groups, and senior management, the AVP manages relationships with external collaborators, including vendors and community organizations, to create inspiring and meaningful experiences for visitors of all ages.
The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of excellence in developing and delivering compelling exhibition experiences highlighting subject matter related to art, culture, and natural history/science. Fundamental to the exhibitions program is a commitment to forging new ground in design for equity, inclusion, and accessibility, as well as a passion for sustainability and climate-conscious practices.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

  • Lead the design team in the development of immersive, interactive, and engaging visitor experiences in mission-based exhibitions.
  • Direct the Exhibition Design Department, including 3D designers, 2D/graphic designers, a design technologist, and a graphic production assistant, ensuring smooth operations and adherence to OPSEU collective agreements.
  • Manage schedules, team assignments, and workloads to maintain team engagement and explore opportunities for creative outsourcing.
  • Collaborate with exhibition leadership to set design team goals and performance expectations.
  • Work closely with senior leadership to integrate curatorial concepts and interpretive strategies into cohesive visitor experiences.
  • Develop and track departmental and project budgets, ensuring financial accountability.
  • Oversee all stages of design, from concept to technical construction drawings, ensuring feasibility, compliance, and successful implementation.
  • Collaborate with registrars, conservators, and exhibition preparators to support and supervise the installation of objects, materials, and lighting.
  • Drive innovation in the use of ROM’s spaces, including design and construction strategies for both in-house and travelling exhibitions.
  • Guide the design team in the use of 2D and 3D visualization tools for concept presentation and stakeholder review.
  • Organize presentations, design briefs, and tender documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Champion policies and procedures that meet the highest museum standards and best practices.
  • Maintain networks to ensure the design team is at the forefront of exhibition practices, visitor engagement, accessibility, and sustainability.
  • Collaborate with Fundraising and Communications teams to align exhibition branding with sponsor and donor commitments.
  • Ensure visitor safety and compliance with the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) standards.
  • Actively support the Museum’s commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
  • Perform other duties as required to help fulfill the Museum’s mission and values.

WHAT YOU BRING

  • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. graphic design, industrial design, studio arts, environmental graphics, architecture). Equivalent experience will also be considered.
  • A minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in a relevant leadership position within a design discipline.
  • Proven administrative experience managing staff, setting objectives, and ensuring accountability.
  • A portfolio demonstrating substantial experience in collaborative design processes and delivering outstanding projects within budget and on time.
  • Ability to inspire audiences through design concepts and to manage all stages of design from concept to technical construction drawings.
  • Familiarity with museum exhibition best practices, including object handling, moving, installation, and maintenance.
  • Budget forecasting and tracking experience.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a diverse, team-oriented environment.
  • Experience addressing issues of equity, inclusion, and representation through design and in museum contexts.
  • Exceptional time management and organizational skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Expertise in construction and fabrication techniques, lighting, graphic design and production, and audio-visual/digital engagements.
  • Proficiency with Sketch Up, Adobe Creative Cloud, AUTOCAD or 3D design software, and Microsoft Office.
  • Knowledge of Universal Design principles, ACA standards, and local building codes (or the ability to research and apply them).

WHAT WE OFFER