Art Gallery Curator

 This posting is for 1 hourly position until August 2026.

The Curator at Gallery@501 is responsible for overseeing exhibitions, administration, and facility operations through the Strathcona County public Art Gallery. This position ensures high quality visual arts exhibitions, membership program, events and opportunities that increase public knowledge and appreciation of art and that contribute to the quality of life for residents of Strathcona County. Ensures that all offerings maximize resources, ensure safety, and align with the goals, strategies, business plans and values of the Cultural Services Branch, Recreation, Parks and Culture department and Strathcona County.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for Art Gallery public relations, promotion and advertising. Oversee marketing of Art Gallery programs/services in cooperation with the department marketing team and outside resources to ensure maximum participation and revenue generation.  
• Work with the Art Gallery team to plan and install exhibitions and coordinate exhibit engagement.  
• Meet the business goal of increasing guest attendance and participation numbers through strategic planning and marketing of exhibitions, visitor engagement opportunities, events, rentals, membership opportunities and programs.
• Under the direction and guidance of the Manager, Cultural Services, develops and leads Art Gallery strategy for exhibitions, visitor engagement, membership program, rentals, services and facility operations, operating within a municipal environment.
• Coordinate an annual call for exhibits, jury and internal team evaluation of applications.  
• Oversee the Occupational Health and Safety program for the Art Gallery in alignment with the County OHS program.
• Identify infrastructure care and facility maintenance requirements to Facility Services. Identify emerging facility needs and ensures the safety of Art Gallery visitors and staff.
• Administer financial resources for the Art Gallery by ensuring that County accounting, procurement and contracting principles and practices are followed and maintained.  
• Work with the Manager, Cultural Services, to oversee any additional financial support through sponsorships or grant funding and operate within the annual Gallery budget.
• Recruit, schedule, supervise, evaluate and recognize the Art Gallery staff.  
• Build and maintain relationships with both internal and external partners and regional arts community. Collaborate with Cultural Services Branch staff, department and inter-departmental staff to achieve goals and deliver services.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Successful completion of a recognized degree program in Art, Fine Art, Art history or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience in gallery operations or arts administration.  
• Experience in an art gallery setting and previous supervisory experience is preferred.  
• Artwork installation experience is preferred.  
• Experience in a municipal setting and in facility operations is an asset.  
• Minimum of three (3) years' work experience in a senior level position in an Art Gallery or arts organization.  
• Excellent team leadership and management skills. Proven ability to promote and maintain a cooperative work environment.  
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to meet deadlines in a constantly changing environment. Requires a high level of creativity and flexibility.  
• Ability to develop, produce, organize and oversee an annual exhibition schedule of temporary exhibitions and displays, and to monitor a related operating budget.  
• Standard First Aid and CPR Certification is an asset.  

Conditions of Employment:

• Submission of a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check  
• Ability to perform physical labour (including lifting, painting, ladder work and repetitive motions) as part of the job duties and stand/walk for extended periods of time  
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s licence and submission of a 5-year Driver’s Abstract with less than 7 demerits. A reliable personal vehicle is required for this position.
• A flexible schedule is required to assist with Gallery operations and activities, including some evening and weekend shifts.

Who We Are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta.  Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation.  

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • Extended health and dental coverage    
  • Health and wellness spending account    
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Retirement and pension programs  
  • Earned day off program
  • Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.  

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.  

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.