Registrar (12-month contract) - Toronto

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, shar ...

Job 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 museums. we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values.

WHO WE NEED
Are you passionate about preserving cultural heritage and ensuring the safe management of museum collections? ROM is seeking a meticulous and experienced Registrar to oversee the movement, documentation, and legal status of collection and loan objects. As a key member of the Registration Department, you will play a vital role in safeguarding and managing ROM's extensive collections. This role requires a strong understanding of museum policies, legal frameworks, and best practices in collections management and registration.
Collaborating closely with curatorial, conservation, exhibitions, and other internal teams, you will facilitate acquisitions, loans, exhibitions, and deaccessions. Your expertise in collections care, registration processes, object movement, copyright management, and database systems will be critical to the success of ROM's collection initiatives.

If you thrive in a detail-oriented, fast-paced environment and have a deep understanding of museum registration, legal compliance, and artifact care, we encourage you to apply

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Manage incoming and outgoing loans, assessing facilities, coordinating shipments, conducting condition reports, and ensuring compliance with loan agreements.
• Oversee acquisitions and deaccessions, ensuring proper documentation, provenance, copyright, and legal compliance.
• Maintain accurate records documenting collection objects and loaned objects in the TMS database.
• Support exhibitions and travelling exhibitions, managing loan agreements, image licensing and copyright, insurance, coordinating logistics, condition reporting, and acting as a courier when needed.
• Ensure the safe movement and tracking of collections, overseeing transportation, handling, and location updates.
• Ensure compliance with museum policies and international regulations, including copyright, Indemnity, Canadian cultural property, and insurance requirements.
• Facilitate legal and contractual processes preparing loan agreements, copyright clearances, Gift-in-Kind tax receipts and other relevant documentation
• Train and guide staff sharing best practices in object handling, documentation, and collections care.
• Act as a key liaison collaborating with curators, conservators, project managers, and external institutions.

WHAT YOU BRING

• A university degree (4 years) in a museum-related discipline.
• A post-graduate certificate or degree in museum studies/collections management (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of two (2) years of collections management experience in a museum or cultural institution.
• Experience managing museum registration processes, including acquisitions, loans, deaccessions, and exhibition documentation.
• Extensive knowledge of collections care practices, including condition reporting, artifact handling, and preventative conservation.
• Understanding of provincial, federal, and international museum regulations, including UNESCO conventions, cultural property laws, and Canadian copyright legislation.
• Proficiency with TMS or other relational database management systems for object tracking and documentation.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Strong organizational and project management skills, able to juggle multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in documentation and contract management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to liaise effectively with internal teams and external institutions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, contributing to a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in French, Indigenous, or other foreign languages is 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), and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Worry-free retirement savings: With our 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.
• 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 2026
• OPEN DATE: February 20, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: March 9, 2026
• STATUS: Full-time contract
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: OPSEU Local 543
• SALARY: $78,575 - $89,800
• SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months
• LOCATION (hybrid): Toronto, ON

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. 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.
2. First interview: A 1-hour virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and an HR team member. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the team's and ROM's needs.
3. 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.

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 for assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• ROM does not require "Canadian experience." International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
• ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
• This posting is for an existing vacancy.

APPLY NOW

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.

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