Curator

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is located on Indigenous ancestral lands on Treaty One Territory. The Red River Valley is also the birthplace of the Métis. We acknowledge that the water in the Museum comes from Shoal Lake and are grateful to the First Nations that care for that water.

Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is the first museum solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration, and future of human rights. Overall, CMHR’s mandate is to explore the subject of human rights—with special but not exclusive reference to Canada—in order to enhance the public’s understanding of human rights, to promote respect for others, and to encourage reflection and dialogue. Since opening in 2014, the museum has received international awards and recognition for their work and the visitor experience they offer. CMHR is proud to celebrate the achievements of their hard work while shining a spotlight on the world of human rights. They strive to build understanding, promote respect, and encourage reflection.

CMHR is centred around the idea that respect and understanding of human rights can serve as a positive force for change in the world. It is within this spirit that they invite nominations and applications for the role of Curator —a position that will actively demonstrate support for their collective efforts to build a workplace culture that is inclusive, equitable, innovative, and focused on inspiring action by being an upstander in promoting respect for all human rights.

Under the guidance of the Head of Curation, the Curator will serve as a subject-matter expert in their respective field concerning human rights, and as curator on exhibits on a wide range of topics (supported by other subject-matter experts, where necessary). This experienced scholar will play a crucial role both within and beyond the museum, actively contributing to a diverse range of programs, products, and services. Aligned with organizational objectives and the strategic plan, the Curator will conduct thorough research to generate content that caters to a wide range of audiences. This content will be disseminated through various channels, including physical and digital exhibitions, online platforms, events, programs, and engagements with both the public and scholars. The Curator's research efforts may encompass primary, secondary, and oral history research. In close collaboration with other departments and divisions, the Curator will provide valuable subject matter expertise throughout the museum; they also undertake any other relevant duties as reasonably assigned in support of the museum’s overall mission.

Qualifications

Among the qualifications being sought in candidates, the incoming individual must have a deep and abiding commitment to advancing reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all its forms and must believe, intrinsically, in the importance of leading with curiosity and welcoming ideas that can later be synthesized and turned into possibility. While all candidates are encouraged to apply and, in so doing, share how they see themselves adding value to the CMHR environment, the following credentials and/or experiences are seen as possible markers of the candidates most likely to realize success in the role: A) a minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent experience in a field relevant to human rights in Canada or internationally (e.g. oral history, human rights law, anthropology, community or equity studies, etc.) and 3 years’ experience in conducting in-depth research on human rights related topics or an equivalent combination of education and experience; B) 2 years’ experience in curation of stories, objects and experiences to create new learning or thinking (which may include curation of physical or digital exhibitions, public programming, or educational programs); C) the ability to engage in dialogue with people of varying viewpoints and to exercise tact and diplomacy in working on projects of a difficult, specialized or highly sensitive nature, and; D) excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with multiple teams within the department and across all divisions.

How to Apply

CMHR is committed to creating a safe and healthy workplace where everyone is respected and valued. Their framework for creating a safe, respectful, and healthy workplace contains the following desired outcomes: 1) hearing and considering diverse perspectives; 2) cultivating a deep understanding of human rights principles; 3) respecting and valuing each other in the workplace; 4) ensuring meaningful relationships with community, and; 5) demonstrating respect for the lived experiences of others in how we care for and tell their stories.

CMHR is partnering with BIPOC Executive Search to ensure an applicant list that is diverse and is as intersectional as possible. All interested applicants can send their résumé to Melissa Sumnauth by e-mailing msumnauth@bipocsearch.com, or can apply through the BIPOC Executive Search mobile app.

In accordance with the Museum’s commitment to accessibility as well as obligations under various accessibility legislation, accommodation will be provided throughout the search process for applicants living with a disability. Should accommodations be required, please let Melissa Sumnauth know by using the above e-mail address.

We thank everyone for their expression of interest—and are truly appreciative of the time individuals put into applying—but with the limitations of time only those selected for an interview will be contacted.