Director of Research, Collections, and Exhibitions (RCE) & Chief Curator

Your adventure starts here! The Manitoba Museum is the province’s number one paid tourist attraction, enjoying a strong and meaningful relationship with Manitobans and visitors from afar. As a non-profit/charitable institution, The Manitoba Museum sees over 300,000 on-site visitors annually, including more than 80,000 students. The Museum includes the award-winning Museum Galleries, Planetarium, Science Gallery, and a wide range of temporary exhibits including the Alloway World Exhibits program. A unique combination of human and natural history themes, science and astronomy education, and multidimensional interpretation, with quality school, community, and special events and programming sets the Manitoba Museum apart.

We are looking for a Director of RCE & Chief Curator who will advance Museum-wide initiatives that build deep and lasting relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities; strengthen financial sustainability through research funding and operational efficiency; and transform institutional practices to establish the Manitoba Museum as a leader in ethical and scientifically-sound museum work. The Director & Chief Curator will integrate and amplify the expertise of the RCE team, lead and communicate with clarity and confidence, and, in turn, empower staff to lead in collaborative, cross-departmental efforts.

The Director of Research, Collections, and Exhibitions (RCE) & Chief Curator will report directly to the CEO. This is a senior leadership position with institution-wide impact, responsible for strategic oversight of the Human History, Natural History, Collections and Conservation, Library and Intellectual Property, and Exhibitions departments. In a collections-based museum, these departments work collaboratively to steward knowledge, preserve heritage, and engage the public.

Salary range is between $98,000 to $106,000 p.a. depending on experience.

Interested applicants may forward a résumé including a cover letter by Friday, September 5, 2025 to:

Director of Human Resources
The Manitoba Museum
190 Rupert Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0N2
Email: LAdeleyeOlusae@ManitobaMuseum.ca

NOTE: There is an optional virtual information session on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 5 to 6 pm to provide interested candidates with the opportunity to meet and discuss the role with the Manitoba Museum’s CEO, Dorota Blumczynska, in advance of the close of the posting. Please email Dorota at DBlumczynska@ManitobaMuseum.ca to request a TEAMS link. Participants are encouraged to keep their cameras off and enter the session as a guest with no name identifiers to ensure privacy.

The Manitoba Museum is committed to employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those being considered for interviews will be contacted.

The Director of Research, Collections, and Exhibitions (RCE) & Chief Curator reports directly to the CEO. This is a senior leadership position with institution-wide impact, responsible for strategic oversight of the Human History, Natural History, Collections and Conservation, Library and Intellectual Property, and Exhibitions departments. In a collections-based museum, these departments work collaboratively to steward knowledge, preserve heritage, and engage the public. RCE honours diverse voices and lived experiences, biodiversity, geology, and environmental change, supporting conservation, scientific research and public education. Furthermore, the team ensures the care, preservation, and ethical stewardship of all holdings, translating research and collections into accessible, inclusive displays, co-creating experiences that resonate with contemporary audiences and reflect the complexity of our shared world. Together, these departments safeguard cultural and natural legacies, support rigorous research, and foster dialogue that strengthens community understanding.

The Director of RCE & Chief Curator role is a critical part of advancing Museum-wide initiatives that build deep and lasting relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities; strengthen financial sustainability through research funding and operational efficiency; and transform institutional practices to establish the Manitoba Museum as a leader in ethical and scientifically-sound museum work. The Director & Chief Curator integrates and amplifies the expertise of the RCE team, leads and communicates with clarity and confidence, and, in turn, empowers staff to lead in collaborative, cross-departmental efforts.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director & Chief Curator contributes to strategic decision-making, operational leadership, and the evolution of the Manitoba Museum’s mission, values, and public accountability.

Priority 1 – Leadership & Strategic Direction

To provide decisive, collaborative leadership across the RCE division, prioritizing repatriation / rematriation, research excellence, Indigenous relationships, and empowering staff to support institution-wide impact.

1. Develops and leads strategic and operational planning across all RCE departments, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and national leadership in ethical and scientific practice.
2. Integrates community-led priorities and repatriation / rematriation responsibilities into divisional strategies, centering respect, transparency, and accountability.
3. Recognizes, respects, and amplifies the knowledge and expertise of curators, conservators, researchers, and collections staff, acting as Project Manager for the work of RCE while building the capacity of the team to lead within and beyond the Manitoba Museum.
4. Facilitates decision-making in ways that grow confidence and ensure staff are equipped to lead and collaborate across the institution.
5. Collaborates with the Directors’ Team and Management to shape policy, guide institutional planning, and deliver operational and strategic plans.
6. Champions an inclusive, responsive workplace culture that upholds high standards of ethics, cultural humility, and professional practice.
7. Advocates for the work of RCE with internal and external audiences, understanding its vital contributions and promoting the same.

Priority 2 – Research, Collections & Exhibitions Advancement

To ensure excellence and integrity in the stewardship of collections, the delivery of research, and the development of exhibitions that reflect modern standards of care, current scientific understanding, institutional values, and community collaboration.

1. In partnership with the CEO, leads the Museum’s repatriation / rematriation efforts, ensuring respectful return processes that are community-led, in adherence to UNDRIP, and in accordance to the protocols of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and Canadian law.
2. Strengthens operations of all RCE departments, ensuring strategic alignment, operational efficiency, and open communication.
3. Empowers staff through clear planning, performance support, and professional development, aligning roles with evolving priorities.
4. Reports on divisional outcomes and priorities, maintaining accountability and transparency.
5. Manages divisional budgets, staffing, and resource allocation to maximize impact and long-term sustainability.

Priority 3 – Chief Curator

To integrate the Manitoba Museum’s three research pillars (history, nature, and science) with the institution’s multifaceted priorities of collections, research, education, and visitor experience.

1. Facilitates the development and selection of exhibitions, both internal and external, prioritizing community co-curation and alignment with the Manitoba Museum’s research pillars.
2. Understands the Manitoba Museum’s priorities as balanced among collections, research, education, and visitor experience, contributing to “whole-of-Museum success.”
3. Supports and evaluates research initiatives that use scientifically-sound methodology, reflect multiple ways of knowing, prioritize Indigenous-led scholarship, and contribute to national and international cultural and scientific dialogue.
4. Opportunity to conduct research in own field of expertise, involving the Manitoba Museum’s collections, ensuring that findings contribute to the institution’s exhibition content, school and public programming, publications, and other community dissemination.

Priority 4 – Project Management & Resource Development

To lead impactful, community-informed projects and secure the resources necessary to support long-term growth in research, repatriation / rematriation, and exhibition development.

1. Initiates and leads collaborative, interdisciplinary projects that reflect institutional priorities and centre Indigenous engagement and leadership.
2. Collaborates across divisions in developing, improving, and supporting earned revenue strategies.
3. Actively participates in the development and monitoring of multi-year budget plans, cost recovery initiatives, and institutional sustainability.
4. Seeks out and secures grants and external funding to expand scientific and historical research programs, support repatriation / rematriation, and strengthen RCE team development.
5. Establishes and maintains working relationships and agreements with Indigenous communities, cultural and scientific institutions, and research collaborators.
6. Coordinates across departments to ensure project integration throughout Manitoba Museum functions and strategic initiatives.

Priority 5 – Public Relations & Institutional Representation

To represent and advocate for the Manitoba Museum’s values, leadership, and commitments through active community relationships and public engagement.

1. Builds and sustains strong, reciprocal relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, universities, and scientific institutions as a foundational responsibility of the role.
2. Represents and advocates for the Manitoba Museum in national and sectoral forums focused on repatriation / rematriation; collections-based institutions; science-based, evidence-backed, and community-led research; and evolving curatorial practice.
3. Supports the development of exhibitions, public programs, and publications that reflect modern scientific findings, elevate diverse voices, and advance public understanding.
4. Champions and promotes the Manitoba Museum with varied audiences, including donors, governments, and other research and collections-based institutions.
5. Ensures institutional transparency in sharing research, repatriation / rematriation, and collections work with the broader public.

Perform other duties as reasonably assigned

1. Participates in the weekend on-call rotation with other Directors.
2. Acts on behalf of the CEO when assigned.

1. Demonstrated ability to build and sustain respectful relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, alongside strong, collaborative relationships with universities, research institutions, and scientific partners.
2. Deep appreciation for the range of disciplines within the Museum’s purview, with a commitment to ongoing learning to ensure informed leadership across all areas.
3. Proven ability to collaborate across teams and with diverse communities, including the successful development and implementation of multi-stakeholder initiatives and community consultations.
4. Experience conducting original research, securing research grants, and translating scholarly and community-based knowledge into exhibitions, from early consultation through to public delivery.
5. Extensive project management experience, with a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget, including strong skills in planning, evaluation, and accountability.
6. Demonstrated leadership ability, including strategic thinking, consensus-building, and conflict resolution in dynamic and evolving environments.
7. Thorough knowledge of key museum functions including research, collections management, conservation, library and archives, and exhibitions.
8. Well-developed knowledge of human resources practices and trends, as well as financial reporting, budgeting, and overall organizational management.
9. Strong digital acumen and advanced computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and databases), and a demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and systems.
10. Knowledge of evaluation methods and their application in program and institutional development.
11. Deep understanding of the mission, function, and operational procedures of museums and cultural institutions.
12. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to speak effectively in public and represent the institution with clarity and professionalism.
13. Highly organized, self-directed, and adaptable, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a changing environment.

1. Graduate degree in a relevant discipline such as history, natural sciences, conservation, library and archives management, museum studies, collections management, or a related field.
2. In-depth knowledge of Manitoba’s human and natural history, including the scientific and cultural foundations of museum work, with demonstrated expertise in at least one area.
3. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a supervisory or management role, preferably within a museum, scientific, or cultural institution, with demonstrated responsibility for team leadership and operational oversight.
4. Proven experience in human resources functions, including recruitment and selection, performance development, and labour relations, preferably within a unionized environment. A leadership approach grounded in facilitation, empathy, and accountability—centered on “leading from behind”—and a commitment to supporting, empowering, and ensuring the success of the team.
5. Demonstrated training and hands-on experience in rematriation and/or repatriation, with a commitment to ethical, community-led practices and cultural respect.
6. Strong record of conducting research, securing and managing research grants, and aligning scholarly, scientific, or community-based research with institutional priorities.
7. Experience in capital planning and implementation, particularly in heritage, scientific, or museum infrastructure, is considered an asset.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience will be considered.

Child Abuse Registry Check and Criminal Check would be required of the successful candidate.

Salary range is between $98,000 to $106,000 p.a. depending on experience.

Interested applicants may forward a résumé including a cover letter by Friday, September 5, 2025 to:

Director of Human Resources
The Manitoba Museum
190 Rupert Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0N2
Email: LAdeleyeOlusae@ManitobaMuseum.ca

NOTE: There is an optional virtual information session on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 5 to 6 pm to provide interested candidates with the opportunity to meet and discuss the role with the Manitoba Museum’s CEO, Dorota Blumczynska, in advance of the close of the posting. Please email Dorota at DBlumczynska@ManitobaMuseum.ca to request a TEAMS link. Participants are encouraged to keep their cameras off and enter the session as a guest with no name identifiers to ensure privacy.

The Manitoba Museum is committed to employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those being considered for interviews will be contacted.

Pay Group 5

The Development Coordinator is a key member of the Fund Development team, reporting to the Director of Development and working in close collaboration with both the Fund Development and Business Office teams. This position is responsible for supporting a wide range of fundraising initiatives for The Manitoba Museum, including annual, capital, endowment, and planned giving campaigns, as well as donor stewardship activities and special events. 

The Development Coordinator ensures the accurate and timely processing of charitable gifts, maintenance of donor records, generation of financial and donor reports, and coordination of donor communications and recognition. The role also provides essential logistical support for fundraising events and campaigns, including the annual Manitoba Museum Gala and other stewardship activities throughout the year.

In addition to administrative and technical responsibilities, the Development Coordinator serves as a primary internal resource on Raiser’s Edge NXT and/or other CRM’s, supporting data integrity, reporting, and cross-departmental integration of donor information. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, discretion in handling confidential information, and a commitment to excellence in donor service and ethical fundraising practices.

Criminal record and child abuse checks will be required of the successful candidate.

Priority 1 – Event Support (30% of Time)

To support donor and fundraising events with a focus on gala and stewardship events:

1. With direction from the Director of Development, manage reporting and financial reconciliations related to fundraising events.
2. Assist in planning and execute logistical elements for stewardship events, including internal venue coordination, catering, and audiovisual requirements.
3. Lead coordination of the logistical components of the Manitoba Museum Gala, including managing timelines, production schedules, and task delegation with cross-departmental support.
4. Oversee and assist in tracking RSVPs, manage guest lists, and prepare event-related briefing materials for staff and leadership.
5. Liaise with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure event deliverables are met on time and within budget.
6. Coordinate event setup and teardown and provide on-site support to ensure smooth execution.
7. Assist in the collection and coordination of in-kind donations and silent auction items.
8. Support post-event follow-up, including thank-you communications, data entry, and performance reporting.

Priority 2 – Financial and Gift Processing (20% of Time)

To support the Fund Development department in the daily management of financial processing tasks:

1. Process all revenue sources: mail-in, coin donations, TipTap, Benevity, BBMS, CanadaHelps, endowments, monthly gifts, Bambora, etc. 
2. Ensure prompt CRA-compliant issuance of charitable tax receipts.
3. Generate and reconcile daily financial reports.
4. Coordinate regularly with Finance to align CRM with financial software.
5. Track and maintain specific revenue lines.
6. Bi-weekly emptying and reconciliation of donation boxes.
7. Prepare invoices and purchase orders for approval by Director of Development.
8. Maintain financial records, complete related administrative forms, and manage budgets for assigned areas of responsibility.
9. Process phone/email donations and manage related follow-up.
10. Oversee online donation forms and ensure accuracy.
11. Complete general office ordering.

Priority 3 – Database Management and Reporting (20% of Time)

To develop and implement processes and procedures to generate accurate reports and data files in a timely manner to support and maximize donor relationship management:

1. Maintain and clean donor and constituent records in CRM.
2. Manage queries, reports, exports, imports, dashboards, and automation of workflows.
3. Manage automated donor pipelines.
4. Monitor data integrity and troubleshoot team member issues.
5. Manage and maintain documentation on policies and procedures for data integrity.
6. Monitor compliance with policies and procedures to support ethical and successful fundraising practices.
7. Provide reports and prepare data files and segmented donor lists for print and digital integration: appeals, renewals, pledge reminders, invitations, newsletters, and emails.
8. Support updates to fundraising and donor content on web platforms.
9. Prepare donor recognition lists for publications including the annual report, the donor wall, and other acknowledgments.
10. Maintain all user accounts in CRM, assign permissions, develop training materials, and resolve software-related issues.
11. Act as primary liaison for database integration with other departments.
12. Liaise with Marketing on online donation portals and monitor for accuracy and functionality.
13. Provide reports on fundraising performance, donor activity, and appeal effectiveness.

Priority 4 – Fundraising & Stewardship Support (15% of Time)

To support stewardship and donor development activities:

1. First point of contact for donor inquiries and acknowledgments (email, phone, cards).
2. Track and ensure completion of follow-up activities in CRM.
3. Manage segmented campaigns: One Great Lottery, donor renewals, pledge reminders.
4. Assist with Curators Circle: track memberships, process renewals, assist with communications.
5. Review Museum and marketing materials for donor name accuracy.
6. Maintain and update signage and functionality for Tap Donation Stations in public areas.

Other Duties as Reasonably Assigned – (15% of Time)

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

1. Knowledge of fundraising principles including annual, capital, endowment, and planned giving.
2. Familiarity with multiple donation platforms (e.g., Benevity, CanadaHelps, BBMS, TipTap, Bambora).
3. Comfortable working with online donation portals and digital fundraising tools.
4. Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge NXT or similar donor database/CRM systems.
5. Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, and PowerPoint.
6. Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, One Drive, and SharePoint
7. Ability to generate and manage queries, reports, dashboards, and segmented donor lists.
8. Analytical skills to interpret fundraising data and track campaign performance.
9. Commitment to ethical fundraising practices and donor-centric service.
10. High degree of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential donor information.
11. Strong attention to detail in financial and gift processing, including CRA-compliant tax receipting.
12. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
13. Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including Finance and Marketing.
14. Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
15. Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for special events.

Education, Training and Experience

1. Completion of a certificate program or relevant coursework in fundraising (e.g., AFP Fundamentals of Fundraising, CAGP programs, or Fundraising Management Certificate) is an asset.
2. Post-secondary education in nonprofit management, community development, business administration, communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field is considered an asset.
3. Minimum three years of experience in office administration.
4. 2+ years of experience in CRM management and donor stewardship, preferably within the nonprofit sector.
5. Experience supporting donor stewardship and recognition activities.
6. Experience coordinating event logistics, especially fundraising and stewardship events.
7. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

This is a Full-Time permanent position beginning as soon as possible. The wage range is $45,091.01 to $57,054.51 ($24.78 to $31.35 per hour) depending on experience.

Application package consisting of a cover letter and resume must be submitted by 4:30 pm on August 1, 2025 to:

Manager of Volunteer & Employee Relations
The Manitoba Museum
190 Rupert Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0N2
HR@ManitobaMuseum.ca
Fax: (204) 942-3679

The Manitoba Museum is committed to inclusion and employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace. The Manitoba Museum recognizes the importance of building a workforce reflective of the visitors it serves. Therefore, the Manitoba Museum supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this position. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities. All applicants are encouraged to self-identify if they are members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities) in their application.

This document is available in other formats and accommodations will be provided throughout the selection process upon request. Contact Human Resources at 204-956-2830 if you have an accommodation request.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those being considered for interviews will be contacted. We are not able to acknowledge receipt of applications submitted via Fax or mail.