Associate Curator of Contemporary Art
The Whyte
Location: The Whyte, Banff, Alberta
Employment Status: Full-Time
Annual Salary Range: $70,100 – $80,000
Application Deadline: August 13, 2025
Job Overview
The Whyte Museum is entering an exciting phase of growth, with long-term plans to expand its curatorial team. The appointment of an associate curator of contemporary art is a key early step in this process. Working closely with the curator and the broader team at The Whyte, this role will help shape and advance the museum’s evolving vision. The associate curator of contemporary art supports the development and execution of large-scale exhibitions, publications, grant applications and public programs. A passionate advocate for the visual arts, the associate curator of contemporary art inspires, challenges and engages diverse audiences, helping to build The Whyte’s next generation of visitors and supporters.
Major Responsibilities
- Support the development and delivery of a multi-year exhibition program, along with related publications and public programs aligned with The Whyte’s mission.
- Organize and curate exhibitions; write catalogue essays and other interpretive texts as required.
- Lead exhibition coordination, including shipping, loans, installation, contracting and supervising technicians, artist travel/accommodation, graphics and didactics.
- Collaborate with the director of visitor experience to develop and design engaging public programs.
- Participate in monthly Managers’ Meetings to review and discuss museum operations.
- Assist in the development and monitoring of the annual curatorial budget; ensure cost control and identify efficiencies throughout the fiscal year.
- Support the hiring, training and supervision of preparators and other contractors as necessary.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with artists, curators, arts professionals and partner organizations across Alberta, Canada and internationally.
- Represent The Whyte at curatorial forums, symposia and other professional gatherings.
- Actively contribute to the broader cultural and visual arts landscape in Alberta and across Canada.
Key Competencies
- Ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment, particularly within a growing organization.
- Knowledge of museum standards and curatorial best practices.
- Excellent presentation and writing skills, with the ability to communicate with a variety of audiences.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines and adapt plans as needed.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build relationships, speak publicly and represent the museum in a professional manner.
- Knowledge and experience in the care and handling of artworks, including condition reporting and packing.
- Deep commitment to visitor experience, with a focus on understanding and anticipating audience needs. Builds rapport and fosters meaningful connections with diverse communities.
- Brings a creative and solutions-oriented mindset to problem-solving. Continuously seeks opportunities to enhance museum practices and programming.
- Demonstrates vision and proactivity; takes meaningful action beyond expectations to advance institutional goals.
- Comfortable working flexible hours, including the occasional evenings, weekends, and travel. Able to navigate changing priorities, structures and cultural contexts with ease.
Benefits
- Available Health Benefits include drug coverage, healthcare spending account, mental health support, travel insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
- Work Life Balance opportunities include a wide range of paid/unpaid leave, including paid vacation, family-related leave and personal days.
- Retirement Planning initiatives include a Group Savings Plan.
- Learning and Development opportunities include a Tuition Assistance Program and Advanced Learning Program, payment of professional association memberships and online learning opportunities.
Our Commitment to Equity
The Whyte Museum is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and access in all aspects of our work. We acknowledge that we operate on Treaty 7 territory, the traditional lands of the Îyârhe Nakoda, Tsuut’ina, and Blackfoot Confederacy, and the Métis Nation of Alberta. We recognize that equity in the arts requires us to actively support underrepresented voices, confront systemic barriers, and create space for new ways of thinking and doing.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, disabled, or from other equity-deserving communities.
To Apply
Please submit your resume and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the position and your approach to curating contemporary art. Applications can be sent to: Award@whyte.org.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
