Head of Content and Experience
Job Type: Full time, permanent
Salary: Commensurate with experience + benefits
Language Required: English (other languages such as Nakoda, Blackfoot, Tsuut’ina, Michif, French considered an asset)
Application Deadline: August 9, 2021
Start Date: September 2021, with some flexibility
About Fort Calgary
Situated where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet in Treaty 7 territory, the place that we now call Fort Calgary National Historic Site has played a central role in both the long and more recent histories of this region. The site is rooted in place-stories and memory practices of the Blackfoot Nations, Îyarhe-Nakoda Nations, Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
The land was a natural gathering place to hunt, trade, and hold ceremony. Later, due to the land’s natural topography and social significance, it was where the North West Mounted Police built Fort Calgary in 1875, operating until 1914. Recognized as a National Historic Site in 1925, it served as a train yard until 1975 when the lands were bought by the City of Calgary. Today it is at the heart of the city. We recognize that Fort Calgary is a layered place. It has multiple histories.
We seek to demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation through the adoption of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s guiding principles. As caretakers of this unique National Historic Site, we aim to present these histories in an honest way to connect people by deepening their understanding, enhancing their curiosity, and informing their context for contemporary life.
Fort Calgary is at a key pivot point. A new strategic plan was unanimously adopted by the board in March 2020, and COVID has provided the organization an ideal runway to focus on the work of enacting this plan. This plan puts programs first—it is by working with community and in community that we create value for the people in our city. We are building a new team committed to working in new ways together to achieve the renewal of a National Historic Site.
Visit fortcalgary.com for more information.
About the Role
Reporting to the president and CEO, the head of content and experience is the leader of the content and experience team, responsible for providing strategic direction in the design, development and implementation of all public programs and exhibitions. The team brings together all elements of content and story which inform and support the visitor experience and community engagement, including public programs, curriculum-connected learning programs, collections, and exhibitions—both on site, and online. In addition to operations of the existing site, the successful candidate will work with exhibition designers and stakeholders in the planning of the new museum, slated to open in 2023.
The successful candidate will be a thoughtful and collaborative leader with strong relationship-building skills and experience working in cultural institutions. This role is responsible for managing multiple staff on the program team, and leadership success is aiding them to do their best work in a supportive and horizontal hierarchy.
A member of the leadership team, the successful candidate will help execute Fort Calgary’s current strategic plan. This role emphasizes strategic thinking and long-term planning, as well as developing long-term program and exhibitions plans, overseeing installation and changeover of exhibitions, and developing and managing related budgets.
Personal Characteristics and Experience
The ideal candidate will have strong team leadership and project management skills, expertise in pursuing and formalizing partner relationships and a passion for building community-connected programs informed by metrics as well as thoughtful decision-making processes. Fort Calgary seeks collaborative team members who listen to and encourage their colleagues to succeed and to feel valued.
- Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in a cultural institution preferred.
- Knowledge of contemporary museum practices, exhibition design, and program design—both in person and online/digital.
- Understanding of community engagement and experience with partnerships and collaboration.
- Experience in leading a collaborative, respectful program team where staff can achieve their greatest potential.
- Familiarity and participation in creating a strategic planning and working with senior leaders to action objectives and goals is ideal.
- High level of attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Maintains highest standards of integrity—including confidentiality of privileged information.
- Strong writing and public speaking abilities.
- Highly motivated and can work independently when needed.
- Familiarity with the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report of 2015.
Background
Advanced degree or equivalent accreditation in relevant subjects (museums studies, arts administration Indigenous knowledge, history, cultural studies). However, we recognize the value of candidates who have developed relevant skills through lived experience rather than formal education and welcome such candidates to apply.
How to Apply
Additional considerations include a flexible work environment, benefits package, and the opportunity to be part of renewing a national historic site as part of a values-driven team.
Qualified applicants should send resume and cover letter on or before August 9, 2021, to hr@fortcalgary.com.
The Fort Calgary team is guided by a shared commitment to community, reconciliation, integrity, sustainability, inclusiveness, and respect. People with diverse experience and backgrounds are valued.
