Curatorial Coordinator - Indigenous Initiatives and Public Art

Curatorial Coordinator - Indigenous Initiatives and Public Art
Community Services | Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services
1 Vacancy | CUPE 126
Competition # 26-P-51

Located on the historic, 386-kilometreTrent-Severn Waterway in the heart of the Kawartha tourism region, Peterborough is a unique community known for its exceptional quality of life and beautiful setting. The city has been named one of 52 destinations to visit in 2025 by the New York Times.

The City has been shaped by its connection to the waterway, nature, and by the people who call it home. Peterborough is a community of doers and dreamers that are resourceful, passionate, creative and brimming with local pride.

Before it was ever known as Peterborough, this land was called Nogojiwanong – Ojibwe for “the place at the foot of the rapids.” Today, the city remains continuously in motion, guided by a deep sense of community and connection. The City is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, known collectively as the Williams Treaty First Nations.

Job Details

The Curatorial Coordinator supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of exhibitions, collections‑related activities, public art projects, and cultural programming across the City’s cultural facilities and public spaces. Working within an assigned portfolio area, the role contributes to the development of exhibitions, interpretive materials, and community‑focused programming by providing research, logistical coordination, and hands‑on operational support. In carrying out these day‑to‑day tasks, the position functions as an operational contributor to curatorial work, while overall curatorial accountability and decision‑making authority remain with management. The role helps ensure that exhibition and program activities follow safe, inclusive, and culturally informed practices, and contributes to positive visitor experiences by supporting accessible and community‑responsive cultural services.

The position collaborates closely with colleagues across other curatorial portfolios and cultural service areas, supporting cross‑coverage during high‑volume periods, absences, or shared project needs. As part of an integrated team, the Curatorial Coordinator brings practical working knowledge of cultural services and curatorial processes, applying established guidelines and seeking direction for complex or sensitive matters from the Manager. Through teamwork, preparation, community engagement, and attention to detail, the role supports the delivery of consistent, high‑quality cultural programming and exhibitions that reflect the City’s commitment to inclusion, learning, and meaningful cultural participation.

Qualifications

Seeking candidates who hold a post-secondary degree in Art History, Fine Arts, Museum Studies, Cultural Studies, or a related field, and who bring a minimum of three years of relevant experience in museums, galleries, cultural centres, or similar environments. The ideal candidate will demonstrate practical knowledge of exhibition operations, public engagement, customer service, exhibition coordination, collections support, and cultural program logistics, along with experience collaborating with community partners, artists, cultural groups, and diverse public audiences.

Candidates will bring strong community engagement skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, as well as the capacity to support multiple cultural portfolios and a broad understanding of cultural services, curatorial practices, and exhibition workflows. Lived Indigenous experience is an essential qualification, complemented by a strong understanding of Indigenous cultural protocols, practices, and ethical curatorial standards, and a proven ability to build respectful, collaborative relationships with Indigenous artists, Elders, and cultural communities. Familiarity with urban art contexts, community-based projects, and contemporary Indigenous expression is also key.

The successful candidate will hold a valid Class G Driver’s License and have Standard First Aid/CPR‑C/AED certification, or be prepared to obtain certification within six months of hire.

Salary

Classification for this position: CUPE L126: JC9

$73,109.40

Application Information

Qualified applicants are invited to apply by email to recruiting@peterborough.ca no later than 11:59 p.m. (midnight) on April 17, 2026. 

To ensure your application is considered, please follow these steps: 

• Prepare one file only (PDF or Word) that includes both your résumé and cover letter
• Name your file with your first and last name (e.g., JaneSmith Comp#.pdf)
• Include the competition number in the file name, and email subject line 

We thank all applicants for their interest in the City of Peterborough. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The City of Peterborough is an organization that strives to embrace the spirit of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and barrier-free environment in which all individuals have access to the City's goods, services and facilities. If you are contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise People & Culture if you require accommodation.