Vice President of Curatorial Affairs

The National Gallery of Canada (Gallery or NGC) is seeking a Vice President of Curatorial Affairs (Vice President) to lead a dynamic and experienced team responsible for acquiring, researching, documenting, and sharing historic and contemporary works of art. This pivotal position plays a key role in celebrating and showcasing Canada’s rich artistic heritage in the context of global art history. Reporting directly to the Director and CEO, the Vice President will provide strategic leadership in acquisitions, collections, national engagement, library and archives and research. In addition, they will inspire and guide a dedicated team, collaborate across departments to support the Gallery's broader institutional and departmental goals, and contribute to scholarly advancements in the field.

With a vision to significantly expand the Gallery’s presence, role, and profile both throughout Canada and internationally, the Vice President will ensure that the institution embraces and elevates a wide range of cultural voices, particularly focusing on diverse and underrepresented perspectives.

Located in the heart of Ottawa, Ontario, the NGC is one of the world’s most respected art institutions. Established in 1880, its role as the country’s premier art institution was formally cemented with the passage of the National Gallery Act in 1913.

In 1990, the National Gallery became a Crown corporation under the Museums Act, which also serves as its governing legislation. The Museums Act empowers a board of trustees appointed by the Governor-in-Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Canadian Heritage to oversee its operations. The eleven (11) trustees represent diverse regions of Canada and the NGC reports to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage. The Board provides strategic direction, while the Director and CEO manages the Gallery’s daily operations.

The NGC welcomes 325,000 to 450,000 visitors annually in its iconic building and around 1.2 million visitors engage with its projects, including the pavilion in Venice. The National Gallery of Canada’s building was designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie and opened in 1988. The Gallery stands on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation with a stunning view of the Parliament Buildings on Parliament Hill.

This is a permanent, full-time, on-site position in Ottawa, Canada, with a salary range of $160,000 to $229,000 CAD – approximately $110,000 to $157,000 USD.

In addition to the salary for the role, there are also additional benefits and a pension plan that represents an added value of 28.5% of the salary. 

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with a letter of interest should be submitted below. 

Sarah James and Rebecca Swartz are leading this search with Kristin Benoit. 

The National Gallery of Canada is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that values and celebrates the diverse life experiences, voices, and histories of all individuals. We encourage applications from individuals belonging to Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities, and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.