Royal Alberta Museum Looking for Content Researchers

Job description: In support of the development of the new Royal Alberta Museum, slated to open in downtown Edmonton, the Royal Alberta Museum is seeking to contract content researchers to undertake directed research for the completion of individual displays for the history galleries.

Under the direction of the Interpretive Planners and the Human History Wing Lead, researchers will develop content for object-based exhibits that will tell the story of 20th century life in Alberta.

The RAM intends to assign up to twelve stories to contractors. At this time, the Museum is looking for an expression of interest from potential researchers.

If interested, please download the attached document. All submissions must be sent to Linden Roberts (linden.roberts@gov.ab.ca) by Friday, September 5, 2014. 

Background
The Royal Alberta Museum, in Edmonton, Alberta, is undergoing capital redevelopment, with a new facility now under construction. Included in the development is a suite of approximately 30,000 square feet of human history galleries.

In planning the new galleries, the museum has developed an interpretive strategy that is story-based, object-focused and developed around a defined audience strategy. The human history wing of galleries is organized according to the following principles:
• There is a key message to define the overarching narrative for the wing, setting the tone for the wing and defining the elements important in our storytelling.
• Within the wing, the galleries each define a key message and narrative that characterizes and defines the approach to the history covered by that period. Among the characteristics for the galleries are:
o Each gallery will be self-contained. There will be no sense of historical themes that will stretch from one gallery to the next.
o Each gallery will tell a complete story. 

Within each gallery, a series of story displays will deliver the gallery message and narrative. These story displays each share the following characteristics:
• They are object focused.
• There is a key message.
• There is a defined target audience for each.

Services Required
The Royal Alberta Museum is looking for qualified researchers to develop 20th century Alberta history stories identified for the galleries. Researchers will be considered for one or more story. The topics are:

• First Nations ranching and rodeo
• Winter sports
• Banking
• Modern farming and ranching
• Labour history
• Equality issues
• Renewable energy
• Medicine and Health
• Railway
• Residential Schools 
• Metis culture and history

Specific topics will be identified with the successful candidates, and candidates will be given a topic title, a brief description and our intention for the story.  


Researchers will be expected to meet with the Museum’s Interpretive Planners, then prepare the following for each assigned story:

• Key Message (~75 words)
• Final Story description (~1000 words)
• Suggested objects to illustrate the story and key message (~10)
• A description of each object and how it supports the key message (~25 words)

Note: The use of Royal Alberta Museum objects is preferred, so each researcher should allow one full day for a discussion of the museum’s collections with a curator to be assigned to each contracted story.

The work is to be undertaken in the period September through November 2014.

Qualifications
Interested researchers should provide the following information, in no more than three pages and in PDF format:

• Name to be contracted under (either personal or business)
• Contact information
• Relevant academic qualifications
• Relevant work history (with a particular focus on projects)
• Hourly or daily rates for professional services

Information should be sent to:

Linden Roberts
Director of Capital Exhibit Development
Via email at linden.roberts@gov.ab.ca


Next steps
Successful candidates will be contacted to bid on the development of one or more stories.

Job Opportunity with the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum

The County of Grande Prairie No 1 is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for The Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum – a brand new, world class facility in Wembley, AB with experience in collections, programming and facility management. 

The CEO is responsible for the development, execution, and management of the policies, programs, and initiatives of the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum as directed by its Board of Directors. The successful candidate will provide leadership toward achievement of the Museum Society’s mandates, mission, and its' long-term and immediate goals and objectives. Ideal candidates will have previous experience in the management of a non-profit organization and have current management credentials and have a willingness to serve as the Executive Director of the Museum Society.

As the successful candidate you will have the ability to supervise and manage professional, volunteer, and administrative staff members, through a supportive, collaborative environment.
You will possess strong written and verbal communication skills and have previous experience with budget preparation, fiscal management and analysis. You have the capability to develop and implement long-range plans; as well as, an ability to develop, implement, and evaluate public opinion surveys and related data collection vehicles. You will have some understanding of curatorial requirements of a unique museum collection and have knowledge of current and emerging public relations issues and trends applicable to the museum and cultural fields.

The successful candidate will possess a degree in Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field and have a minimum of ten years’ experience in progressively advancing level of executive and managerial capabilities. A demonstrated successful track record in fundraising, and previous experience as a CEO of a similar sized non-profit organization, preferably in the field of arts and culture, are assets, and a passion to advance the mission of the Museum is a must. 

Duties will include; but are not limited to:
• Managing the staff, services and activities of Museum.
• Developing and maintaining the Annual Business Plan and Budget for the Museum.
• Hiring, supervising, training, and evaluating staff members, as well as overseeing the work of professional consultants.
• Serving as the Museum’s primary spokesperson, including interaction with the media, community associations, and others as necessary and appropriate.
• Overseeing and coordinating fundraising and donor management activities. 
• Identifying new initiatives and partnerships to grow membership and revenue (i.e. grant writing and community/ corporate sponsorships).
• Developing – in conjunction with the Chair – the agenda for the Board meetings; attends and reports to the Board at its meetings; oversees or performs an accurate recording of the proceedings; and distributes information in a timely manner.
• Recommending and administering goals, objectives, policies and procedures of the Society.
• Developing and maintaining effective relationships with persons and groups directly or indirectly associated with the Museum and the Society,
• Coordinating the activities of and assists Board members with implementation of the Business plan.
• Preparing reports as requested by the Board Chair.

Compensation for this position shall be based on experience and qualifications. Vacation and health benefits are provided.

About the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum and the Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative
The Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, scheduled to open its doors in 2014, will be a 41,000 sq. foot, world-class facility highlighting the rich fossil resources of Northern Alberta. Named for Dr. Philip Currie, Canada’s preeminent palaeontologist, the museum, located in Wembley AB will serve as a hub of education and science in the area. 
For more information on this exciting opportunity please contact: 

Brian Brake, Executive Director
Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative
c/o County of Grande Prairie No. 1
10001 – 84 Avenue, Clairmont, AB T0H 0W0
Phone (780) 567-5584 x106
Email bbrake@countygp.ab.ca

Closing date for this competition is July 4, 2014. To apply for this position please forward your resume, cover letter and three references to:

Human Resource Coordinator
County of Grande Prairie No. 1
10001 – 84 Avenue, Clairmont, AB T0H 0W0
Fax 780-532-9709 (confidential)
Email: jobs@countygp.ab.ca
Website: www.countygp.ab.ca 

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

Standard Practices handbook for Museums available

The Alberta Museums Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that the revised third edition of award winning Standard Practices Handbook for Museums is now available for presale. The Handbook addresses standards of practice and their implementation in seven areas: Museums and Society, Governance and Operations, Collections Management, Conservation, Research, Programming, and Exhibits. Key concepts have been updated and discussions around emergent trends in museum practice have been added. The revisions to the Handbook and its function as a key resource in the museum community ensure that the AMA is a leader in the museum sector.

For more information contact info@museums.ab.ca

Job Opportunity with the Glenbow Museum

The Glenbow Museum is seeking a Membership Coordinator to join their team! The Glenbow Museum is an art and history museum located in Calgary, Alberta. You can learn more about the museum by visiting their website.

Position Details:

Reporting to the Director of Development, this position is responsible for the development, 
implementation/management & evaluation of an effective membership relations/stewardship 
program for members at all levels. This is achieved by providing the highest level of service and stewardship for members; developing customized stewardship plans and reports; and providing meaningful and consistent donor communication that creates awareness of Glenbow’s core activities and recognizes each stakeholder’s unique involvement/motivation for supporting Glenbow Museum. This position will also be responsible for providing some administrative support to the VP of Development and the other members of the development team providing timely assistance for all fundraising and revenue generation activities. 

For more information about this position, please  click here. The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 29, 2014. 

Job Opportunity with the University of Alberta

                 

The University of Alberta is seeking a dynamic individual for the position of Collections Management Assistant, University of Alberta Museums. The University of Alberta is one of the largest collecting institutions in Canada with more than 17 million objects and specimens in disciplines ranging from art to zoology. There are 29 academic museum collections that comprise the University of Alberta Museums which are integral to the University's teaching, research, discovery learning and access programs. Museums and Collections Services leads the development and implementation of a campus-wide operational, administrative (policy) and exhibition/program delivery framework for the University of Alberta Museums.

As a member of the Collections Management Team and reporting to the Museums Collections Manager, Museums and Collections Services/University of Alberta Museums, the Collections Management Assistant is accountable for:

Duties
•Leading, planning and implementing preventive conservation strategies, standards and advisory services including emergency response for the U of A Museums
•Leading the development and implementation of museum environmental monitoring and pest management program for the U of A Museums
•Researching and leading the development of standards and techniques to develop object mounts for artifact/specimen storage, moves and exhibitions
•Developing and delivering selected emergency response and collections management training programs
•Managing short term collections management projects in individual U of A Museums
•Implementing the museum inventory, loan and shipping program for the U of A Museums
•Assisting the team with implementing all other collections management activities such as procedures development, needs assessments, risk management and documentation standards
•Acting as the backup to the Museums Collections Manager in chairing the emergency response team

Qualifications
•The ideal candidate will have a post-secondary degree in museum studies with a certificate in museum conservation and collections management; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered
•Additional courses/workshops in collections management and/or museum care/handling an asset
•Experience in a museum/university museum setting or museum advisory setting
•Excellent writing, planning, research, communication, organizational and project management skills
•Current knowledge of museum theory and practice, preventive conservation, emergency response for museums, and museum pest management
•Core competencies including: achievement orientation, analytical thinking, conceptual thinking, flexibility, organizational awareness, planning and initiative, attention to detail, self-confidence, self-development, sense of urgency, and team leadership and team cooperation

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV and a list of 3 professional references.

Apply Online through the University of Alberta's Careers website at
http://www.careers.ualberta.ca/Competition/S106623296/
Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.

Collections Technician Wanted at Museum of the Highwood, High River

The Museum of the Highwood is a western heritage museum located in the former CPR station 
in downtown High River in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains - 45 minutes south of Calgary, 
Alberta. In June 2013, the museum collection suffered varying degrees of loss and damage 
due to a major flood. 

A six month contract position is currently available for an individual to assist in the cleaning, 
repair and re-housing of damaged artifacts and archival materials. This is an excellent, unique 
opportunity to learn and practice practical skills and techniques under the direction of experienced 
conservators. 

Qualifications:

• experience working directly with artifacts and archival materials

• related degree or diploma from an accredited institution

• knowledge of conservation techniques as well as care and handling procedures 

• proficiency in Past Perfect database an asset

• super organized, flexible, patient and able to work independently if necessary

• ability to efficiently undertake physical tasks, with some heavy lifting.

• familiarity with the Alberta Museum Associations’ Standard Practices Handbook – 
collections management 

• knowledge of Canadian Conservation code of ethics and practices.

Hours of work:

30 hours per week for a six month term.

Location: 

Calgary and High River. The candidate must be willing to relocate and should have his/
her own transportation if possible. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Starting date: Immediately.

Closing date for applications: January 16, 2014. 

Please e-mail applications to: irene.kerr@museumofthehighwood.com

Thank you for your interest in this position.

Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted

Westwood Drama Production - MUSEUM by Tina Howe

@ Westwood Community High School Cheepiyak Theatre

Thursday June 6, Friday June 7 & Saturday June 8

8:00pm with door open at 7:30pm to view the Art Show.

All tickets $8 available at the Westwood office during business hours or 1 hour before show time at the box office. For more information call 780-791-1986 ex 178.

Recommended PG 13.