Clerk 3 (Program Assistant) (Young Canada Works)

About Us

As a celebrated Canadian gallery, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) is deeply connected to the cultures and communities of Atlantic Canada, a region shaped by its enduring relationship with the sea. It is committed to this mission as an agency of the Province of Nova Scotia and one of the premier arts institutions in Canada.

Since its beginnings in 1908 as the Nova Scotia Museum of Fine Arts, the gallery has been at the heart of the province’s cultural evolution. It officially became the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in 1975. Over the years, the AGNS has cultivated an impressive permanent collection of nearly 20,000 works, including Canadian and Indigenous art, contemporary installations, and a renowned folk-art collection featuring Maud Lewis’s iconic painted house and the largest public collection of her work.

As a gallery, we invite collective engagement, interaction, and dialogue; examination, reflection, and the disentanglement of historical and contemporary narratives. Through our work, the AGNS challenges individuals to take risks, re-imagine, and make changes for a more equitable and just world. 

Please note, due to legislative changes, as of January 1, 2023, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) employees are no longer Civil Servants and are instead direct employees of the AGNS.

About Our Opportunity

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) provides innovative programming and learning opportunities for Nova Scotia residents and visitors to the province. As the Program Assistant, you will help the Programming team will be develop new and engaging programs to expand audiences, supporting learning in the exhibitions and collections more deeply, and strengthen impact and reach through programmatic offerings to a range of audiences. The intern will gain valuable professional experience by supporting the administration, analysis, and planning phases of this important period in the AGNS programming department. 

As the Program Assistant, you will play an important planning and coordination role to assist the programing division meet our goals and objectives. We will work together to develop new and creative ways to deliver meaningful and inspiring programs and art experiences for children, youth, adults and special interest groups. In addition, you will assist in development and delivering engaging and innovative art programs and activities using numerous delivery models for a wide range of audiences. 

Primary Accountabilities

• Research and familiarize themselves with current exhibitions and participate in tour guide training to prepare for leading engaging, inquiry-based tours of the current exhibitions and permanent collection. The intern will shadow guides during daily tours at the Gallery.
• In collaboration with program staff, assist with the development of the new and developed programmatic offerings.
• Participate in guide training, prepare to lead and deliver guided tours for school groups, community groups and visitors.
• Take detailed notes, maintain files, and document the planning process to ensure a record is available for future initiatives. 
• Conduct a literature review of current museum education practices and survey related programs offered regionally and internationally.
• Attend meetings, take notes, and follow up on any action items arising from those meetings. Conduct administrative duties as assigned.
• Research and familiarize themselves with current public programming and in-gallery offerings at the AGNS, as well as educational and engagement strategies used by Canadian and Atlantic museums and galleries.
• Assist in the planning, delivery, and follow-up of programs scheduled for May to March 2026. Tasks related to program delivery may include:
  • Creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all participants and visitors, aligning with AGNS’s values and mission.
  • Coordinating with artist instructors and staff to prepare materials, accommodate special requests, maintain studios, and purchase supplies.
  • Assisting in delivering hands-on studio art education lessons, both independently and under the guidance of other artist instructors.
  • Assisting in the design and development of engaging lesson plans for school groups, focusing on exhibitions or key themes such as environmentalism, climate action, culture, and heritage.
  • Assisting with Public Programs at the AGNS, such as artist talks, in-gallery activities, painting workshops, special events.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate, you are a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, Arts, Education, or a related field, or a diploma in Community Development or a similar discipline. Equivalent experience may also be considered.

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to work with children, youth, and adults of all ages in an arts-based environment.

Preference will also be given to those who have completed a Master’s Degree or equivalent.

In addition to the above, you demonstrate the ability to work with children, youth, and adults of all ages in an artmaking and interpretation setting. You possess strong communication skills (both written and verbal) and demonstrate strong planning, problem solving and organizational skills. You have experience and confidence using Microsoft programs (word, excel), web research, email (outlook) and experience using online social media platforms.

At times, this role may be working independently or in a team environment and as the successful candidate, you must clearly demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics to work effectively with the diverse public in a professional manner.

Skills:

• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• Strong communication abilities with a welcoming and engaging style
• Excellent research, writing, and presentation skills
• Comfortable speaking with a diverse public
• Ability to communicate complex art concepts in an accessible and engaging manner
• Experience in arts program delivery for children and youth
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to receive and incorporate feedback effectively
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and resourcefulness in a fast-paced environment
• Professional demeanor in carrying out responsibilities
• Proficiency with computers, including web research, email, and all common Word processing programs (PC platforms), with a particular emphasis on project management tools
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated, while also collaborating within a team
• A strong understanding of the role of the arts in fostering healthy communities for people of all ages

Candidates must meet eligibility requirements for the Government of Canada’s Young Canada Works 2026 program and register on the YCW online candidate inventory.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Additional Information

Candidates must be registered in the Young Canada Works (YCW) on-line candidate inventory (https://young-canada-works.canada.ca) and meet the eligibility criteria of the Building Careers in Heritage program.

A Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse, and Vulnerable Sector Check will be required for this position.

There is one (1) summer student positions available with a start date of June 1, 2026 and an end date of December 18, 2026