Program Assistant (Clerk 3)

About Us

Since 1908, the Gallery has been a gateway for the visual arts in Atlantic Canada by engaging people with art. It is committed to this mission as an agency of the Province of Nova Scotia and one of the premier arts institutions in Canada. At its core, the Gallery is responsible for acquiring, preserving and exhibiting works of art, and for providing education in the visual arts.

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia seeks to present the most vital and engaging contemporary art from around the world. We will embrace tradition and the past by applying a contemporary viewpoint that addresses relevant issues and challenges perspectives.

We are an inclusive public gathering place that connects people with art to inspire thinking.

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 play an important administrative, planning, and coordination role to assist the programing division meet our goals and objectives. The Programming department is undergoing a review of our current program offerings over the next several months, and the team will work together to conduct research and analysis that will lead to the development of 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 the delivery of our existing engaging and innovative art programs and activities using numerous delivery models for a wide range of audiences.

Primary Accountabilities

The intern will support two main areas of activity: program delivery and the program review. They will be part of the Public Programming/Education department at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS), which is responsible for Public, School, Community Outreach, and Indigenous Arts programs.

• Familiarization and research on current exhibitions and participate in tour guide training to prepare for leading engaging, inquiry-based tours.
• In collaboration with program staff and the hired consultant: assist in gathering information about current, past, and potential programs.
• Take detailed notes, maintain files, and document the evaluation process to ensure a record is available for future program analysis.
• Conduct a literature review of current museum education practices and survey related programs offered regionally and internationally, as directed by the Consultant and the AGNS staff.
• Attend meetings, take notes, and follow up on any action items arising from those meetings.
• Compile and present relevant research findings to the Programming and Education team for analysis, based on the recommendations of the consultant.
• Assist in the planning, delivery, and reporting of programs scheduled for July to December 2025.

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 diploma in Community Development or a similar discipline.

In addition to the above, the following will be key for success in this role:

• Demonstrated strong planning, problem solving, organizational skills, and resourcefulness in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work with children, youth, and adults of all ages in an arts-based environment.
• Possession of outstanding interpersonal skills, strong communication skills (both written and verbal) with a welcoming and engaging style.
• Excellent research, writing, and presentation skills, comfortable speaking with a diverse public and ability to communicate complex art concepts in an accessible and engaging manner.
• You can receive and incorporate feedback effectively and have a professional demeanor in carrying out responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated, while also collaborating within a team.
• Demonstrate proficiency with computers, including web research, email, and all common Microsoft processing programs, with a particular emphasis on project management tools.
• 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 2025 program and register on the YCW online candidate inventory.

Working Conditions

• If hired, candidates will be required to obtain a Criminal Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check.
• This opportunity requires individuals who can work shifts that occasionally work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• The Length of assignment for this opportunity is approximately July 2, 2025 to December 31, 2025.

Additional Information

This opportunity is for new gradudates, with anticipated end date of December 30, 2025

To be eligible, all applications for this posting must be received through the Province of Nova Scotia’s competition on jobs.novascotia.ca. Please note the closing date for applications on the site.

NOTE: only résumés and cover letters submitted through jobs.novascotia.ca by the closing date will be considered.

Filling the position is based upon receiving funding approval from Young Canada Works.

Inquiries for more information should be made to the attention of: Laura Carmichael, Public Programs Specialist, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Laura.carmichael@agns.ca

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies 
  Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules