Learning & Public Programs Intern

WHO WE ARE
Opened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's most-visited museum, ranking among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. At ROM, we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections, sharing knowledge, inspiring learning, and fostering community engagement. As a globally recognized field research institute, ROM houses an impressive collection of over 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, showcased in over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. We are committed to creating a space where art, culture, and nature intersect, connecting people and communities to the past, present and shared future.
As we continue to work toward our goals to transform and evolve as one of the world’s foremost 21st-century museums, we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values.
WHO WE NEED
We are seeking a Learning & Public Programs Research Intern to support ROM’s public-facing education and engagement initiatives for Summer 2026. This full-time, grant-funded contract position, supported through the Ontario Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) Program, offers an exciting opportunity for a student or emerging professional interested in museum education, public programming, and audience engagement.
In this role, you will support research and information-gathering activities related to school programs, public learning experiences, and visitor engagement initiatives across the cultural and tourism sectors. Working closely with ROM’s Learning & Public Programs team, you will assist with reviewing educational programs, compiling information, organizing research findings, and supporting projects that help inform future learning experiences for schools, families, and visitors.
This opportunity provides valuable hands-on experience within a leading cultural institution while helping build foundational skills in research, communication, public programming, and museum operations.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Assist with environmental scans and information gathering related to museums, galleries, science centres, and cultural organizations.
• Support research related to school programs, public learning experiences, and visitor engagement initiatives.
• Compile and organize information related to program formats, audiences, accessibility features, and educational offerings.
• Assist with preparing summary documents, charts, presentations, and research materials for the Learning & Public Programs team.
• Help maintain lists of peer organizations, community contacts, and sector resources.
• Support projects related to accessibility, inclusion, public engagement, and educational programming.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment while gaining exposure to museum education and public programming operations.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed post-secondary studies in Museum Studies, Education, Recreation, Arts Administration, Communications, Tourism, Social Sciences, Cultural Studies, or a related field.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with attention to detail.
• Interest in museum education, public programming, camp programming, cultural tourism, visitor engagement, or community learning.
• Ability to conduct basic research and organize information from multiple sources.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Experience preparing presentations, school assignments, reports, or research projects is considered an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
•  Interest in accessibility, inclusion, or public engagement initiatives is considered an asset.

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• START DATE: June 15, 2026
• END DATE: September 5, 2026
• OPEN DATE: May 22, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: Open until filled
• STATUS: Full-time Contract
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union
• EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $17.60 per hour
• SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: The internship period will serve as the evaluation period for this role.
• LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON

This position is funded through the Ontario Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) Program. Applicants must meet the program’s eligibility requirements, including being legally entitled to work in Canada and eligible to participate in the SEO program at the time of hire.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. Initial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation** with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact.
2. First interview: A 45-min in-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the HR team. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the team's and ROM's needs.

The above-listed process may change or vary based on the nature and scope of the position.
**All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.**
WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM

• Cultural engagement: Daily interactions with Toronto's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences.
• Continuous learning: At ROM, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.
• Passion & fulfillment: Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.
• Team & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving.
• Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.

If you’re excited about this role, even if your experience differs from the specific requirements, we encourage you to apply. We’re keen to meet candidates who can contribute their talents to our goals, and will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY
At ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibits, communities, and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who can further diversify our ideas. We are committed to equitable employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• ROM does not require “Canadian experience.” International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
• ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
• This posting is for an existing vacancy.

APPLY NOW
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check and verification of professional references, and, other checks depending on the role.
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