Redpath Museum of McGill University https://www.mcgill.ca/redpath/
Position Details:
- Unit: Redpath Museum, Faculty of Science
- Title: Museum Director
- Annual salary: $109,240 – $136.550 – $170,690
- Reports to: Dean, Faculty of Science
- Hours/week: 33.75
- Position end date: 2026-09-04
About the Redpath Museum
The Redpath Museum is the oldest natural history museum in Canada, the only natural history museum in Montreal, and the largest in Quebec. Built in 1882, the Museum is also Canada’s oldest purpose-built museum.
The Redpath Museum of McGill University serves both as a museum and as a site of academic activity. As a museum, it is open to the public and features thematic exhibits from its extensive natural history and world culture collections. In terms of McGill relationship to the community, the Redpath Museum holds a privileged position as the most accessed site by the public on the McGill campus. It welcomes a large number of members of the public, of all ages, to experience the Museum’s fascinating natural history and world cultures collections. Publicly accessible natural history museums like the Redpath are also well-established throughout the World as providing an interface between science and the general public, particularly school-aged children. The Redpath Museum thus serves as a unique connection between McGill, the Montreal community, as well as visitors to Montreal. As a centre of academic research, the Museum’s collections of over 1.5 million materials and artifacts support world-leading research and education in, for example, biodiversity, evolution, paleontology, and Earth sciences. As both a centre of teaching and learning, it also hosts McGill undergraduate courses as well as a unique academic activities & events and a robust collection based research program. https://www.mcgill.ca/redpath/about
Over the next two years, significant building infrastructure improvements to the Museum building plus complementary space elsewhere on the McGill campus will enable an expansion of the Museum’s scope beyond exhibits of natural history and world cultures, to also include aspects of natural sciences, and how they intersect with natural history. This scope expansion will provide for a celebration of the many McGill-associated achievements in both natural history and natural sciences, resulting in the transformation of the Redpath Museum into the Redpath Museum of Science and Natural History.
Opportunity:
As the Director of Redpath Museum, under the direction of the Dean, Faculty of Science, you will have a unique opportunity to take on a pivotal role in overseeing and enhancing the operations of the Museum. You will be entrusted with ensuring the smooth operation of the Museum in various areas including HR, finances, collections, academic, research and public programing. By effectively managing these aspects, you will contribute to the Museum’s success and ensure its alignment with the mission of the Faculty of Science and University. As the Director, you will play a critical role in formulating an implementing long-term plan for the Museum. By envisioning and strategizing for the future, you will guide the Museum’s growth, development, and sustainability. Additionally, you will contribute to policy development, ensuring that the Museum operates in accordance with establish standards and best practices. The Director will have a role in advancing the Museum’s goals and securing resources for its continued success. This includes seeking out funding opportunities, cultivating relationships with donors, and engaging in fundraising efforts to support the Museum’s initiatives. You will act as the representative of the Redpath Museum, both within the University and to the general community which involve fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. By effectively engaging with these groups, you will promote the Museum’s mission, build partnerships, and enhance its visibility and reputation.
By embracing this opportunity, you will play a vital role in furthering the Museum’s mission, strengthening its ties with the University and the community, and shaping its future.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Establish and implement the Museum’s strategic plan, including short-term and long-term goals and objectives.
- Ensure financial sustainability by managing the Museum’s budget, including fundraising and grant writing. Seek grants, sponsorships, and partnerships that contribute to both the Museum’s and the University’s goals.
- Provide leadership and direction regarding the Museum’s exhibitions and programming, ensuring the highest level of quality, relevance, and accessibility. Foster collaborations between the Museum staff, faculty members, and students to create a meaningful learning experience.
- Direct and manage the Museum’s staff, including hiring, training, and evaluating employees, and ensuring a positive and inclusive work environment.
- Liaise with the Redpath Board of Directors to establish policies and procedures that ensure ethical, legal, and responsible Museum practices.
- Lead and ensure the Museum’s collections are properly cared for, maintained, and exhibited, in compliance with professional standards and legal requirements.
- Foster and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and other sources of financial support for the Museum.
- Manage the Museum’s physical plant, including overseeing renovations, maintenance, and repairs, to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for visitors and staff.
- Plan, develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the Museum’s programs and operations, using data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Plan and enhance current outreach programs that serve the local community and align with the University’s commitment to public service. Engage with community organizations, schools and other stakeholders to promote the Museum’s resources, exhibitions, and educational offerings.
- Identify areas where the Redpath Museum can contribute and align its activities according to the McGill University and Faculty Mission and Vision.
- Actively support the new, expanded vision and mission of the Redpath Museum and aligning it with the University and Faculty of Science objectives by fostering collaboration, enhancing educational experiences, and contribute to the overall success of the institution.
- Chair or lead committees and represent the University at internal and external meetings.
Education:
- A Master’s degree in Museum Studies or a related field is required; a PhD degree is preferred.
- At minimum 5 years of experience in a leadership role at a museum or cultural institution, with a proven track record of success in managing budgets, staff, and operations.
Skills and Expertise:
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Knowledge of museum best practices, ethics, and legal requirements.
- Familiarity with current trends and issues in the museum field, including diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Exceptional judgment, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and creatively.
- Demonstrated ability to fundraise, write grants, and secure financial support for a museum or cultural institution.
- Capacity to set clear goals and objectives.
- A passion for the arts, culture, and history, and a commitment to the museum’s mission and values.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to work collaboratively in a dynamic and evolving environment.
- Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 on a scale of 0-4.
McGill University accepts applications for this position through Workday. To apply: https://mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/McGill_Careers/job/Redpath-Museum/Museum-Director_JR0000043816
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