EXHIBITIONS & COLLECTIONS MANAGER

Job Title: Exhibitions and Collections Manager

Reports to: Director of Heritage and Facilities

Location: Medalta, 713 Medalta Ave SE, Medicine Hat

32 hours per week | 4 days a week | $50,000 annually

 

About Medalta

Medalta in the Historic Clay District is a nationally recognized industrial museum, contemporary ceramic arts centre, and community gathering place located in the heart of Medicine Hat. As Medalta celebrates 40 years as an organization, it continues to preserve one of Canada’s most significant ceramic manufacturing sites while advancing contemporary artistic practice, education, and public engagement through its museum and internationally renowned artist-in-residence program.

 

The Opportunity

Medalta is seeking a collaborative Exhibitions and Collections Manager to lead two essential areas of the organization: the development of exhibitions and the stewardship of the Historic Clay District’s extensive artefact collection. This includes, but is not limited to, historic pottery, industrial equipment, and contemporary ceramics. Reporting to the Director of Heritage and Facilities, this position provides leadership for both the Exhibitions and Collections departments, balancing strategic planning with hands-on implementation. Depending on seasonal priorities and staffing levels, the Manager may directly undertake departmental work or oversee staff, contractors, and volunteers supporting these functions.

This role offers the opportunity to shape how Medalta shares its stories, presents contemporary artistic work, and cares for an important cultural collection within a nationally significant site.

 

Core Responsibilities

Exhibitions

• Lead the planning, development, installation, and evaluation of exhibitions in collaboration with artists, staff, and community partners

• Guide exhibition concepts that reflect Medalta’s artistic vision and heritage mandate

• Coordinate exhibition schedules, logistics, and interpretive materials

• Develop written exhibition content for diverse public audiences

• Support programming that enhances visitor engagement with exhibitions

 

Collections

• Provide leadership for the care, documentation, and management of the various

artefacts and collections throughout the Historic Clay District

• Ensure collections are managed in accordance with institutional policy and museum standards set by Alberta Museum Association guidelines

• Coordinate artefact movement, storage, conservation, and research activities within the Historic Clay District

• Respond to collection-related inquiries from researchers and the public

• Support collection development and long-term preservation planning

 

Leadership and Administration

• Supervise and mentor staff and volunteers within both departments

• Contribute to departmental planning, policy development, and project implementation

• Lead and contribute to grant writing and funding applications for exhibitions and collections initiatives, in collaboration with the Executive Director

• Work collaboratively across the organization to advance Medalta’s mission

• Other related duties as required

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Curatorial Practice, History, or a related field

• Three years of relevant experience preferred in museum collections, exhibitions, or curatorial work

• Experience working with museum collection databases and documentation systems

• Knowledge of collections care, artefact handling, and conservation standards

• Experience developing exhibitions or public-facing interpretive projects

• Strong writing and research skills

• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

• Experience supervising staff or volunteers is considered an asset

• Familiarity with Alberta museum standards or heritage sector best practices are considered an asset

 

Compensation

• 32 hours per week (4-day work week equivalent)

• Salary: $50,000 annually

• Flexible scheduling may be considered based on operational needs

• Extended benefits after a successful 3-month probationary period

• Opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant cultural organization during a period of growth and renewal

 

How to Apply

If this opportunity speaks to you, we encourage you to apply even if your experience does not match every qualification listed. We believe strong organizations are built by people with varied backgrounds, perspectives, and strengths.Please submit your cover letter and resume to cody@medalta.org by June 1, 2026. Note “Exhibitions and Collections Manager” in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may begin prior to the closing date.

 

Medalta is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in its hiring practices and workplace culture. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Accommodations are available throughout the hiring process upon request.

 

Medalta thanks all applicants for their interest. Please note only those selected for an interview will be contacted.