Director, Visitor Experience, CAFM

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Annual Salary: $121,700 - $143,100 / year
Employment Status: Full-time Term (15 months) 

Language Requirement: Bilingual (CBC) (definition)
Schedule: 37.50 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Work Environment: Hybrid with Regular On-site Presence

Competition Closing Date: November 8, 2026

Note: This selection process may be used to fill similar positions for varying durations.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Shape how visitors connect with and understand agriculture, food, science and innovation. As Director, Visitor Experience, you will lead the strategic planning, direction and daily operation of the Visitor Experience Division for the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum – which includes educational programming, exhibition interpretation and a working farm. Your portfolio includes the development and delivery of educational and interpretive programming, revenue-generating programs, small animal care, outreach and partner initiatives.

WHAT YOU WILL LEAD

• The Visitor Experience Division’s multi-year planning, strategic direction and operations. 
• Daily visitor experience at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, including programs and hands-on demonstrations, events and special initiatives in addition to community outreach activities and virtual field trips
• Human and financial resource management, supported by clear priorities, policies and performance monitoring. 
• Educational and interpretive strategies, from planning and development through implementation and evaluation. 
• Advice to the Executive Leadership Team on visitor experience opportunities, priorities and risks. 
• Collaboration across Ingenium to advance the museum’s activities, corporate mandate, and deliver on the Ingenium brand promise

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor’s degree in the fields of commerce (business administration/management), social sciences, agricultural sciences, nutrition, education, museology, science, or a post-secondary degree with an acceptable combination of education and experience. 
• Valid G class driver’s license (Ontario) or Class 5 license (Quebec) is required. 

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the management of human and financial resources;
• Significant experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary, public-facing operations, typically acquired through five (5) or more years in a museum, cultural institution, public attraction, or comparable organization. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
• Significant experience managing complex programs and events, typically acquired through five (5) or more years in an educational, cultural, public-facing, or comparable environment. 

ASSETS 

• Significant experience with interpretive or educational programming will be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, or experience engaging with, agriculture, agri-food, food systems, or related scientific, cultural, economic, or public-policy issues in Canada.

KNOWLEDGE

• In-depth knowledge of Ingenium’s and the Museum’s mandate, operations, policies and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of collective agreements, workplace policies and sound management practices, including human resources, budgeting, planning and operational controls.
• Strong knowledge of leadership, team building, customer service and visitor experience best practices.
• Knowledge of museum operations and museology principles, particularly those related to accessibility, inclusion , interpretation and public consultation related to the visitor experience.
• Knowledge of admission and reservation systems, operational reporting and statistical reporting.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements, risk management, emergency and crisis management, and incident investigation.
• Knowledge of multi-year and annual operational planning, including approaches for monitoring and evaluating results.
• Knowledge of agriculture and food-related scientific and technical information, including current and emerging issues.
• Knowledge of educational and interpretive programming, outreach activities, and visitor research and evaluation methods.
• Knowledge of public and media relations practices.
• Knowledge of talent acquisition, employee development and performance management approaches.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent organizational, strategic planning and program management skills, with the ability to successfully manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Excellent judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills, particularly in complex or high-pressure situations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French.
• Strong leadership, coaching and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and guide staff, volunteers and contractors.
• Strong strategic and operational thinking, complemented by creativity and a solutions-focused approach.
• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills, with a high degree of diplomacy and tact.
• Strong analytical and risk-management skills, with the ability to anticipate challenges and respond effectively.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead and address operational and employee matters in a unionized environment.
• Proficiency with digital tools and operational systems related to program cost-analysis, CRMPOS, admission and reservation systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the media and the public, including through interviews, presentations, social media and written content.
• Ability to research, interpret and communicate scientific and technical information related to agriculture and agri-food to diverse audiences.
• Strong research, writing and presentation skills for developing content for exhibits, signage, websites, conferences and partner presentations.

 Security Requirements: Enhanced reliability 
Work location: 901 Prince of Wales Dr. Ottawa ON

Union Affiliation: Excluded
Classification: SM1
 

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Our Commitment to Employment Equity

Ingenium champions the values of diversity and inclusion. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. Candidates are encouraged to self-identify as members of one or more designated employment equity groups. This is asked in a pre-screening question during the application process.

Ingenium provides accommodation to applicants during all parts of the hiring process, upon request. If contacted to proceed with the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.