Employment period: May 12, 2025 – August 8, 2025 (16 weeks total)
Compensation: $21.50/hr
Location: 6184 Ash St., 2nd Floor, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 3G9
The Position
The Jewish Museum and Archives of BC (JMABC) seeks a highly capable student researcher to serve as a Curatorial Assistant for the summer of 2024. In this role, they will support the development and delivery of JMABC exhibits and public programs. This is a valuable learning opportunity for a currently enrolled student, with interests in Jewish community work, arts and culture, and curatorial experience.
Who we are
The Jewish Museum and Archives of BC (JMABC) is dedicated to the collecting, preserving and sharing of community memories of Jewish life in British Columbia. Through innovative exhibits and programming, the JMABC builds bridges with the diverse communities of BC and heightens awareness of the rich 160+ year history of Jews in BC.
Who you are
The Curatorial Assistant will support the delivery of JMABC public programming and exhibits. They will be responsible for assisting with walking tours and ongoing curatorial projects, and completing research and other tasks towards the formation of a self-contained research project to be utilized in future JMABC programs and exhibits. Further, they will support logistical aspects of ongoing public programs and initiatives.
This position will provide the successful candidate with valuable work experience in an esteemed cultural institution. Tasks will range widely, enabling the Curatorial Assistant to learn diverse and interrelated skills. Throughout, they will receive mentorship from the JMABC Director of Programming and Development, alongside other members of the JMABC team.
Tasks will include:
• Gain basic familiarity with the 160+ year history of Jewish life in BC through a review of pertinent literature;
• Attend and learn to manage walking tours offered by the JMABC during the Summer 2025 season
• Conduct research and assist with a variety of tasks in support of upcoming exhibits and programs;
• Work with the Director of Programming and Development to define, research, and complete a research project that fits with JMABC goals, to be implemented in future JMABC programs and exhibits;
• Prepare a final report for JMABC records, Young Canada Works and other project funding agencies;
In addition to project-specific tasks, the YCW Curatorial Assistant will contribute essentially to ongoing research, exhibit development and event-planning in support of current and upcoming JMABC public programming.
The ideal candidate for the Curatorial Assistant position will have:
• A demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in a field related to Jewish arts and culture, general heritage and history, and/or not-for-profit industry as shown through previous volunteer or work experience and/or an academic background in a related field such as education, history, museum studies, anthropology, or Jewish studies;
• A demonstrated interest in the history and cultural experience of Jewish life in BC;
• Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal English;
• Excellent research skills;
• Excellent writing skills
• A positive, upbeat attitude and strong work ethic;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work productively independently
• Attention to detail;
• Ability to independently meet work deadlines set by the supervisor
• Experience and comfortability working with public audiences, including children and seniors.
In addition, all candidates must meet the following eligibility qualifications set out by the Young Canada Works (YCW) program:
• Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada;
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada;
• Be between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of the project;
• Meet the specific eligibility criteria of the program to which they apply;
• Be registered in the YCW online candidate inventory;
• Be willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment;
• Not have another full-time job (over 30 hours per week) while employed with YCW;
• Have been a full-time student in the semester preceding the YCW job;
• Have the intent to return to full-time studies in the semester following the YCW job.
Note: This position is contingent on receipt of funding through the Young Canada Works program. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria to be considered for this position.
TO APPLY: Please send an email with the subject line "Summer at the Jewish Museum," along with your professional resume and cover letter attached, to ewenner@jewishmuseum.ca.
Please note: while we thank all candidates for their interest, only those shortlisted for follow-up will be contacted.