Talent Specialist

About the Role

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), one of North America’s largest art museums, is seeking a collaborative and people-oriented Talent Specialist to support the attraction, engagement, and growth of its workforce. Based in Toronto, the AGO welcomes nearly one million visitors each year and houses a collection of more than 120,000 works spanning contemporary art, Indigenous and Canadian art, and European masterpieces.

This is a regular full-time position of 35 hours per week. Reporting to the Manager, Talent, you will contribute across the employee lifecycle by helping with recruitment, onboarding, internal mobility, employee engagement, learning and development, performance support, and DEIA initiatives. The role is focused on strengthening the employee experience while advancing the AGO’s strategic priorities.

The compensation for this role is $64,628 to $80,735 per year.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end hiring processes for a broad mix of roles, including difficult-to-fill, high-volume, specialized, internship, student-funded, and international recruitment needs.
• Work with hiring leaders to shape sourcing approaches, identify suitable candidates, arrange interviews, and support hiring decisions.
• Plan and run onboarding and orientation activities that help new team members feel welcomed and engaged.
• Help drive employee engagement initiatives that contribute to an inclusive, cooperative, and high-performing workplace.
• Support performance management, employee feedback programs, and broader talent development efforts.
• Contribute to workforce planning and succession planning to support long-term organizational sustainability.
• Assist with diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Help develop and deliver learning programs, training opportunities, and employee resources.
• Keep recruitment and employee records current in ATS platforms, HR systems, and performance management tools.
• Provide guidance on employment legislation, collective agreement administration, organizational policies, and HR best practices.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to improve talent processes and enhance the overall employee experience.
• Handle sensitive employee matters with professionalism, sound judgment, and confidentiality.

What You Bring

• At least 2 years of experience in recruitment and selection, including hard-to-fill, high-volume, and specialized hiring.
• At least 2 years of talent management experience across recruitment, onboarding, performance support, DEI, learning and development, and engagement.
• Post-secondary education in Human Resources or a related discipline; post-graduate study is considered an advantage.
• Experience recruiting in a unionized environment is an asset.
• Exposure to internships, student-funded opportunities, and international hiring is an added benefit.
• Strong organizational ability, time management, communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Comfort using applicant tracking systems, performance tools, HRIS platforms, Microsoft Office, and digital communication tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Working knowledge of employment legislation, collective agreement administration, HR policies, and procedures.
• Good judgment and the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information carefully.
• CHRP or CHRL certification is preferred.

Perks and Benefits

• Discounted membership or access to GoodLife Fitness.
• Complimentary admission to all major AGO exhibitions.
• Reduced-rate access to major attractions through provincial and city reciprocal programs.
• Free AGO admission for friends and family.
• Employee discounts at the AGO Shop, Bistro, and Learning Centre.

Culture and Inclusion

The AGO is committed to building a workplace shaped by inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. These values are integrated into its strategic direction, workplace culture, and everyday practices. The organization welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and will provide accommodation during the recruitment process upon request.

Application Process

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter describing their relevant experience and qualifications through the AGO’s online application process. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. The AGO is an equal opportunity employer.

Additional Information

This role is part of the Art + Audience + Learning group. The AGO’s applicant tracking system uses AI-enabled features to support efficiency and consistency, while all hiring decisions remain with managers and the HR team.