JRSP Educational Programme Director

The Jeffrey Rubinoff Sculpture Park (JRSP) is seeking an accomplished scholar to lead its educational portfolio at a pivotal moment in the development of the sculpture park’s intellectual mission. First opened to the public in 2008, the 200-acre sculpture park is home to a collection of over a hundred sculptures by Jeffrey Rubinoff. The JRSP has supported the study of art since 2008, with major donations to the University of Cambridge and the University of Victoria, as well as through its ongoing Company of Ideas Forums that take place every year on Hornby Island. In early 2017, it endowed an Educational Programme to ‘advance the understanding and appreciation of art as a source of knowledge, and to raise awareness of the art of Jeffrey Rubinoff’. This programme includes the Company of Ideas Forum, as well as an awards programme for a Postdoctoral Award, an Artist Residency Award, and Educators Award. In addition, the Educational Programme supports research and publishing on the subject of art and knowledge more generally. More information about JRSP can be found at www.rubinoffsculpturepark.org.

The Opportunity Over a five-year term, the Educational Programme Director will play a central role in shaping how future generations engage with the sculpture, writings, and legacy of Jeffrey Rubinoff, ensuring that the JRSP’s contribution to art historical scholarship continues to mature with rigor, coherence, and depth.

Founded on Rubinoff’s belief that art is a source of knowledge, JRSP has convened internationally recognized thinkers, artists, and scholars through its Company of Ideas Forum, post‑doctoral award, and artist residencies. The next phase strengthens this foundation through our educational programme, which includes the publication of a Catalogue Raisonné, awards, academic convenings, and long‑term scholarly partnerships.

This position is part‑time and remote. It is designed to coexist comfortably with ongoing academic appointments, research agendas, curatorial work, or other professional employment, provided that the time commitments associated with key programme periods can be met.

Reporting to the Executive Director and working in close collaboration with the JRSP Board and designated academic partners, the Educational Programme Director will guide research, publications, forums, lectures, and multi‑year programme planning. The role requires a high degree of interpersonal competence as well as intellectual stewardship: the Director is responsible for ensuring fidelity to Rubinoff’s ideas, clarity of interpretation, and a high standard of scholarly engagement, all while maintaining an open and inviting collegial atmosphere.

The ideal candidate will bring experience with scholarly publication or edited volumes, strong editorial judgment, and the ability to convene high‑level academic dialogue. A background in art history, visual culture, or a related academic field is expected, alongside experience working across academic and artistic contexts.

Responsibilities In the first year, the Educational Programme Director undertakes a period of deep research and immersion into Jeffrey Rubinoff’s sculpture, writing, and conceptual foundations. This includes gaining a working familiarity with JRSP as a physical site and a site for ideas while visiting the park in person and studying the work. During years one and two, the Director leads the scholarly development of the Catalogue Raisonné, authoring and editing essays, selecting images in collaboration with the Executive Director, and ensuring scholarly coherence and accuracy.

From year two onward, the Director assumes responsibility for JRSP’s major intellectual convenings, including planning and academically leading the 2027 Company of Ideas Forum, inviting speakers, shaping intellectual framing, overseeing the Jeffrey Rubinoff Lecture, and reviewing post‑Forum proceedings. The Director also serves as JRSP’s liaison to a prospective academic publication series, representing JRSP’s interests within peer‑review and editorial processes.

Throughout the five‑year term, the Director advises on key appointments and collaborations—including post‑doctoral fellows, artist and research residencies, and educational partners—to ensure alignment with Rubinoff’s values and ideas. The Director is further responsible for developing a multi‑year Educational Programme Plan for implementation beginning in 2027, integrating research, publishing, convenings, residencies, and educational initiatives into a coherent programme.

Profile of the Ideal Candidate Established scholar or senior practitioner in art history, visual culture, or a closely related field.

Experience with scholarly publishing, edited volumes, or major research projects

Ability to convene high‑level intellectual dialogue on visual art or art history

Editorial maturity and collaborative working style

Open‑mindedness and interpersonal competence

Discretion and professionalism in institutional settings

Comfort operating remotely and independently

Term, Time Commitment, and Compensation

Five‑year fixed term contract

Part‑time, remote, and compatible with other professional appointments

Compensation: $36,000 CAD annually ($3,000/month)

Travel for designated events is covered by JRSP

Application Requirements Applicants are asked to submit the following:

Academic CV, including a list of published works

Writing sample

Three academic references

Cover letter addressing, at minimum, the questions below

Cover Letter Questions

Your general motivation for applying

Your experience in research and academic publishing

Your experience convening or leading academic or intellectual events

Other commitments and constraints

Passport(s) held and/or visa‑free ability to travel to Canada

Whether you have a driver’s license

Key Dates We thank all applicants; however, only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.

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