The Great Lakes Museum endeavors to connect people with the maritime heritage of Kingston and the Great Lakes by collecting, preserving and interpreting material and artifacts related to the maritime history of the region. We are the owners of a national historic site – the Kingston Dry Dock – where we offer public guided tours and public programs.

The museum is a Canadian Heritage designated ‘Category A’ museum with a Canadian Heritage designated ‘Categoy B’ museum ship, the S.S. Keewatin.

Benefits of working with the Great Lakes Museum include:

• Unique historic waterfront location
• Friendly and dynamic work environment
• Network of professional development opportunities
• Opportunities for developing leadership skills and initiative

Current opportunities:

Volunteer Coordinator – CLOSED

Salary/Wage: $25 / hr + 4% vacation pay per pay period

Position: Part-time, temporary contract

Estimated Contract Length: ASAP – December 2026, with possibility of extension

Location: Great Lakes Museum, 55 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON

Deadline to Apply: 12:00 PM (noon), Thursday, April 2, 2026
Contact: Bep Schippers, Executive Director, executive@marmuseum.ca

Instructions: A full job description is available if requested. Email your application to: Bep Schippers, Executive Director, executive@marmuseum.ca – please have Volunteer Coordinator in the subject line.

Job Summary

We’re on the lookout for top-tier talent to join our team! If you’re ready to contribute to a growing Museum or are just interested in being a part of positive work culture – we want to hear from you! Seize the opportunity to contribute to a future that will leave a lasting impact for generations. Act today by applying and join us in shaping our volunteer program!

This is a new position. The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of the volunteer program, improving it for long-term, regular engagement. The Volunteer Coordinator will establish and deliver a comprehensive volunteer program that prioritizes formalization of recruitment and training, Health & Safety compliance, retention, and day-to-day execution of duties. Working closely with the Museum Manager and Curator, this position will work to gain an in-depth understanding of volunteer interactions and performance and will streamline communications with existing and prospective volunteers.

This position provides a range of administrative tasks and responsibilities and develops and delivers the communication associated with the museum’s volunteer program. This position supports the volunteers, as well as other staff working with museum volunteers in our growing organization. You’ll be part of a small museum staff team and will be expected to support any operational activity/events, should it not interfere with the role’s primary responsibilities.

Hours per Week: Part Time Contract: 22.5 – 27 hours per week until December 2026 with possibility of extension

Schedule and Hours of work: Work within 8 AM-5 PM Monday-Friday, with additional hours required for weekend evenings/events if related to volunteer activities. Possibility of negotiating to work on weekends after initial training/probation period. Flex-time outside of working volunteer-specific days (Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) is possible, including weekends if desired.

What you’ll do:

Office Administration: Perform a variety of administrative functions such as responding to public inquiries via phone and email, posting and circulating documents, and data entry. Draft meeting minutes and correspondence. Assist with updates on the website and social media accounts.

Volunteer Program Formalization: Maintain accurate records: utilize and improve systems for tracking administrative data (training, H&S compliance, attendance, hours, etc.) and reporting. Implement technology-driven solutions to improve operational efficiency.

Volunteer Coordination: Develop a network of community associations to promote volunteering at the museum. Recruit new volunteers, then coordinate their training and schedules. Plan and organize volunteer appreciation activities. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and respect.

Guest & Stakeholder Experience: Act as the on-site ambassador for the Museum, ensuring a welcoming and safe environment for visitors, volunteers, and partners. Respond promptly to public and volunteer inquiries related to volunteering. Implement initiatives to enhance volunteer satisfaction and comfort.

In accordance with Policy, a Vulnerable Sector Check and Emergency First Aid & CPR Level C will be required as a condition of employment (paid for by GLM).

Selection Process: Get ready to showcase your skills! The selection process is expected to take place in April 6-8, 2026. Keep a close eye on your email to ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.

This job is for you if…

• Detail-Oriented: You excel at detail-heavy tasks, and thoroughly double-check your work to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Interpersonal Skills: You enjoy working with a variety of stakeholders and are excited at the opportunity to grow the museum’s volunteer program! You’re ready to jump right in and get to know our current volunteers, while working to find great opportunities for them to enjoy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree/Diploma in Volunteer or Museum Management, Administration, Human Resources or any field with 2-3 years of experience in volunteer services, human resources, project management, or management of a large team
• At least one year’s experience with the responsibilities of this role, especially prior supervisory experience in volunteer work, is preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to work in a hands-on environment
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate and influence others.
• Ability to adapt and respond to emerging needs.
• Possess good written and verbal communications skills.
• Highly developed and demonstrated organizational and communication skills.
• Commitment to excellent customer service and teamwork
• Education or experience working for a Museum or non-profit
• Additional languages, particularly French, an asset
• Active involvement in professional associations are considered an asset: PAVRO, VMPC, HRPA

Skills

• Solid foundation of job-specific skills
• Exceptional communication skills
• Flexibility and patience
• Excellent writing skills
• Superior negotiating skills
• Creative trouble-shooting skills
• Superior time management skills
• Conflict resolution skills and an ability to keep cool in stressful situations

Program Officer (YCW-BCH 2026-2027 Internship)

The Great Lakes Museum’s mission is to inspire an enduring connection to the maritime heritage of Kingston and the Great Lakes. We do this through interactive galleries, educational programs, guided tours, and special events. The Museum is a designated National Historic Site and home to the museum ship S.S. Keewatin, older than the Titanic and last of its kind in the world.

We are seeking a Program Officer with excellent communication skills to put our mission into action by inspiring young stewards of the lakes and maritime heritage and supporting lifelong learning. In this position, you will develop, facilitate and coordinate education Programs and events for all ages, and assist with guest services. This position is a great opportunity to work in a friendly, creative and collaborative work environment whilst developing Program delivery and development, project planning, leadership and public education skills at one of Kingston’s fastest-growing attractions.

Applicants must be eligible for the Young Canada Works Building Careers in Heritage Program.

An individual may be eligible for an internship if they:

• are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent resident status are not eligible);
• are legally entitled to work in Canada (have a valid social insurance number);
• are between 16 and 30 years of age inclusively at the start of employment; and
• are a college or university graduate (certificate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate).

Please note: This position is subject to funding from the YCW-BHC Program. Announcements are expected in late March.

Compensation: $18.70/hr

Hours: Up to 37.4 hours a week. This is a full-time position.

Start date: May 25, 2026     End date: March 31, 2027

Application deadline: April 27, 2026, at 4 PM EST

How to Apply

Send a cover letter and résumé by email to Claire Notman at education@marmuseum.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.