OMA Professional Development Advisory Committee Expression of Interest

As the world presents new challenges for all museum professionals, the Ontario Museum Association (OMA) seeks to build strong connections to our members and to provide programs and services that help them to navigate the changing world and support the sector's digital transformation. The OMA is forming a Professional Development Advisory Committee. The purpose of this committee is to provide guidance and feedback to the OMA regarding the professional development needs and priorities of museum workers in Ontario in order to plan valuable and dynamic learning opportunities.

The OMA invites members to join this committee. The Committee will meet quarterly with additional online communication between meetings.

Committee Responsibilities

  1. To provide guidance, opinion and advice on the content and delivery methods used in the OMA professional development program.
  2. The OMA asks the Advisory Committee for assistance in the following ways:
    1. Informing the scope, relevance and currency of program curriculum;
    2. Providing advice on the appropriateness of new PD opportunities in relation to the needs of museum workers and employers;
    3. Defining the body of knowledge, competencies and skills requires by museum workers in Ontario;
    4. Providing recommendations on instructors or presenters;
    5. Recommending and facilitating sector or cross-sector partnerships;
    6. Promoting the OMA professional development program to colleagues.
  3. To actively participate in the committee’s activities, including preparation for and attendance at face-to-face and online meetings and to review and provide feedback on documents in a timely manner.

Member Requirements

  1. Committee members must:
    1. Be members in good standing of the OMA (as individuals or institutions);
    2. Be employed by a museum or be a long-term volunteer at a museum, or be affiliated with a related organization (e.g. post-secondary institution);
    3. Have an interest in professional development;
    4. Commit to a one or two year term.

In order to create a diverse and representative committee, we encourage participants:

  • from all parts of Ontario;
  • who identify as Black, Indigenous or as Persons of Colour;
  • of all genders, ethnic groups, and abilities;
  • who identify as emerging, mid-career and senior professionals, board members, or volunteers;
  • working in all areas of museum practice.

We also encourage participants:

  • who are affiliated with regional networks or special interest groups,
  • who represent post-secondary museum or heritage programs in Ontario.

Deadline for expressions of interest: March 7, 2021

Questions? Please contact Mary Collier, Professional Development Program Manager at pd@museumsontario.ca