Summer Intern/Co-op 2026 – Curatorial Assistant

*Please note there are specific application instructions required to be considered for this role** 

At Manulife John Hancock, we believe in investing in the future – starting with you. Our Curatorial Assistant Internship/Co-op is your launchpad to success, offering the support, structure, and exciting opportunities you need to thrive and make your mark. 

Manulife’s Corporate Art Collection holds approximately 2,000 artworks across North America with major hubs in Toronto, Boston, Waterloo, Montreal, and Halifax. Based in Toronto, the Curatorial Assistant will work closely with the Curator to maintain and develop the Corporate Art Collection. They will participate in program development, contribute to the research and analysis of developing trends in the art world, and assist in maintaining a detailed database of artworks within the collection.

Position Responsibilities:

• Conduct research to support and influence decisions regarding deaccessioning, acquisitions, and programming of the art collection.
• Educate colleagues, clients, and stakeholders on the role of fine art at Manulife through presentations, workshops, and written materials.
• Produce high-quality educational texts for didactics and labels to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the collection.
• Assist with the maintenance of the artwork database,
• Assist with maintaining and updating the inventory of artworks including condition reporting.
• Organize and help oversee artwork installations, shipping, and storage.

Required Qualifications:

• Enrolled in or recently completed a Master of Art History, Art Conservation, Criticism & Curatorial Practice, or equivalent.
• Previous experience handling artworks.
• Excellent communication skills, including a high-level of diplomacy and tactfulness.
• Excellent organizational skills and highly detail oriented.
• Published written material (articles, dissertation, etc.) are an asset.
• Previous experience in an art gallery, museum, or institutional collection an asset.

When You Join Our Team:

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.  
• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.  
• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.  
• As part of our program, you will gain early access to Manulife John Hancock’s premier early talent program, GRO, tailored to graduating students! This program is designed to launch your career with the support, structure, and opportunities you need to thrive. 

Application Instructions:

• Submit your resume, cover letter, academic transcript, and work term evaluation (if any) in one PDF file.

#Lihybrid

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact recruitment@manulife.com.

Working Arrangement

Hybrid