Executive Director

Founded in 1963, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) is a not-for-profit organization that celebrates the unique culture and history of Japan, and the legacy of Japanese Canadians for the benefit of all Canadians. The JCCC is recognized worldwide as an important and vibrant community institution.

Since its opening, the JCCC has served as a gathering place for those with an interest in Japanese culture and Japanese Canadian history. With the motto, “friendship through culture,” the common denominator for involvement at the JCCC is a shared interest in the programming and events in an environment where everyone is welcomed equally and with respect.

The JCCC is run almost entirely on donated funds and through the support of its nearly 1,200 energetic and enthusiastic volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.

Vision Statement

The JCCC Vision is to enrich lives globally through the celebration of Japanese culture and Japanese Canadian heritage. This means:

1. Becoming a compelling destination for guests both in-person and virtually;
2. Educating all generations and communities about the Japanese Canadian experience and the lessons learned;
3. Sharing traditional and contemporary Japanese experiences of all types (food, film, sports, etc.).

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to promote understanding, inclusion, and friendship by sharing the Japanese Canadian experience and traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. This means to:

1. Widen the lens on the Nikkei diaspora and connect with it in new, meaningful, and interesting ways;
2. Pursue broad community partnerships;
3. Enable all people and all generations to participate and learn.

Position Overview

The JCCC is seeking a forward-thinking, energetic, and entrepreneurial leader who will be a visible champion for the organization and its pride of place in the cultural and wider community of Toronto and Canada. The Executive Director (ED) will be a transformative champion for JCCC’s exhibition, educational, and program offerings. They will be comfortable representing the JCCC to various Canadian and Japanese public bodies and individual stakeholders and, in conjunction with the Board Chair/President, will be the public face of the organization. The ED will work closely with the Board Chair/President, will report to the Board and will provide strategic direction, executive leadership, and administrative guidance.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

1. In collaboration with the Board of Directors and senior management, develop and evolve strategic planning and lead the implementation of operational plans and budgets.
2. Recruit, develop, and lead a senior management team with appropriate skills and experience to achieve the JCCC’s strategic objectives.
3. Assist the Board in executing on the JCCC’s vision, mission, values, and determining the appropriate standards of ethical conduct.
4. Grow and support the engagement of the JCCC’s community in collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
5. Work closely with the board to maintain and strengthen the brand identity of the JCCC.
6. Work with senior staff to create and present impactful programs across all cultural platforms, while significantly expanding audiences and extending the community engaged by the JCCC.
7. Work with management and staff to ensure that the programming is meeting the goals and ambitions of the organization, balancing artistic integrity and imagination with fiscal responsibility.
8. Develop and implement innovative and impactful communications, marketing, and sponsorship plans exploiting social media as a key platform.
9. Ensure an ongoing, effective organizational structure is in place, and provide oversight and support to the JCCC staff and support, as necessary, to the Board.
10. Comply with and regularly review the organizational policies of the JCCC and make recommendations to the Board for changes as appropriate.

Advocacy & Development

1. Act as the face, voice, and inspirational spokesperson for JCCC in tandem with the Board Chair/President.
2. Maintain, sustain and enrich strong relationships with the Japanese Canadian Community and Shin Nikkei community.
3. Sustain and expand JCCC’s networks and partnerships in the community and with other cultural institutions in Canada and beyond.
4. Forge new and maintain existing positive relationships with the JCCC’s sponsors, donors, funding agencies, cultural organization peers, commercial/event partners, and suppliers.
5. Oversee and implement a fundraising plan to significantly increase JCCC’s financial bandwidth.
6. Provide fundraising leadership and management to ensure that funds are maximized from government, corporate partners, trusts and foundations and individual donors.
7. Work with the Board, committees, and clubs to proactively identify and secure new sources of funding and sponsorship.
8. Create compelling fundraising proposals for individuals and corporations.
9. Agree on appropriate metrics against which fundraising will be regularly evaluated.
10. Working with the Board Chair/President, develop and maintain positive and effective relationships with governments at all levels.
11. Deepen the connection between Japanese Canadians as well as the broader communities of Toronto and the JCCC.
12. Host special events confidently and engagingly and develop close and fruitful personal relationships with existing and potential donors.

Human Resources

1. Fostering the spirit of “friendship through culture” through all aspects of operations.
2. Provide leadership and development in all areas of the JCCC including Heritage, Administration, Martial Arts and Cultural Programs, Art Gallery, Event Management, Clubs, Rentals, Building Management, and Commercial Leasing.
3. Manage the human resources of the JCCC (approximately 16 employees at present).
4. Lead and inspire full-time and contract employees, volunteers, interns, and student workers.
5. Ensure the JCCC upholds high standards of ethical operation through effective policies regarding health and safety, health protection, anti-harassment, and non-discrimination.
6. Maintain effective risk management controls and mitigation strategies.
7. Implement best-practices related to all facets of human resources.
8. Develop and foster a responsible, respectful and empathetic workplace culture.

Financial Leadership

1. Provide attentive financial leadership of the JCCC, ensuring fiscal accountability and sustainability.
2. Prepare annual operating plans and budgets for review and approval by the Board.
3. Oversee all financial aspects of JCCC operations and fundraising.
4. Participate in all policy or operational decisions that have an important impact on JCCC’s revenues.
5. Oversee applications/proposals for funding and financial assistance.

Board Relations

1. Assist the Board Chair/President to ensure that the Board receives the support it requires.
2. Provide the Board with timely, sound, advice and information to promote efficient and effective decision-making.
3. Attend all JCCC Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting.
4. Ensure filing of all legal/regulatory documents and monitor compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Qualifications:

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

1. Demonstrated successful leadership in arts & culture, not-for-profit, or private sector.
2. A convincing track record of strategic leadership, vision, collaboration, and inclusive team-building.
3. Experience at a senior managerial level with accountability for financial and revenue goals.
4. Exceptional financial and business acumen.
5. Proven financial management skills including budgeting and forecasting.
6. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
7. Passion for culture and cultural programming, particularly Japanese culture.
8. Experience in managing fundraising strategies and campaigns.
9. Significant change management capability.
10. Experience developing relationships and collaborating with a broad range of stakeholders.

CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

1. Natural high-level leadership skills; proactive and dynamic professional.
2. A strong commitment to JCCC’s mission and values.
3. Business-savvy and dedicated to outstanding programming.
4. A self-starter comfortable working within a lean institution.
5. A strategic thinker who embraces innovation and change.
6. Strong interpersonal skills and high energy.

The JCCC is committed to employment equity and encourages candidates to self-identify as visible minorities; people from culturally diverse backgrounds; people of all gender identities and sexual orientations; Indigenous peoples; and persons with disabilities.

We are committed to an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants. Please advise should you require any accommodation to participate in the recruitment and/or assessment processes. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those advancing in the process will be contacted.