Executive Director

Executive Director – Western Front Society

Hours: Full-time (35 hrs per week, plus some evenings and weekends)

Deadline: April 26, 2019

The Western Front Society is seeking a candidate for the full-time position of Executive Director.

Established in 1973, the Western Front is one of Canada’s leading artist-run centres for contemporary art and new music. We produce and present visual art, exhibitions, new music concerts, workshops and commissions, media-art residencies, performance art and other artist-driven initiatives. The Western Front currently maintains programs in Exhibitions, Media Art and New Music, as well as an extensive archive of audio-visual materials. Through this diverse programming we continue to be a crucial platform for interdisciplinary, experimental art practices in Canada and internationally.

We seek a strong leader with the ability and desire to work towards organizational goals and questions around collaboration, diversity, multidisciplinary practices and contemporary artistic experimentation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee fundraising, fund development planning and implementation, and grant writing
• Collaborate with program curators on artistic vision for the organization
• Facilitate strategic planning and policy development
• Manage and maintain a heritage building and administer lease agreements with tenants
• Foster partnerships within local, national and international arts communities
• Hire, supervise and mentor staff
• Attend Board meetings and actively support the board and its committees with appropriate administration and reports
• Develop broad community through community engagement, networking and development
• Act as a spokesperson representing the Western Front to other cultural organizations and the public

Ideal candidate will have:

• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and board
• Proven leadership at an art or cultural centre
• An understanding of the artist-run centres movement and contemporary concerns
• Excellent knowledge of contemporary art, music and literary practices
• Interest in and knowledge of architecture, infrastructure and building management
• Ability to foster a healthy collegial working environment
• Experience with budget preparation, financial management and working within fixed budgets
• Previous history of successful grant writing and fundraising experience
• Excellent communication, presentation and writing skills
• Strong planning and organization skills including the ability to prioritize projects and manage time effectively
• Develop community relations and promote the Western Front locally, nationally and internationally
• Proven managerial experience, creativity and vision
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and volunteers
• Experience with office and data management software
• Knowledge and experience of property or venue management

Remuneration: $60,000-65,000 per annum, 4 weeks vacation and a comprehensive benefit package.

Western Front encourages applications from candidates who identify as visible minorities, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage within diverse communities.

Western Front is located on the unceded, ancestral, and occupied, traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh), and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations of the Coast Salish peoples.

How to Apply:

Applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest and CV as well as three professional references. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. We thank all applicants, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.