Executive Director

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vancouver Police Historical Society Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day operations of the VPMA. With a solid understanding of museum management, they motivate staff to reach high standards of museum and archival practices. The Executive Director is the spokesperson and public representative of the museum, whilst also providing assistance in all areas of the business, including education, curatorial, archival, reception, event management, and IT needs. The successful candidate will have proven relationship management skills and a community-minded approach to all civic engagement and public exhibit opportunities.

Roles & Responsibilities

1. Project Management: The Executive Director is the museum’s strategic leader, directing operations, programs, and activities on a day-to-day basis. They provide forward-thinking ideas and inspire staff and stakeholders to engage in new programs and exhibits that keep the museum fresh and relevant. They also set the pace and lay the groundwork for staff success by ensuring necessary timelines, budgets, and resources are in place.
2. Financial Management and Fundraising: All aspects of museum finances - daily account balances, revenue, and expenditures, payables and receivables, special and long-term financial needs - are the responsibility of the Executive Director. Setting a positive course for financial well-being by analyzing and maintaining budget performance is an important component of the position. As a self-funded organization, the Executive Director is required to identify fundraising needs and best sources of funds, write fundraising requests, grants, and develop sponsorship opportunities, and engage stakeholders and community groups for potential donation and legacy opportunities. The Museum Director will also find ways to actively bring revenue into the museum, including merchandise and event creation and management.
3. Community Engagement: Supporting the growth and development of new audiences on-site and online through captivating marketing strategies is essential for success in this position. As the public representative of the museum, it is the Executive Director’s responsibility to develop strategic plans to encourage and maintain memberships and community relationships. They will also liaise directly with persons from the executive and operational levels of the Vancouver Police Department, other museums, and not-for-profits.
4. Board of Directors Relations: The Executive Director acts as a professional advisor and guide to the Board of Directors on all aspects of the organization’s activities and works closely with them to shape and maintain the vision and strategic plan. State-of-the-museum summary reports are delivered quarterly, and comprehensive reports are prepared for the Annual General Meeting: financial statements, operational and curatorial reports, strategic plans, and financial forecasts.
5. Human Resources: The Executive Director is a leader and mentor to young professionals in the early stages of career development. They are responsible for the recruitment and management of staff and volunteers in a positive, inclusive atmosphere and lead by example. With experience in all aspects of museum operations, the Executive Director offers a hands-on approach. The Executive Director is also the first point of assistance with IT matters, internal building maintenance, and staff development and support.
6. Heritage Building Maintenance: The VPMA is housed in a City of Vancouver owned building with a designation in the Vancouver Heritage Register. The care and maintenance of the building fall to the Society and are managed by the Museum Director. It is important to develop positive relationships with municipal staff to ensure proper care of the building.
7. Film Industry Location Representative: Drawing on past experience with the film industry, the Executive Director will actively engage local and international production companies and encourage the use of the museum in film and television. They will act as the museum liaison and site representative and be available for location events as well as be on-site for the duration of any filming.

Knowledge and Competencies

• University degree in Museum Studies, Education, History, or related field
• Minimum 3 years of experience working in a professional arts & cultural administrative supervisory role
• Minimum 5 years of experience working in the museum/heritage sector
• Experience working in a police, justice, or law enforcement museum/heritage site
• A proven record of working effectively with a Board of Directors
• Experience in and knowledge of private fundraising and grant writing
• Experience in planning and managing cash flow forecasts, operating budgets, and financial reporting
• Skills in building and managing relationships involving a variety of stakeholder groups
• Ability to develop and implement planning processes and marketing strategies
• Proven skills as a clear and dynamic communicator who is passionate about leading
• Critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills with a high level of self-motivation
• Proficient in Microsoft applications, Google Workspace, Wix website development, Linode collections database, and online meeting platforms

Work Expectations

This position is 80% full-time comprising 30 hours per week over 4 days, between Wednesday-Sunday. Schedule flexibility is required for seasonal evening and special event programming. Remuneration is $34.83 an hour, $54,334.80 annually.

Application Deadline

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 at 5pm