Job title: Executive Director/Curator

We are seeking an experienced non-profit administrator to join our team as the Executive Director and Curator. This dynamic and engaging role provides overall operational leadership for the gallery, making day-to-day decisions as well as long term planning and execution of all aspects of operation including exhibition curation and grant and funding management.

This is a permanent part-time position. The successful candidate is expected to work 20 hours/week. Location and timing of fulfillment of these hours is flexible, with some time spent in the gallery, out in the community and work from home, depending on the unique needs of the role. Some weekend and evening work is required throughout the year.

Hourly pay is $30/hour plus 4% vacation pay.

About VISAC

The Greater Trail Visual Arts Centre – VISAC – Gallery is a non-profit gallery serving the communities of Greater Trail since 1989. Our mandates are:
To provide professional development and paid exhibition opportunities to emerging and established artists of the West Kootenay Region.
To provide excellent and accessible arts skills development and education for all ages, levels and abilities.

Our vision is to be a vibrant and inclusive community hub where the visual arts inspire creativity, foster belonging, and transform lives through engaging and accessible experiences.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from people with disabilities, and we can provide reasonable accommodations during hiring processes.
We value the diversity of the people we hire and serve.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director/Curator provides operational leadership to the organization and is responsible for all aspects of operation. They are accountable for executing the Strategic Plan under the guidance of our established Mission, Visions and Values. This includes:

1. a deep commitment to supporting emerging and established artists in the West Kootenay region;
2. upholding a welcoming and inclusive community space where all community members feel welcome;
3. removing barriers to full community participation;
4. and continuing our legacy of excellent educational opportunities for artists of all ages and skill levels.

VISAC’s dedication to supporting artists in our region and excellence in teaching and learning is central to our work.

Job description

Your main responsibilities are:

Strategic management
1. Report on progress of strategic aspirations as outlined in the strategic plan at bi-montly board meetings and annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
2. Provide strategic leadership and communication on board committees.
3. Document and report on gallery activities, including enrollment numbers and patron attendance at opening receptions.
4. Lead policy and procedure development, as required.
5. Collaborate with and provide leadership for the pottery committee to ensure the smooth operation of the pottery studio.
6. Ensure all association memberships are kept current.
7. Review and maintain required external agreements, like our insurance policy, our license to occupy and any ongoing funding agreements.

Grant and funding development
1. Create and maintain a schedule of all grant responsibilities, including application deadlines, interim reporting, and final reporting requirements.
2. Ensure that grant funds are spent in accordance with the approved budget in the grant application.
3. Demonstrated ability to create project schedules and project budgets for project-based grant applications.
4. Strong written comprehension, as to ensure all requirements to qualify for grants are met in prepared applications.
5. Research and identify new opportunities for grant and funding streams.

Exhibition development and curation
1. Lead the planning and curation of our annual exhibition schedule, including our main gallery space and our pop-up gallery spaces, ensuring the schedule is planned for at least one year in advance.
2. Create exhibit/artist timeline for all artists and exhibitions scheduled in the gallery.
3. Determine appropriate artist fees for service during exhibitions, following the CARFAC recommended minimum fee schedule for artists in Canada.
4. Prepare artist agreement contracts for all exhibiting artists that include the exhibition schedules and agreed on artist fees.
5. Set clear, easy to understand expectations and support for the artists, this ensures success in the curating and promoting of exhibits.
6. Proactively develop new exhibition opportunities in the community.
7. Safeguard, document and make publicly available our permanent collection.

Human resources and staff supervision
1. Provide director or indirect supervision to all staff, contract workers and volunteers.
2. Conduct periodic performance reviews with staff and contractors and provide feedback when necessary.
3. Set a positive and welcoming tone and provide overall direction and leadership for the VISAC team.
4. Determine compensation for contract arts practitioners and prepare appropriate artist agreement documents.
5. Maintain criminal record check policy and ensure all instructors are properly insured.

Financial management
1. Develop an annual budget, with support from our finance committee.
2. Review monthly financial reports and disseminate them to the Board of Directors.
3. Account for all spending decisions. Be prepared to respond to questions from the Board of Directors regarding disbursements.
4. Make financial decisions in alignment with the annual budget, as approved by the Board of Directors.
5. Follow proper accounting procedures as determined by the finance committee.

Constituent and community engagement
1. Reflect our values of our open and welcoming atmosphere through kind, open, and approachable communication.
2. Develop and steward relationships with community constituents, including new artists, youth, patrons and arts practitioners.
3. Positively represent VISAC in the community via attending community events, City of Trail Council meetings, Chamber of Commerce events, and grant and other award ceremonies, where appropriate.
4. Develop and maintain strategic relationships with partner organizations to expand services and access to the arts for community members.

Requirements and qualifications
1. 5 years experience in a non-profit leadership role, preferably within an artistic setting.
2. Demonstrated success in securing funding via strong grant writing and fund raising abilities.
3. Familiarity with the BC Arts Council designated priority groups and the Vancouver Foundation Equity Matrix Tool.
4. Proactive and able to work independently, with minimal supervision.
5. Strong leadership, project management and organizational skills.
6. Confident and comfortable using Google Workspace, or demonstrated ability and desire to learn new software.
7. Exercises good judgement, including knowing when to make a decision and when to consult the board of directors.
8. Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).
9. Desire to reflect our values back to our constituents and customer service and people skills.

How to Apply
You can apply via email by sending a resume and cover letter to director@visacgallery.com.

Apply in person with a paper copy of your resume at VISAC during gallery hours. Hours may vary so please check our website before coming. Our website is www.visacgallery.com.

If you have any questions about the job description or your application, please contact us via email at director@visacgallery.com or via phone at 250-364-1181.

We look forward to receiving your application and offer reasonable accommodations during the application process

This is a permanent part-time position. The successful candidate is expected to work 20 hours/week. Location and timing of fulfillment of these hours is flexible, with some time spent in the gallery, out in the community and work from home, depending on the unique needs of the role. Some weekend and evening work is required throughout the year.

Hourly pay is $30/hour plus 4% vacation pay.