Seeking Director
Application deadline: August 31, 2015
Contemporary Calgary
at the Centennial Planetarium
17 8 Ave SW
Calgary AB T2P 1B4
Canada
The organization
Contemporary Calgary is a vital new visual arts institution showcasing the most exceptional and innovative visual art and artists of our time. It will operate from a newly renovated gallery in the Centennial Planetarium, with an initial space of 7,000 square feet to be open in spring 2016. The gallery will grow significantly as the rest of Centennial Planetarium is renovated. Calgary, which has undergone rapid growth, is ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities.
The position
The leadership role at Contemporary Calgary offers a challenging and high-profile position in developing one of Canada’s finest and globally recognized arts institutions. We seek a Director who will lead this dynamic and innovative public gallery. The Director will report to Contemporary Calgary’s Board of Directors.
The candidate
You are bright and astute; an accomplished leader with energy, vision and enthusiasm. You have a sophisticated knowledge and passion for modern and contemporary visual art, with strong interpersonal skills, experienced in all aspects of gallery administration, and are a talented fundraiser. You will be both leader and ambassador for the gallery—building positive relationships with the Board, staff, members, volunteers, artists, patrons, management, the local community and contemporary art organizations in Canada and internationally.
While your knowledge will enable you to guide the overall curatorial vision, your ambition is to lead an institution that thrives, managing your staff to achieve their goals. As the public face of Contemporary Calgary, you will raise the gallery profile both in Canada and internationally.
Primary responsibilities
As Director and CEO, you will provide visionary leadership, strategic direction, and financial sustainability for the gallery through:
Leadership
–Provide visionary, strategic leadership, and ensure the gallery’s financial strength
–Work with Contemporary Calgary’s Building Committee, focusing on the needs of the gallery
–Collaborate with other institutions to develop exhibitions
–Promote excellence and innovation in all of the gallery’s programs
–Advocate for the gallery in Calgary, nationally, and internationally
–Work effectively with the Board of Directors and other volunteers
–Build relationships with audiences, funders, and other stakeholders
Strategic direction
–Build, lead, and motivate Contemporary Calgary’s executive team and employees
–Manage the gallery’s resources—human, financial, and physical
–Focus on audience and membership development
–With staff, organize excellent exhibitions and educational programming
–Manage financial and operational affairs of Contemporary Calgary effectively
–Work with the Board to create and implement sound policies, resulting in smooth operations
Financial sustainability
–Work with the Board of Directors and volunteer committees to manage a significant capital campaign
–Develop new revenue sources for the gallery
–Create and implement a plan for the sustainable funding of the organization
Candidate qualifications & personal characteristics
–Demonstrated knowledge of and passion for modern and contemporary art, experience dealing with contemporary artists and international touring exhibitions; experience leading the artistic vision for a gallery
–A visionary with business savvy, drive and dedication; a creative thinker
–Relationship-builder with an established and growing network able to manage large numbers, and a variety of stakeholders
–A history of successful senior executive leadership positions within a gallery, museum or similar institution
–Proven ability to develop innovative exhibition and education programs, membership and marketing strategies
–Proven track record as a fundraiser
–Successful experience working with a blue-chip volunteer board
–Commitment to consensus-building, balanced with the ability to act decisively in a politically astute and highly professional 360 degree manner
–Strong organizational skills; able to prioritize and juggle many projects simultaneously
–Strong interpersonal skills, enabling effective relationships with all stakeholders
–Culturally aligned with Contemporary Calgary’s values of excellence, innovation, social responsibility, impact, and financial sustainability
Compensation
A competitive compensation package will be offered, complete with salary and benefits.
How to apply
Please apply by email with your cover letter and resume by no later than Monday, August 31, 2015. Send to: cc [at] searchlightcanada.com.
We thank applicants for their interest, however, only those advancing in the process will be contacted.
