AMP: Artists' Meeting Place and Resource Collective

http://front.bc.ca/exhibitions/events/3277

Organization: Western Front Society

Job Title: Executive Director

Contract: Three year contract

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

Deadline: July 24, 2009

Start Date: ASAP

DESCRIPTION

The Western Front Society is seeking a creative and entrepreneurial individual to fill the full time contract position of Executive Director.

The Western Front is one of Canada¹s pioneering artist-run centres and produces and presents works in five programs: Exhibitions, Performance Art, New Music, Media Arts, and Publications (FRONT magazine). Founded in 1973, the Western Front Society is located in a heritage building in the central vicinity of Main Street in Vancouver, Canada. It is the mandate of the Society to support the research, creation and presentation of work by emerging and established contemporary artists in all disciplines. The organization collaborates actively with other arts organizations, locally and internationally. Maintaining high artistic, curatorial and scholarly standards, the Western Front enjoys an international reputation for excellence and innovation.

Ongoing programs and special projects promote artistic endeavours and public presentation through exhibitions, performances, screenings, publications, residencies, and an extensive archive.

We seek a bold, talented and personable Executive Director who can step into a leadership position and take the institution in a fresh new direction at an exciting juncture in its long history. This key position will be of interest to arts professionals with a passion for contemporary art, a creative vision and team-leading abilities. It presents the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the arts in Vancouver and beyond. The Executive Director should be someone who is energized by the challenge of working with the history of this longstanding arts organization while articulating a new set of contemporary conditions for the organization that will see it blossom.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will:

Oversee fundraising, fund development planning and implementation, and grant writing Develop financial and risk management controls Facilitate annual budgeting and regular monitoring and reporting Facilitate strategic planning and policy development Facilitate groups, build consensus and communicate effectively Foster partnerships within the local and national arts communities Hire, supervise and mentor staff Actively support the board and its committees with appropriate administration and reports Develop community relations and promote the Western Front locally, nationally and internationally Approve the programmatic initiatives set out by the curators Act as key spokesperson representing the Western Front to other cultural organizations and the public

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have:

An MA or MFA or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline An understanding of the artist-run centre movement and its principle concerns An excellent working knowledge of contemporary art, music and literary practices Enthusiasm for the position and the organization The 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, writing, and time management skills Strong planning and organizational skills including the ability to prioritize projects Proven managerial experience, creativity and vision Experience working with a Board of Directors and volunteers Experience with office and data management software

REMUNERATION: $45,000 per annum, 4 weeks vacation and a comprehensive benefit package

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest and a CV as well as three professional references. In addition, a writing sample (such as a grant application) and a fundraising history are also requested.

Executive Director Hiring Committee, Western Front Society

303 East 8th Avenue

Vancouver BC V5T 1S1

Email: hr@front.bc.ca

http://www.front.bc.ca

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. We thank all applicants, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 4:00 pm Friday, July 24, 2009

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