Art Metropole

29 Jan. - 23 Feb. 2024

Employment Opportunity: Executive Director

Organization Description
Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, Art Metropole is an internationally renowned artist-run centre that promotes the appreciation of artist-initiated publishing in any media, especially those formats predisposed to sharing and circulation. Art Metropole specializes in the contextualization and distribution of artist’s books, multiples, and related materials, including innovative formats and emergent technologies. Art Metropole was founded in 1974 by the artists’ collective General Idea as an artist-run centre. Art Metropole is a not-for-profit incorporated under the laws of the province of Ontario and a registered charitable organization.

Job Description
Art Metropole is seeking a motivated, experienced, and dedicated individual for the position of Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization through the next stage of development.

The ideal candidate will have strong interest in artist-run culture and institutional structure with a desire to actively contribute to the institution’s mandate, history, and continued service. An inspiring leader and outstanding fundraiser, the ED will work closely with a small team of permanent staff and several contract workers, reporting directly to the Board of Directors. The Executive Director will have the governance and administrative skills indispensable to overseeing the day-to-day operations of a public shop and programming space with a strong online presence.

The Executive Director will actively research and execute programming and fundraising initiatives, creating and maintaining strong relationships with private and public partners. The Executive Director will engage in community outreach, sustaining the long-lasting, positive relationships Art Metropole has with artists, collectors, curators, and the public.

This position promises an ambitious, hard-working individual the opportunity to engage with a sophisticated international art community and to make a significant contribution to contemporary art by leading Art Metropole into the future.

Responsibilities for the Executive Director position include:

•Oversee artistic, financial, and administrative operations and planning of the organization in collaboration with the Associate Director, staff, and bookkeeper
•Develop and implement a multi-faceted income generation and philanthropic strategies to secure public and private funds, including sponsorship and partnerships, donor relations, and managing relationships with federal, provincial, and municipal funding bodies
•Oversee the development and control of annual and project-based budgets and planning for programming, publishing, and travel
•Develop and submit annual operating, travel, and project grants and other funding applications, and ensure their timely reporting
•Manage year-end reports and audits, including completing CADAC financial forms
•Develop and coordinate member and donor roles and activities, including the planning of annual events, in coordination with the Board of Directors
•Administer day-to-day operations and act as the public face of Art Metropole
•Ensure the maintenance of Art Metropole’s mandate, and carry forward the organization’s principles of accessibility, inclusiveness, and criticality
•Report to the Board of Directors regarding operations and human resources
•Support strategic planning and other Board of Directors-led initiatives

Key Qualifications:

• Excellent management and organizational leadership skills


• At least 5 years in arts management with significant responsibilities, or comparable experience


• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of contemporary art practices and non-profit artist-run centres in addition to artists’ publishing, distribution and dissemination.


• Successful track record in grant writing in the arts and/or cultural sectors


• Demonstrated ability in fundraising, including corporate sponsorship and donor relations


• Exemplary knowledge of financial management including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, reporting, and cost control


• Experience with strategic planning and policy development


• Demonstrated ability to liaise with other arts organizations, advocacy groups, and the media


• Ability to be an effective leader with strong interpersonal skills, building and managing productive working relationships with a diverse staff, community, membership, clientele and board of directors

How to Apply:
Please email a PDF containing your resume and cover letter to the Hiring Committee at director.hiring.2024@artmetropole.com by 5pm February 23, 2024.

The salary range for this position is $55,000 to $65,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

Art Metropole encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, POC, or visible minority, and individuals of diverse genders, abilities, and sexual orientations. Art Metropole is committed to employment equity, and to fostering a positive, supportive working environment for all. Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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