THE ORGANIZATION
Contemporary Calgary is a vital new visual arts institution playing a key role in building a world-class city by showcasing and engaging with the most exceptional and innovative visual art and artists of our time. It will operate from a newly renovated gallery in the heart of one of the fastest growing urban centres in North America— ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world.
Contemporary Calgary’s mission was created and driven by arts partners from across the city, and in co-operation with members and supporters of the Calgary visual arts community. Contemporary Calgary’s plan is to occupy the Centennial Planetarium, with an initial space of 7,000 square feet to be open in spring 2016. The gallery will grow significantly from that point as the rest of Centennial Planetarium is renovated, creating a new cultural hub with powerful potential to engage and excite the city, the region, and the world.
THE VISION
Contemporary Calgary believes in the power of art to transform the places and the lives we live. We are responding to a growing movement by seeking a new cultural venue in a landmark building, and extending an invitation to engage our entire community in art that enlightens, invigorates, educates, and communicates. It is time for Calgary’s voice to enter into this exciting international conversation.
We want to give every Calgarian an opportunity to experience it; this is city building powered by arts and culture. Contemporary Calgary will be a centre for inspiration and innovation focused on the visual arts: a lightning rod for our creative community to connect with the most vital international contemporary art and the most engaging artists and creative minds.
THE POSITION
The leadership role at Contemporary Calgary offers a challenging and high-profile position in developing one of Canada’s finest arts institutions with global recognition in mind. We seek a Director who will lead this dynamic and innovative public gallery in the heart of Calgary, a city of great cultural richness and diversity. The ideal candidate will have a passion for and knowledge of modern and contemporary visual arts; strong interpersonal and relationship building skills; proven leadership ability in all aspects of gallery administration; and a record of success in managing development and fundraising efforts. The Director will report to Contemporary Calgary’s Board of Directors.
THE CANDIDATE
You are a bright and astute personality who is an accomplished leader with energy, vision and enthusiasm. You have a sophisticated knowledge and passion for modern and contemporary visual art, but equally you love people and connect easily with them, be they staff, stakeholders, or members of the community. As such, you will be both leader and ambassador for the gallery – building and sustaining positive relationships with the Board, staff, members, volunteers, artists, patrons, management, the local community and contemporary art organizations in Canada and internationally.
Your fluency in modern and contemporary visual culture and art practices will provide guidance for the overall curatorial vision and support for the choices of your curatorial team. However, your ambitions and talents are in leadership and senior administration roles, and not primarily as a curator. You are driven to lead an institution that thrives, providing the support your staff needs to achieve their goals. As the public face and spokesperson of Contemporary Calgary, you will raise the gallery profile and grow its importance 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 leadership, including strategic direction and financial strength for the gallery.
- Work with Contemporary Calgary’s Building Committee toward the development of a new gallery space that meets the needs of Contemporary Calgary.
- Collaborate with other galleries and institutions to develop exhibitions.
- Stimulate and promote excellence and innovation in the gallery’s programs, including its exhibition, publication and educational activities.
- Play an advocacy and ambassadorial role on behalf of the gallery in Calgary and its region, the province of Alberta, Canada and internationally.
- Work effectively with the Board of Directors and other volunteers.
- Build and nurture relationships with audiences, including local communities, partners, 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 to build community engagement.
- With staff, organize exhibitions and educational programming with the highest standards.
- Manage financial and operational affairs of Contemporary Calgary to ensure operating surpluses, sound financial management, and an effective work environment.
- Work with the Board to implement other plans and policies to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
Financial Sustainability
- Working with the Board of Directors and volunteer committees to help manage a significant capital campaign, building on fundraising efforts to date.
- Develop and encourage corporate, private foundation, government and community sponsorships and partnerships to create new revenue sources for the gallery.
- Create and implement a development 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 managing international touring exhibitions and experience leading the artistic vision for the gallery.
- A high-energy visionary with business savvy, drive and dedication; the demonstrated ability to bring creative thinking to a wide range of tasks.
- Relationship-builder with an established and growing network who is able to manage large numbers of stakeholders with a variety of professional working styles.
- A proven track record of management in a senior executive leadership role within a gallery, museum or similar institution, including budgeting and financial management skills.
- Proven ability to create and develop innovative exhibition and education programs, membership and marketing strategies.
- Proven track record in managing fundraising and development campaigns.
- Successful experience working and managing a blue-chip volunteer board.
- Commitment to consultation and consensus-building, balanced with the ability to act decisively in a politically astute and highly professional 360 degree manner; able to understand the complex nature of management in a multi-stakeholder visual arts organization.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and juggle many projects simultaneously.
- Strong interpersonal skills so as to be comfortable and effective with the gallery’s internal and external constituencies: the Board of Directors, staff, members, volunteers, the corporate and foundation communities, major donors and the other diverse communities the gallery serves.
- 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. Send to: cc@searchlightcanada.com.
We thank applicants for their interest, however, only those advancing in the process will be contacted.
