CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
LEADERSHIP POSITION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Deadline for Applications: June 18, 2021
May 18, 2021
The Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA) is inviting applications for the position of Executive Director. With the organization poised to implement a new strategic plan and support the provincial arts community in building back better post-pandemic, this position presents an exciting opportunity for a candidate looking for leadership challenges and an organization that supports the growth and development of its employees. The ideal candidate will be a versatile, team player who welcomes a responsibility for effecting change while doing so tactfully, without alienating stakeholders. They will be a respected member of the arts and cultural community who takes pleasure in fostering collaborative relationships and connections, in supporting and championing the arts, and in facilitating and catalyzing increased public appreciation for the role the arts play in our society. They will lead the organization and the arts community in embracing diversity and inclusivity and fostering strong cross cultural outreach. If you are interested in leading an organization with a strong history of service to Saskatchewan’s arts community and a unique role to play in its future, we encourage you to apply. A full position description and further application details may be found here.
Position Overview: The Executive Director (ED) is accountable to the Board of Directors and the membership and has full responsibility for all aspects of the operational management of the SAA, including human and financial resources. The ED provides leadership in operational strategic direction, advocacy and research, member relations, communications and support to the Board. The ED represents the organization with other provincial and extra-provincial organizations and is responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders. The ED works with the Board to execute its strategic plan and achieve its mission and vision in accordance with SAA values. Working with the Board of Directors, the ED represents, cultivates and advocates for the health of the full diversity of Saskatchewan’s arts ecosystem.
SAA Mission: To strengthen, support and advance the arts ecosystems in Saskatchewan through proactive leadership, advocacy, public education, research and policy development.
SAA Vision: Saskatchewan arts and artists are supported and valued as essential to a complete and healthy society.
SAA Values: The SAA believes that a collective voice provides leadership, empowers artists and the arts community, creates positive change, and generates public awareness. We believe that this cannot happen without recognition of our presence on the territories of the Nehiyawak, Anihsinapek, Dakota, Lakota and Nakoda, and the homeland of the Metis/Michif Nation, and our commitment towards reconciliation.
SAA Background: Since its inception in 1982, the SAA has occupied a unique position as a unified voice for the Saskatchewan arts community advocating at all levels of government on issues affecting the arts and artists, including public funding and arts policies, arts education, freedom of expression and artist working conditions. With organizational members drawn from every disciplinary and geographical corner of the province, the SAA receives its funding from SK Arts and SaskCulture, and the Executive Director works closely with the leaders of those two organizations in representing the full breadth of the arts community.
ED Relationships and Scope: The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, supports the work of its committees and provides direction and supervision for its two other staff members. Additionally, the ED forms working relationships and project partnerships with the CEO’s of provincial arts organizations, funding agencies, government policy makers and other community leaders. At the national level, the ED represents the SAA in relevant organizations and initiatives and develops working relationships with the CEO’s of parallel organizations in other provinces.
ED Salary, Benefits and Start Date: Salary will be based on a scale determined by the Board of Directors ($60,000-75,000) and commensurate with experience. It will be augmented by a full health and disability benefits package.
Start date: October 1, 2021 or as negotiated with the Board of Directors.
Specific ED Duties and Core Competencies can be found here.
Candidate Qualifications:
The successful candidate for this position will have
- Demonstrated work experience as an arts administrator, including grant applications, board, financial and personnel management
- Training and/or experience related to one or more arts disciplines
- Demonstrated capacity to collaborate or partner with artists and/or arts organizations across more than one arts discipline
- Demonstrated capacity for research and statistical analysis sufficient to support advocacy work
- Broad familiarity with the arts ecosystem in Saskatchewan
- Strong communications skills in verbal, written and digital contexts
- Experience with advocacy related to cultural or public policy
Degree credentials in the arts, public policy or arts management will be considered assets but are not required. Fluency in one or more languages outside of English will also be considered an asset.
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from candidates who are Indigenous, Black and People of Colour as well as individuals from other equity seeking groups.
Please forward a letter of application, a curriculum vitae and contact information for 3 referees to Jaime Boldt, SAA President at JaimeB@globetheatrelive.com no later than June 18, 2021. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
