Job Posting

Director & Curator

Post Title: Director & Curator
Reports to: Board of Directors
Salary: $70,000 per annum plus benefits, travel and professional development stipend
Hours: 35 hours/week, including occasional evenings and weekends

Mercer Union’s Board of Directors is seeking a Director & Curator with the vision, passion, and experience to lead Mercer Union through its next stage of development. The new Director & Curator will provide inspirational leadership together with a compelling curatorial vision, outstanding fundraising skills, and a deep commitment to working closely with artists to bring their work to Canadian audiences.

The Director & Curator will report to the Board of Directors on all matters pertaining to operations (including staff and office management), finance, programming, special projects, fundraising, publications and any other issues related to Mercer Union. They will be responsible for proper management in accordance with the principles of the non-profit artist-run centre, the gallery’s current programming priorities, and future financial and organizational goals.

The role will be guided by a new strategic plan, and the successful candidate will share and promote Mercer Union’s stated values of Artistic Expression, Risk-Taking, Equity, Collaboration, and Support.

The successful candidate will lead the organization’s artistic and strategic vision in alignment with the following strategic goals:

Visionary exhibitions and programming;

  • Establishing and delivering the long-term curatorial vision for Mercer Union that continues to present a wide range of thought-provoking exhibitions that promote artistic integrity and expression
  • Developing and supporting robust and accessible public programming (talks, events, performances)
  • Strengthening the narrative around our curatorial direction and commissioning strategy

Meaningful community engagement;

  • Actively promoting Mercer Union and expanding its audiences by developing annual marketing and promotional plans and enhancing its public profile
  • Designing and implementing a community engagement plan to develop meaningful relationships with our audiences

Sustainable fund development;

  • Securing public funding and managing relationships with federal, provincial, and municipal funding bodies
  • Developing and executing multifaceted income generation and philanthropic fundraising strategies that build community, civic support, and trust, along with financial security

Robust operational integrity.

  • Overseeing a dedicated and talented team of staff while promoting a positive and equitable work environment driven by open communication and collaboration
  • Developing and setting financial priorities and goals through short and long-term planning in collaboration with the Board of Directors

A full job description providing additional details is available here: https://www.mercerunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Job-Description-D...

The successful candidate should possess:

  • An advanced degree or equivalent experience in curatorial studies, art history, fine arts, or visual culture
  • Minimum 5 years experience in the administration of an art gallery or other cultural institution
  • Significant experience developing and administering curatorial and publication projects
  • Exemplary knowledge of contemporary art practices and an understanding of the philosophy and history of the Canadian artist-run centre movement
  • Proven ability to develop relationships with funders and donors, secure operational funding, and to cultivate and realize fundraising opportunities
  • Experience managing operating budgets and finances, including cash flow, anticipated revenues and expenditures, and other financial activities
  • An ongoing commitment to collaboration, innovation and equity, alongside a well-formed understanding of, and dedication to, fostering healthy relationships with colleagues and community members.

To Apply

Eligible applications must include a cover letter (1 page), CV (max 3 pages), and examples of two or more recent curatorial projects (max 4 pages) in a single PDF. Please submit applications and any inquiries regarding this position to the attention of the Search Committee, jobs@mercerunion.org, by 21 April 2023.

Mercer Union is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and actively works to increase the representation of equity-seeking groups within the arts sector. We promote employment equity and strongly encourage applications from racialized candidates, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQIAP persons, and persons with disabilities. If you identify as a member of these groups, you are invited to voluntarily self-identify.

Mercer Union is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment and to providing employment accommodation for those who identify as disabled. Please let us know of any accommodation we may provide during the application process. If contacted for an interview, please communicate if you require accommodation.

About Mercer Union

Mercer Union is a non-profit, artist-run centre dedicated to commissioning and producing new works of contemporary art, and providing an engaging program that encourages critical inquiry and conversation. We champion ambitious exhibitions that empower diverse Canadian and international artists in formative and established stages of their practice.

Hourly Wage, Salary or Salary Range: 
$70,000
Application Deadline: 
Friday, April 21, 2023
Type of Work: 
Full Time
City: 
Toronto
Province: 
Ontario
Education Level: 
University (Undergraduate)
Languages: 
English
Travel: 
Yes
Prefered Method(s) of Application: 
By E-Mail

Employer Details

Mercer Union, a centre for contemporary art

Mercer Union
1286 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON M6H 1N9
Canada

Mercer Union is a non-profit, artist-run centre dedicated to commissioning and producing new works of contemporary art, and providing an engaging program that encourages critical inquiry and conversation. We champion ambitious exhibitions that empower diverse Canadian and international artists in formative and established stages of their practice.