POSITION:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
LOCATION:
Oshawa, Ontario
REPORTS TO:
Board of Directors
DIRECT REPORTS:
Senior Curator; Director, Finance & Operations; Manager, Marketing & Communications; Manager, Learning & Engagement; Event & Venue Rental Lead
WEBSITE:
THE ORGANIZATION
Located in downtown Oshawa, The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) is the largest public art gallery in the rapidly growing Durham Region which has a population of more than 750 thousand.
The RMG proudly holds Canada’s largest collection of works by Painters 11, including artists such as Jack Bush, Alexandra Luke, J.W.G. ("Jock") Macdonald, Harold Town, and others. Today, the RMG collection of more than 4,700 works focuses on telling the continuing story of Canadian abstraction.
The RMG believes that art cultivates caring communities. As an artist-centered and community-oriented public art gallery, the RMG brings people from diverse backgrounds together to engage with art that inspires new perspectives, generates meaningful conversations, and creates a sense of belonging.
The RMG builds relationships with diverse artists and communities through art.
The RMG works in collaboration with artists, partners, and audiences to present dynamic and inspiring collections, exhibitions, and programs in an inclusive and equitable environment.
The RMG is a registered charity and incorporated in the Province of Ontario as a non-profit corporation with an independent Board of Directors.
THE POSITION
This is an exciting opportunity to lead an artist-centred and creative organization, possessing an important collection of Canadian abstract and contemporary art. The CEO will utilize their passion for visual arts and embrace the Gallery’s approach to sharing compelling cultural stories through art.
With a renewed strategic plan in place, the CEO will advance the RMG’s vision, mission and strategic priorities as they oversee Gallery operations. They will guide a strong, engaged staff team focusing on delivering excellence in a creative, caring environment. In partnership with the Board, the CEO plays an important role in fundraising and the development of a loyal base of supporters and partners. The CEO represents and advocates for the RMG’s interests internally and externally and will enthusiastically embrace a visible public role in the arts, culture, and knowledge-building communities in Durham Region, the province and beyond.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
- Accountable for the strategic direction of the Gallery, the CEO works closely with staff and Board to ensure the vision, mission, values, and priorities are achieved through operational plans and actions.
- Provide motivational leadership that reflects organizational and workplace values, building upon strengths and successes.
- Work collaboratively with the City of Oshawa in achieving the municipal strategic and cultural plan.
- Serve as the public face for the RMG by effectively advocating for the organization, arts and culture, and building relationships with community and stakeholder groups.
Programming & Relationship Development
- In collaboration with the Senior Curator and programming staff, develop the RMG’s artistic vision, direction, and identity.
- Oversee the acquisition of Permanent Collection works and stewardship.
- Maintain an open dialogue with Gallery members and other key stakeholders and nurture and cultivate positive relationships with individuals, community partners, and others to support the collaborative and relationship-based approach of the RMG.
- Support staff in developing and realizing a year-round schedule of exhibitions, learning programs, and public events to grow Gallery attendance, while developing and implementing strategies for engaging with those from diverse communities.
- In collaboration with the staff, identify, centre and amplify equity-deserving voices in planning, programs, and collections.
Financial Management
- Work with the Director of Finance and Operations to ensure budgeting and accounting systems are in place and that appropriate financial controls and risk management strategies protect the RMG’s assets.
- Oversee the preparation of annual budgets and monitor appropriately.
- Ensure development of timely reporting tools and resources that enable the organization to operate within budget guidelines and ensure transparency.
- Ensure resources are effectively allocated to optimize performance and attain organizational goals. Monitor outcomes and shift resources as required.
People, Culture & Operations
- Nurture the RMG’s culture of care. Embody values of accountability, care, and belonging, using these values to guide decision making.
- Mentor and sustain a collaborative team focused on the values and strategic priorities of the RMG within an established framework of objectives and key results.
- Support and coach staff to develop a culture to attract, retain, and motivate a diverse, professional team.
- In collaboration with the Director of Finance and Operations, and Manager of Operations, oversee facilities management and maintenance.
- Act as the primary liaison with the City of Oshawa for capital improvements, leasehold improvements, and any facility-related issues.
- Strive for excellence, efficiency, continuous improvement and innovation.
Fund Development
- In partnership with the Fractional Fundraiser, Board, and staff; develop and implement strategies, fundraising systems, and earned revenue streams (venue rentals, shop, membership), to meet achievable targets.
- Nurture and cultivate positive relationships with government, foundations, corporate funders, and individual donors through recognition, reporting, and accountability strategies.
- Lead, write, develop, and steward grant applications to core operating funders including the City of Oshawa, Ontario Arts Council, and Canada Council for the Arts.
- Track trends and developments in fundraising, government funding, and implement innovative approaches that place the RMG at the forefront of fund development.
Board Relations
- Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the Board.
- Provide Board members with the information and resources needed to support informed decision making and effective governance.
- Ensure that the Board Chair is regularly informed regarding all pertinent issues.
- Support Board development, including recruitment in conjunction with Board leadership.
- Exercise good judgement and appropriately involve the Board in advocacy and communication issues related to the RMG and art museums.
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership in arts and culture, such as a public art gallery or a cultural organization.
- Track record in fundraising, operational management, strategic planning, program management, and facilities management.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated capacity for engaging, persuading, and inspiring a broad variety of audiences, stakeholders, and partners.
- A passion for contemporary art and familiarity with artists working across a range of disciplines and contexts.
- Demonstrated success cultivating relationships with diverse constituencies and building public support.
- Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with artists, community partners, donors, funders, and volunteers.
- Experience effectively developing and managing a budget and a high degree of financial literacy and business aptitude.
- Experience working with and reporting directly to a Board of Directors.
- Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a committed team of staff.
- A deep understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice.
- Understanding of current and future trends in the GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, museum) and broader cultural sectors.
- Knowledge of acquisitions guidelines and practices, particularly those related to the Canada Cultural Property Export Review Board (CCPERB).
- Post-secondary degree(s) in visual arts, art history, museum studies, cultural leadership, or other related discipline, or experiential equivalent.
CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES
- An inspirational leader who prioritizes collaboration and people development, with a desire to help team members lead fulfilling careers.
- A strong commitment to RMG’s mission and values with a demonstrated passion for visual arts.
- Commitment to make the RMG an integral part of the community.
- A demonstrated commitment to engage with diverse stakeholders and artists.
- A clear thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit, who is able to lead others to achieve strategic, operational, and financial objectives.
- A highly effective communicator with significant experience in building relationships within a multi-stakeholder environment.
- An effective ability to gain consensus and openly work through conflict while effectively solving problems and issues.
COMPENSATION
The base salary range for this role is between $125,000 to $130,000, commensurate with experience.
In addition, the RMG offers comprehensive health and dental benefits, matching RRSP contributions, and a hybrid work policy.
HOW TO APPLY
Please apply by email with your cover letter and resume no later than Dec 12, 2024. Send to RMG@searchlightpartnersgroup.com
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates from visible and invisible minority group members, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.
The RMG is committed to hiring on merit and to removing barriers in employment policies. Should you require accommodation during the interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those advancing in the process will be contacted.
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery is in the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This land has been the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg since 1700; before that time, it was stewarded by various communities belonging to the Haudenosaunee and Wendat confederacies.
This area continues to be home to many Indigenous people from across Mishiike Minisi. We recognize the sovereignty of all Indigenous nations and are grateful for the opportunity to learn, live, and work on this land.
