submitted by Adriana Beemans

Job Posting: Executive Director/General Manager

ArtHeart Community Art Centre, a registered charity, is a community-based arts organization in Regent Park that provides visual arts education, programs and materials, free-of-charge to children, youth, adults and seniors living in Regent Park and the surrounding neighbourhood. By using art as a vehicle, ArtHeart helps to develop self-esteem, creativity, life-skills and learning. Participants are empowered to improve their quality of life while putting their hands and imaginations to work.

As a small organization (3 FTE shared among 6 part-time staff) with big impact (we serve over 300 children and youth, and 200 adults per year), and an exciting future ahead (the revitalization of Regent Park and the building of the new Regent Park Arts and Cultural Centre) ArtHeart is seeking an Executive Director who is able to wear multiple hats: part General Manager, part Fundraiser, part Artistic Director, part community builder. This position is a full time position, with a salary range of $45,000-$52,000 depending on experience, and is a one-year renewable contract.

We are looking for someone who is creative, passionate yet practical, has a background in the arts, experience in fundraising and the not-for-profit sector, and experience and ease working with low income and marginalized communities. Someone who has managed people and projects, knows how to manage a budget, how to build and sustain partnerships, has strong administrative skills, and is a good organizer and a great oral and written communicator is needed. You also need to be able to roll up your sleeves and help out in the studio. If this sounds like you, please apply! ArtHeart has a great staff and a committed Board.  This, along with the enthusiasm, creativity and talent of the participants is what makes it a wonderful place to work.

Main Responsibilities:

Governance

• Keep ArtHeart’s Board of Directors informed of all important issues affecting ArtHeart and implement and administer ArtHeart policies;
• Work with the Board of Directors to support governance structure and committees;
• Serve as a non-voting member of the Board of Directors;

Program Excellence

• Provide leadership and vision to staff in program development;
• Ensure programming is consistent with the mission and values of ArtHeart and anchored in community arts practice;
• Lead the ArtHeart staff and manage the short-term program goals to meet the long-term strategic direction of ArtHeart;
• Oversee the outreach, coordination and promotion of ArtHeart;
• Be available to execute front line programming should the situation arise;

Fiscal Management

• Guide the preparation of the budget/financial plan by developing budget projections and estimates in conjunction with the finance committee;
• Work closely with the bookkeeper in reviewing and monitoring budgets and ensuring appropriate operating systems and fiscal controls;
• Supervise regular reviews of the Budget to control expenses;
• Be fiscally responsible for effective and efficient management of the ArtHeart budget and execution of the strategic plan;

Fundraising

• Develop and execute a short, medium and long-term funding strategy and program in collaboration with the fundraiser consultant and Board of Directors to ensure that the organization’s long-term and annual development plans and strategies are being met;
• Obtain and increase external funding by writing grants, creating partnerships, and general solicitation;

Personnel

• Lead and build an integrated team that works together to actualize ArtHeart’s vision;
• Ensure staff provides exceptional service to the participants;
• Oversee recruitment, hiring and training of staff and instructors, and supervise and evaluate core staff consistent with the policies, staffing plan and budget approved by the Board;
• Responsible for taking any and all steps necessary to protect employees and others against occupational accidents, injuries and illnesses;

Community Relations

• Lead a culture of inclusiveness, helpfulness, and professionalism within ArtHeart;
• Manage the growth of strong partnerships with agencies, organizations and artists to increase the capacity to deliver services at ArtHeart;
• Initiate, maintain, and cultivate relationships with funders, community organizations, government agencies, the media, program participants and other stakeholders so as to achieve ArtHeart’s mission; and
• Become an active participant in community organizations and activities as appropriate.

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of experience in the not-for-profit, community-based, charitable organization sector (management experience is required);
• 3-5 years of developing, coordinating, managing and evaluating art and community projects;
• Excellent project management skills;
• Experience in financial management and budget overview;
• Ability and experience in managing staff and conflict resolution;
• Facilitation skills to assist in running smooth and effective meetings;
• Experience working with a Board of Directors;
• Experience and success in fundraising and proposal writing;
• Someone who is proactive and thrives on organization and order as well as creativity and problem solving;
• Passion for the arts and the importance of community-based arts programming;
• Experience working with and in low-income communities, engaging youth, newcomers, children and adults, and operating from an anti-oppressive and anti-racist framework;
• Excellent oral, written communication skills and computer literacy (must be competent in word and excel; familiarity with CADAC, Income Manager and QuickBooks is an asset);
• Someone who is friendly and personable; and,
• Post secondary education or equivalent required.

Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and résumé no later than 4 p.m. on September 7, 2010. Ideally the successful candidate will be able to begin work by the start of October.  Please send your application to jobs@artheart.ca. Please include “Executive Director” in the subject line.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please see ArtBridges’ Google Map for contact information.