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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Job Description and Submission Process

As we say farewell to our Executive Director (ED) of 18 years, The London Arts Council Board of Directors is seeking an entrepreneurial, collaborative and experienced arts administrator to become the new ED of this dynamic organization in London, Ontario.

The London Arts Council (LAC) is a non-profit umbrella organization for the arts community that enhances the quality of life and the creative vitality of the city. The LAC works with public, private and community partners, to nurture, build and sustain Londoners’ awareness of, involvement in, and support for all artistic disciplines. The LAC is the second largest municipal arts council in the province of Ontario and a leader in economic and cultural creation support for artists, creators and arts organizations.

The LAC is integral to the cultural fabric of the city and partners closely with the City of London by administering London’s Public Art Policy; managing the annual municipal arts investment program, the “Community Arts Investment Program” (CAIP); and, by co-locating with the London Tourism Office in The J. Allyn Taylor Building at the gateway to Dundas Place, the newly developed downtown flex street.

Under guidance from, and reporting to the LAC Board of Directors, the ED will facilitate all aspects of the LAC’s operations including: envisioning, developing, overseeing and promoting programs and services; building relationships and collaborating with government officials, city staff and local organizations to develop cross-sector municipal opportunities for the arts; expanding arts advocacy and awareness; building allyship; maintaining fiscal accountability through creating and managing budgets; fundraising and grantsmanship; hiring and supervising staff and volunteers; and managing day-to-day operations.

The London Arts Council is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, LÅ«naapéewak and Attawandaron peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. 

The London Arts Council is committed to working in peace and healing with the surrounding First Nations communities of the city of London: Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames and Munsee-Delaware Nation. 
     
Compensation and other information:
Salary range will be commensurate with experience
General office hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, with participation at evening and weekend activities.
Final candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Records Check from the London Police Services.

 

Application process:
Application deadline: July 5, 2021
Anticipated start date: September 1st, 2021

Please provide a current resume or curriculum vitae, names and contact details for five references, and a statement/expression of interest in the position. Please limit your statement to 500 words. In addition, feel free to provide other materials and/or express your interest in the medium of your choice.

Please use the form below to complete your submission. No additional materials are requested at this time.
 Only those candidates who are considered for the position will be contacted.

REPORTING TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Duties of the Executive Director include:

  • Reports to and works with the Board of Directors to develop strategy to guide the operations of the organization and to manage the implementation of that strategy in ways that respond to and create opportunities for the arts in London. 

  • Engages the local arts sector including, but not limited to: professional artists and arts organizations participating in LAC programs, arts community (members, patrons, supporters), other sector leaders, City staff and politicians, and provincial and national networks.

  • Responsible for providing day-to-day management and tactical leadership of the organization, employees, and volunteers. 

 

  • Leads diversity, equity, and inclusion
    Understands and is committed to working with London’s and Canada’s historical and present inequities and brings a diversity, equity and inclusion lens to all programs and services delivered and supported by the London Arts Council.
     

  • Leads innovation
    Creates a climate of experimentation and innovation within the organization and supports the team in developing and implementing constructive approaches to new and improved programs and services.

 

  •  Inspires and influences others

    • Inspires and motivates others to join and bring their knowledge and resources together to create solutions and opportunities. 

    • Creates a culture of openness, sharing and support. 

    • Establishes and connects with local, provincial, and national network of contacts in the Canadian arts landscape and beyond. 

    • Leads and participates in public policy initiatives that advance the arts sector and city building.

 

  • Program leadership

    • Develops and implements plans with the Board, Team, Arts Sector and Partners. 

    • Ensures the initiation, facilitation, and evaluation of programs and activities consistent with annual deliverables. 

    • Ensures that the organization develops and maintains strategic connections to local stakeholders and provincial and national bodies that will advance the interests of the local arts sector and meet the mission and strategic direction of the organization.

    • Develops and coordinates marketing strategies to promote the organization’s services within the community. 

    • Develops and implements policies and procedures related to the operation of the organization, including periodic reviews.
       

  • Finance

    • Ensures the development of a yearly financial plan, including appropriate documentation, compliance, and monitoring in accordance with the Board’s direction.

    • Works closely with the internal and external finance team to maintain and grow the positive financial position of the organization. 

  • Finance cont'd

    • Monitors and coordinates the financial resources of the organization to ensure Board compliance.
       

  • Fund Development

    • Works proactively to create strategic operating and capital budgets for Board approval. 

    • Provides strategy, direction, and stewardship for resource development to obtain funding from all sources – including earned revenue, business development, sponsorship, and grants from foundations and local, provincial, and federal governments.        

    • Monitors and coordinates the financial resources of the organization to ensure Board compliance. 

    • Ensures the organization continually seeks funding sources, prepares, and submits proposals for funding.
       

  • Communications/Public Relations

    • Ensures the development and maintenance of LAC’s brand and the creation of positive links between all stakeholders in the London community and beyond. 

    • Establishes sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with the local arts sector, community groups and organizations.

    • Implements and markets programs and services to meet arts and local community needs and to build arts advocacy.

    • Maintains statistical information regarding the organization and its programs, as directed by the Board and required by funding partners. 

    • Sees that the Board is kept fully informed of the conditions of the organization and the factors that influence it. 

 

  • Authority and Accountability

    • Accountable to the Board of Directors for the efficient and effective performance of his/her/their responsibilities as outlined. 

    • Prepares regular reports on areas of responsibility for the Board of Directors.

    • Coordinates, integrates, and provides input to the activities of the Board, staff, and volunteers. 

    • Responsible for the oversight of the recruitment, employment, dismissal, and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers. 

    • Ensures that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place. 

    • Fosters an innovative and effective leadership team, with appropriate provisions for succession in place. 

    • Encourages staff and volunteer development and education and assists program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization. 

    • Maintains official documents and ensures compliance with federal, provincial, and local legislation and regulations.

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QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS NEEDED

  • Post-secondary education, or equivalent professional experience.

  • A creative and visionary leader who demonstrates experience setting and implementing ambitious plans in a clear and concise manner.

  • A highly credible leader in the arts who, through track record, intellect, vision, and passion, can engage others in projects, get buy-in from various stakeholders and motivate them to achieve specific goals.

  • A demonstrated commitment to diversity and other equity-based work in the arts.

  • An exceptional communicator and dynamic presenter, with the ability to present in a clear, professional, and composed manner with strong verbal and written skills.

  • A team player, open to other team members’ input, who builds strong partnerships with colleagues and stakeholders. Demonstrated success in managing a team with diverse objectives and multiple stakeholders.

  • A collaborative approach with superior organizational and project management skills, who understands cross-sector collaboration models.

  • Experience in supporting, empowering, and coaching artists and teams.

  • A relationship-builder who exhibits a high level of trust and integrity.

  • Able to excel in a self-directed environment and possesses a strong work ethic.

  • Understanding of financial, legal, and ethical aspects of arts organizations, for-profit and not-for-profit arts sector and arts industries.

  • Familiarity with budget development and control.  Understands the audit process and requirements of an arts organization of the LAC’s size and scope. 

  • Demonstrated capability in major client/partner relationship management, fundraising, and resource mobilization.

  • Experience with identifying and managing public policy issues is an asset.

  • Experience creating spaces for experiential learning and unlearning is an asset. 

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