CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: FCG Executive Director

 

Salary: $43,000-$47,000 annually; 32 hrs a week; Annual Renewal Contract

Benefits: Annual health stipend or benefits package; 2 weeks paid vacation; in office/work from home hybrid; curatorial opportunity after 2 years

Closing Date: June 27th, 2024

Interviews: Offers for interviews & interviews will occur on a rolling basis beginning June 17th

Anticipated Start Date: July 16th/23rd, 2024

Reporting To: Board of Directors

 

Forest City Gallery (FCG) is an artist-run centre that supports artists at all stages of their career, with a particular emphasis on supporting emerging artists. Situated in London, Ontario, FCG was founded on the principles of artistic autonomy and a celebration of its regional context. FCG is committed to extending the discourse between established and experimental art forms, responding to the rich history of artistic production in the region, and advancing relevant contemporary practices in visual & media arts, performance, literature, and music. 

 

As the current sole employee of FCG, the Executive Director is responsible for driving forward the mission and strategic plan of the gallery through day-to-day running of the gallery spaces, coordinating with exhibiting artists, keeping up with our granting schedule, keeping the gallery safe and clean for artists, guests, and tenants. The Executive Director maintains, establishes, and forges partner relationships with other arts organizations in London. The Executive Director reports to a volunteer operational Board of Directors that supports the Executive Director and the needs of the gallery through onsite and remote support. The Executive Director works closely with a new part-time staff position slated to be hired in Fall 2024. 

 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS:

• A minimum of two years experience or equivalent leading an artist-run space, public art gallery, or cultural institution with a proven track record of successful management;

• Record of successful fundraising and development including grant writing with Arts Councils, donors, and crowdfunding;

• A degree or equivalent experience in fine arts, arts administration, curatorial studies, art history, or visual culture;

• Resides in or is willing to relocate to London, Ontario;

• Exemplary knowledge of contemporary art practices, CARFAC Canada & Ontario, and an understanding of artist-run culture;

• The ability to work independently and communicate needs to an intergenerational operational Board of Directors;

• Strong commitment to community, inclusivity, accessibility, and equity;

• Demonstrated successful budgetary and financial experience within the nonprofit sector;

• Knowledge of (or engagement in) regional Indigenous arts & programming;

• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills, and proven ability to work within groups/committees;

• Ability to manage and delegate tasks to interns, volunteers, and other staff person;

• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings;

• Proficiency in various computer programs including Microsoft Office and Google Drive;

• Additionally, robust audio-visual competency to serve programming;

• Knowledge and understanding of the role of digital platforms, social media, and web development for contemporary cultural institutions;

• Confidence in the handling of artworks, shipping, and installation of exhibitions. 

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RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Implement the Gallery's artistic programming and administrative operations;

• Regular newsletter communications, including general, membership, and volunteers;

• Articulate and drive the organization’s vision, mission, and goals; 

• Strategize and produce all operating, project grants, and final reports with municipal, provincial, and national funding agencies to maintain a healthy, transparent budget with the Gallery’s bookkeeper and Treasurer;

• Research and identify new funding opportunities including project and long-term grants, as well as maintain and grow the organization’s donor base and fundraising capacities;

• Chair (or co-Chair) the Grant Writing Committee, schedule & host regular meetings; 

• Direct the development and implementation of diverse programming in all areas of visual arts, media arts, and writing through collaboration with the Programming Committee;

• Work with the Hear Here committee to curate and organize music events highlighting musical acts between regular exhibition programs;

• Coordinate all exhibition logistics, including shipping, budgeting, transportation, and travel activities of visiting artists and their works;

• Oversee and schedule support for exhibitions installation, including activities related to auxiliary events, such as media screenings, literary, and music events;

• Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to manage and schedule regular volunteers;

• Implement and organize all gallery events and community outreach initiatives, including opening receptions, Hear Here, talks, screenings, and fundraising events; 

• Work with the Fundraising Chair to develop and implement fundraising strategies;

• General administrative management activities, including timely correspondence with exhibiting artists, speakers, submission applications, members, and donors;

• Network and liaise with advocacy groups locally, provincially, and nationally;

• Present articulate and fulsome monthly reports to the Board of Directors;

• Maintain a clean, well-organized, safe working environment for themselves, gallery guests, and tenants. Plan for future facility needs with the Board of Directors and additional volunteers. Bring facility repair needs to the Gallery’s landlord as required;

• Maintain facility, inclusive of the Media Collab and relational upkeep with studio tenants;

• Be available and in the gallery during operating hours, unless covered by volunteers;

 

ADDITIONAL ASSETS:

• Familiarity with the London arts community including our neighborhood, Old East Village (OEV) and/or strong ties within the greater region of the Southern Great Lakes

• Currently maintains a studio/community-based practice 

• Working knowledge of QuickBooks software and CADAC

• Website and social media management & working understanding of design principles 

• Working knowledge of design and confidence in editing software: photo, audio, video, etc.

• Fluency in another language in addition to English

• Access to a vehicle (rental, care-share, or owned) and valid G license

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FCG encourages applications from women, Black and Indigenous people, BIPOC/People of the Global Majority, individuals with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, and others who may arrive in the position of Executive Director from wide-ranging backgrounds who contribute to FCG through their diverse perspectives, communities, experiences, and visions.

 

We invite qualified applicants to apply for the position of Executive Director. Should applicants need any accommodations during the application they are encouraged to reach out to board@forestcitygallery.com for alternative deliverables/support. 

 

Forest City Gallery is situated on the traditional land of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenausaune, Lenape, Huron-Wendat, and Attawandaron peoples whose nations have long-standing relationships to the Great Lakes region now known as southwestern Ontario/Ontarí:io where the City of London and the Deshkan Ziibiing is located. In close proximity, there are three First Nations communities: the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames, and Munsee Delaware Nation. FCG seeks to recognize Indigenous stewardship and expertise in land/culture in the Great Lakes region. We acknowledge the significant historical and current contributions of regional First Nations and all Indigenous peoples located in London, and as an organization, we stand in solidarity with the ongoing assertions of sovereignty.

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please submit in a single PDF (in the order listed below) to board@forestcitygallery.com with the subject line “Application: Forest City Gallery Executive Director.”

• 1-page cover letter describing your qualifications and detailed interest in the position

• CV detailing all relevant experience and skills

• The names and contact details of three references (at least one must be work-place) 

• 1-2 examples of writing which can include past grant proposals, press releases, or other arts-related content (sensitive information can be redacted)

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All qualified applicants will receive confirmation of the status of their application. References will be contacted if the candidate is shortlisted and interviewed. All questions can be directed to the email above. Please bear in mind that this is a volunteer-operated hiring process.