Executive Director
- Job Type
- Full Time
- Job Level
- Other
- Location
- York, ON
- Impact Area
- Other
- Impact Category
- Other
- Company Type
- Other
About this position
Job Title: Executive Director
Report to: UrbanArts Board of Directors
Date Posted: January 7, 2025
Application Deadline: February 14, 2025
Start Date: First week of April 2025
Remuneration: $75 K - $85 K
Work Location: UrbanArts offices: 5 Bartonville E. and 34 John St.
including Hybrid
*We will review applications on a “rolling basis.” If you are interested in the role, we encourage you to apply early to ensure full consideration.
Description of the Organization
UrbanArts is a progressive, not-for-profit community arts council (CAC)/ local arts service organization (LASO) providing opportunities for diverse cultural expression, artistic development, training and employment to urban communities with a focus on youth in central west Toronto; UrbanArts focuses on enhancing neighbourhoods by engaging youth in community development through the arts; UrbanArts is an incubator for local arts, with a range of programs led by professional artists in visual art, theatre, dance and music.
Mandate
Our mandate is to promote, engage and facilitate cultural and community development opportunities between artists, arts organizations and community members and community.
Position Description
As the leader of the management team, the Executive Director (ED) of UrbanArts is the Chief Executive Officer of UrbanArts, and reports to the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission and strategic objectives by providing leadership to the organization. The Executive Director offers support and direction to the staff team and is responsible overall for governance, organizational and resource development, stakeholder outreach, financial management, program development, monitoring and evaluation, and collaborating with community agencies, networks and stakeholders.
Primary Responsibilities
- Establishes and delivers on UrbanArts’ Mission and Governance requirements in response to identified needs of key stakeholders/groups inside and outside the organization;
- Develops the strategic framework and resources for the effective management of core functions, including Governance, Finance, Programming, Human Resources, Advocacy, Marketing, Development and Outreach;
- Demonstrates leadership for staff, volunteers, members and supporters;
- Ensures the development and delivery of an effective ongoing policy structure to support UrbanArts’ capacity for core operations, including finance, systems, staffing, performance assessment, operations and communications;
- Determines UrbanArts’ financial outcomes through supervision of the budgeting process, supporting the operational and programming needs of the organization;
- Generates the majority of financial resources for UrbanArts through funding applications;
- Leads fundraising strategies, community relationship-building, and grant writing, while applying an entrepreneurial mindset to identify and secure new grant opportunities to enhance and amplify the organization’s impact.
- Builds and enhances the profile and brand image of UrbanArts, inside and outside the sector, through active support of marketing, communications and outreach;
- Serves as the spokesperson and public face on behalf of the Board and organization in responding to the full range of external stakeholders, funders, partners and supporters.
- Builds strategic partnerships with government entities, organizations, artists, and community stakeholders across Toronto to foster collaboration and drive impact.
Financial
- Establishes annual budgets with the management team and the Board of UrbanArts in support of established strategic objectives.
- Manages the systematic recording, analysis and reporting of financial and statistical information as a basis for planning, legal compliance and program assessment.
- Oversee the Yearly Audit
- Directs the Operations Manager and Programs Manager in support of meeting primary responsibilities.
- Identifies and evaluates the risk potential for UrbanArts personnel, finances, programs, profile, facilities and operations.
- Oversees the strategic development and delivery of effective mix of programming to meet the strategic goals established by the Board.
- Ensures the programming model/mix for UrbanArts continues to respond to current and potential needs of current and future clients, users, members and supporters.
- Identifies and builds opportunities for collaborations and partnerships with other not for profit organizations, businesses, government and community associations in the neighbourhood and the sector.
- In partnership with the Chair (and Vice Chair) of the Board, serves as the voice of UrbanArts to funders, grantors, supporters, clients.
- Champions the mission, mandate and values of UrbanArts to clients and supporters inside and outside the organization.
- 3+ years of related leadership experience preferred.
- Experience in leading small teams in planning, managing, and completing successful projects and programs
- A strategic thinker with strong analytical, risk assessment and planning skills, capable of defining and supporting the mission and values of UrbanArts.
- Demonstrated ability to build and earn trust with community artists, coupled with a strong understanding of community arts principles and their critical role in the suburban ecosystem
- Familiarity with artists, programs, services and agencies. Knowledge of community-based organizations in York South-Weston is an asset.
- Experience with business software and ability to pick up new applications easily. Currently in use is the following: Outlook, Microsoft 365, Excel, QuickBooks Online, Plooto, social media platforms, Project Management Software, WordPress, MailChimp, and Adobe Creative Cloud
- Familiarity with CADAC and Canadian Arts grants is an asset.
- Experience in budget preparation and operational management.
The Executive Director normally works in an office setting at the Bartonville or the John Street location, although there are times the incumbent will be off-site due to events operated by UrbanArts or other organizations throughout the city and in the community.
While the majority of the responsibilities will take place during regular operating hours on weekdays. (9:00 am – 5:00 pm) As a community arts organization, the position requires flexible work hours including occasional evenings and weekends, especially in the summer.
In addition to the annual salary posted above, the following is offered:
- An initial 2 weeks of paid vacation
- A medical/dental benefits package
- Matching group retirement savings plans
- Paid flex days: (10)
- Paid management days: (3)
- A holiday closure period in December