The Opportunity
We are seeking an Executive Director to serve as the artistic director and chief operating officer for the Canadian Guild of Crafts. Reporting to the President of the Board, the Executive Director will oversee the Guild’s permanent collections, historical archives, art gallery and programs including exhibitions, conferences, and cultural and educational activities. The Executive Director will collaborate closely with the Board on a strategic plan to keep the Guild relevant and sustainable while building on its many strengths to make it a thriving institution. Our new leader will be responsible for all activities relating to the operation of the Guild including financial management and team leadership.
About the Canadian Guild of Crafts
Located in Montreal`s gallery district on Sherbrooke Street, the Canadian Guild of Crafts actively pursues its not-for-profit mission to conserve, encourage and promote Inuit art, First Nations art, and Fine Crafts. With a committed Board and a staff team of six, the Guild offers distinctive exhibits, lectures, tours and cultural events, showcasing the outstanding works of Canadian artists and attracting an annual attendance of 5,000. The operations of the Guild are funded by its gallery as well as by national and provincial government grants, memberships and donations.
The Guild presents ten exhibitions per year, bringing together works by renowned and upcoming artists and artisans that broaden perspectives on Canadian art and identity. The Guild has also developed solid cultural and public partnerships, one of which has led to its participation in the annual First Peoples’ Festival, an important celebration of artists and artisans from various First Nations communities.
With unparalleled knowledge and expertise concerning Inuit art, First Nations art and Fine Craft art and artists, the Guild’s gallery has distinguished itself through the quality and originality of the works that it offers to the public as well as to collectors, companies and decorators. The gallery allows visitors the opportunity to purchase (both in person and online worldwide) a wide range of creations of Inuit sculptures and engravings, First Nations’ works, and pieces made of glass, ceramic, wood, tin and jewelry by renowned and emerging contemporary artisans in several fine craft disciplines.
A unique repository of its one-hundred-year history, the Guild’s small museum offers exhibits and guided tours of its permanent collection of Inuit art, one of the most remarkable collections in Canada and a priceless cultural heritage. The Guild has played a major role in the preservation of historic and contemporary Craft made by all Canadians and its permanent collection illustrates this legacy. The Guild also offers researchers access to its catalogue and archives, an enormous body of knowledge that details its own social history, the evolution of Craft in Canada and the art of the Inuit and First Nations Peoples.
The Ideal Candidate - Key Experience & Competencies
- Previous experience in a management position at an art museum, gallery or non-profit organization ideally in the cultural sector.
- An interest in, and ideally familiarity with, Canadian art, Inuit art, First Nations art or Fine Crafts would be a strong asset as well as being an artist or artisan.
- Experience in managing and supporting staff and volunteers is expected; experience working closely with a Board is desired.
- Demonstrated success in raising funds from public and private sources in the form of donations, sponsorships and government grants.
- Marketing expertise, preferably in the cultural sector.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically and to plan and act pro-actively.
- The candidate should be energetic and collaborative, and possess both vision and business management acumen.
- Ability to incite enthusiasm and influence to motivate and persuade others to achieve desired outcomes.
- Excellent bilingual communication skills in French and English, both oral and written.
- A post-secondary degree is expected for this position.
The candidate is expected to have an understanding of and enthusiasm for the Guild’s mission, historical value, programs and activities, as demonstrated through work experience, volunteer work, personal interest, and/or education.
For More Information
The Canadian Guild of Crafts has retained KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.) to lead this search on their behalf. To view the full position profile, please visit www.kciphilanthropy.com/search. Expressions of interest will be held in strict confidence.
Please note that all candidates will be asked to submit a resume and a letter of interest by August 12, 2013.
