Job Posting

CEO

POSITION:                                            CEO
LOCATION:                                          Toronto, ON
POSITION DETAILS:                            Full time
REPORTS TO:                                      Board of Directors     
WEBSITE:                                             http://mocca.ca

THE ORGANIZATION

The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) is one of Canada’s most dynamic and fastest growing art museums. Based in downtown Toronto in the vibrant Queen West district, MOCCA’s programming and collection of Canadian contemporary art in an international context has achieved critical acclaim and generated rapidly growing attendance. MOCCA was established in 1999 and moved to its current location at 925 Queen Street West in 2005. It currently operates as a not-for-profit organization with a Board of Directors.

MOCCA is entering an exciting new phase in its growth and development. Reflecting a strategic ambition to grow its profile in Toronto, it is about to embark on a facilities move into a larger home, scheduled to be completed and launched in 2017. There will be an interim period during which MOCCA will operate as a virtual gallery. The planned facility is 25,000 square feet, with the option to double that space in the future.

THE VISION

MOCCA is an inclusive cultural catalyst. We engage the public in adventurous new work by presenting contemporary artists in a Canadian and global context. 

THE POSITION

The CEO is charged with the broad challenge of steering MOCCA towards growth and expansion in order for MOCCA to realize a larger cultural footprint in Toronto, Canada, and internationally. More specifically, the CEO will provide both strategic leadership and tactical oversight to the development, implementation and management of MOCCA’s strategic plan, facilities relocation, fundraising, membership and donor development and general operations.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO is an energetic leader of change, passionate about Canadian and international contemporary art and effective in engaging and aligning support. S/he will drive and communicate the vision, broaden the museum’s presence and extend its reach both nationally and internationally.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for an exceptional senior executive, who brings extensive strategic leadership, planning and business experience to lead an important contemporary art museum to a new level of world prominence.

THE CANDIDATE

You are a respected leader with energy, vision, and entrepreneurial enthusiasm. With a deep appreciation and understanding of the visual arts and media, as well as the not-for-profit sector, you are known to be an excellent fundraiser, with skills and experience in capital campaigns.

You have a proven track record of strategic leadership, with the drive and ambition to realize MOCCA’s vision. As the public face and spokesperson of MOCCA, you will raise the gallery profile and grow its importance both in Canada and internationally.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The CEO is responsible for providing strategic and financial direction for the gallery, and reports to MOCCA’s Board of Directors.  As CEO, you will provide:

Effective Management/Leadership

  • The CEO will report directly to the Board. S/he will develop and set all financial priorities, guide the short and long term tactical planning and vision of the organization and direct the overall operational functions.
  • S/he will own full accountability for all financial activity, including the preparation and presentation of relevant budgets, forecasts and financial reports to the Board of Directors.
  • Collaborate with the Artistic Director and provide leadership and guidance to the staff and accountability to the Board on the content, quality and format of exhibitions offered, as well as building the collection, to ensure MOCCA is recognized as an institution that showcases exceptional art.
  • Develop collaborative working relationships with appropriate arts and leadership organizations both within Canada and world-wide to ensure MOCCA’s leadership position.
  • Continue to strengthen and focus MOCCA’s brand, locally, nationally and internationally through traditional and digital platforms; review, adjust and oversee the development of marketing plans as required to ensure alignment with the strategic vision.
  • Recommend and develop policies and strategies to ensure MOCCA continues to grow in a sustainable manner while continuing to strive for excellence in support of its mission.
  • Nurture and maintain relationships and/or partnerships with persons and organizations that are important to MOCCA, including the city of Toronto and other levels of government, and other key contemporary galleries/museums.
  • Direct the marketing plan, public relations, social media/web-based strategies, and innovation.
  • Responsible for developing and leading a team of staff and volunteers. In addition to ensuring the implementation of effective human resources policies, and practices, s/he will develop a culture that promotes respect and teamwork, builds loyalty, drives engagement, maximizes employee potential and appeals to outside talent. The CEO will recruit, select and retain talent to help further MOCCA’s mission and long-term vision.

Capital Campaign/Financial Sustainability

  • Lead a significant capital campaign to complete the project’s funding, working with the Board and volunteer committees, and building on fundraising to date. The campaign will attract government funding, sponsorship, and philanthropy.
  • Create and implement a development plan for the sustainable funding of the organization.
  • Develop and encourage government, corporate, and private foundation sponsorships and partnerships to create new revenue sources for the gallery.
  • Serve as an enthusiastic and highly visible ambassador and fundraiser for MOCCA. Play a pivotal role in developing donor relationships and securing campaign gifts. Work with all supporting communities, including private donors and government representatives.
  • Be creative and entrepreneurial in pursuit of additional earned income opportunities.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

  • A minimum of five years of senior leadership experience, with a track record of success leading a gallery or museum, or experiential equivalent.
  • Evidence of strong business acumen. Accountable and fiscally responsible. Proven ability to develop a sustainable business plan, oversee operations, and manage assets/resources of a financial, staff and facility nature effectively and efficiently
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a Board of Directors, elected officials, funders and community stakeholders.
  • Confident and influential communicator who is engaging, outgoing and personable. A master team builder, enabler, coach and mentor; respectful, known for integrity and ethical practices, a consummate professional.
  • An impeccable reputation for integrity, and widely recognized for strong, creative leadership.
  • International knowledge and experience in the visual arts.
  • A goal-oriented pacesetter with a demonstrated ability to create momentum in pursuit of institutional objectives.
  • A track record in building funding relationships with both institutions and individuals, experience in leading a significant and successful capital campaign, and a history of sound fiscal management.
  • A proven ability to work with government regarding funding, support, and policy change.
  • Experience in management of building/rebuilding facilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with outstanding social skills.
  • Experience in guiding, engaging, and supporting senior leaders.
  • A university or post-graduate degree.
  • Fluency in French is an asset.

CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

  • A pro-active and dynamic professional who inspires confidence; a superior intellect with strategic orientation and a polished presence.
  • A results oriented personality with a high level of ethics and integrity who understands the importance of ensuring MOCCA continues to be a world-class innovator in the arts.
  • Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.
  • A self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit and strategic business skills.
  • A collaborative team builder.
  • Has a deep and passionate commitment to contemporary art and its value to society and to the mission of MOCCA.
  • Strong organizational skills, can focus, prioritize and get it done.
  • An innovative and enthusiastic leader who inspires by example.
  • An enthusiastic fund-raiser.
  • Disciplined, takes initiative and accepts ownership with a hands-on approach.
  • Enjoys working under pressure, and is accomplished at multi-level multi-tasking.
  • Enjoys working and leading in a complex, open and transparent environment.

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package will be offered, complete with salary and benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply by email with your cover letter and résumé by no later than August 31, 2015.  Send to: MOCCA@searchlightcanada.com.

We thank applicants for their interest, however, only those advancing in the process will be contacted.

MOCCA is an equal-opportunity employer.

Application Deadline: 
Monday, August 31, 2015
Type of Work: 
Full Time
City: 
Toronto
Province: 
Ontario
Education Level: 
University (Undergraduate)
Languages: 
English
Travel: 
Yes
Prefered Method(s) of Application: 
By E-Mail

Employer Details

Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art

Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art
425 Adelaide St. W.
Toronto, ON M5V 3C1
Canada

The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) was founded from the former Art Gallery of North York in 1999. In 2005, MOCCA relocated to the West Queen West Art + Design District in downtown Toronto, in the heart of one of North America’s most dynamic arts communities. Our facility is modest in scale, impressive in design, and functions effectively as a nucleus of energies for cultural production and exchange.