Associate Director
/ORGANIZATION:
Victoria Chinatown Museum Society
DEADLINE:
Nov. 30, 2025
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
The Victoria Chinatown Museum Society (VCMS) is a non-profit society whose purpose is to share the history, traditions, and culture of early Chinese Canadians in Victoria. The organization is passionate about sharing the stories of Chinese Canadians through the lens of Victoria’s Chinatown—the oldest surviving Chinatown in Canada.
The VCMS operates the Victoria Chinatown Museum, which features a permanent collection of images and artifacts, rotating collections, pop-up exhibits, educational programming, and special events. The stories highlighted at the museum reflect the resilience and ongoing contributions of Chinese Canadians across generations.
In early 2020, the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society was formed to honour the history, culture, and contributions of Chinese Canadians. In October 2024, the VCMS assumed responsibility for the Chinese Canadian Museum in Fan Tan Alley, located in Victoria’s Chinatown, and renamed it the Victoria Chinatown Museum. The museum has attracted over 100,000 visitors since opening in 2022 and occupies approximately 1,500 square feet of space. The museum has approximately 50 volunteers, coordinated by the Visitor Experience Manager.
WEBSITE:
https://victoriachinatownmuseum.com/
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Reporting to the Chair of the Board, the Associate Director will oversee exhibits and programming, curation, grant writing, public communications, and outreach. The ideal candidate will build public and private sector support to deliver organizational priorities and will collaborate with the VCMS Board to achieve strategic goals. The position also supervises the work of the Museum Visitor Experience Manager and the Social Media Coordinator.
This is an exciting opportunity for a creative professional to bring their vision, experience, and passion to advance the success and growth of the Victoria Chinatown Museum.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervise the Museum Visitor Experience Manager, Social Media Coordinator, and other project staff as required.
Identify, evaluate, and implement measures to manage risks to the Museum’s people, property, collections, and reputation.
Ensure financial operations align with Board-approved budgets and policies.
Participate in cross-collaborative committees or project teams as required.
Implement the strategic vision of the VCMS under the direction of the Board of Directors.
Provide visionary and inspirational leadership to develop and deliver programming and an excellent visitor experience.
Align programming and operations with the VCMS mission to preserve and celebrate Chinese Canadian heritage.
Lead organizational growth and sustainability through innovative planning and partnerships.
Establish and maintain standards of service and performance and clear lines of communication.
Foster staff and volunteer development and empowerment.
Develop and communicate key matters to the Board of Directors and ensure timely reporting.
Partner with Board committees to develop and implement goals and objectives.
Oversee the development and delivery of exhibits, public programs, and educational initiatives.
Collaborate with historians, cultural practitioners, and partners to ensure high-quality, relevant content.
Plan, develop, and execute exhibits and museological projects.
Manage artifact selection and integration of digital technologies to enhance the visitor experience.
Identify and pursue funding opportunities and lead grant writing efforts.
Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding agencies.
Build and maintain strategic alliances with local communities, cultural organizations, and stakeholders.
Represent the VCMS in public forums, media, and community events.
Oversee public communications and outreach strategies to broaden engagement and attract donors.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Arts Administration, Non-Profit Management, or a related field.
Minimum 4–5 years of progressive leadership experience in museums, cultural institutions, or non-profit organizations.
Demonstrated experience in grant writing and fundraising.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and team leadership skills.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community collaboration.
Knowledge of Chinese Canadian history and cultural heritage.
Leadership: ability to inspire and organize people around a shared vision.
Teamwork and interpersonal skills: ability to build rapport and cooperate effectively with others.
Vision: ability to imagine and actualize new ideas.
Decision making: ability to make sound and timely judgments.
Creativity and innovation: ability to develop new approaches and ideas.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply in confidence, please email your letter of interest and resume in Word or PDF format to Carolyn Hahn at admin@victoriachinatownmuseum.com. Your resume must clearly state how you meet the qualifications and include dates (month/year) of your experience. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and will receive an acknowledgment of their application.
REMUNERATION:
Up to $75,000 per annum (0.75 FTE, 30 hours/week), commensurate with experience. Includes 3 weeks of paid vacation and a hybrid work schedule with 2 days per week required in the museum. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
