Executive Director
/ORGANIZATION:
VISAC Gallery
DEADLINE:
Jan. 15, 2026
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
The Greater Trail Visual Arts Centre – VISAC – Gallery is a non-profit gallery serving the communities of Greater Trail since 1989. Our mandates are:
To provide professional development and paid exhibition opportunities to emerging and established artists of the West Kootenay Region.
To provide excellent and accessible arts skills development and education for all ages, levels, and abilities.
Our vision is to be a vibrant and inclusive community hub where the visual arts inspire creativity, foster belonging, and transform lives through engaging and accessible experiences.
VISAC is a charitable non-profit gallery that exists to support and present the work of emerging and established Kootenay artists and to provide training opportunities at all levels.
Our facilities include an exhibition space, meeting and programming area, and fully equipped pottery and lapidary studios.
We are committed to serving the arts in our community and are proud to be a part of Trail’s action plan for arts and heritage.
WEBSITE:
https://visacgallery.com
JOB DESCRIPTION:
We are seeking an experienced non-profit administrator to join our team as the Executive Director and Curator. This dynamic and engaging role provides overall operational leadership for the gallery, including day-to-day decision-making and long-term planning and execution of all aspects of operation, including exhibition curation and grant and funding management.
This is a permanent part-time position. The successful candidate is expected to work 20 hours per week. Location and timing are flexible, with some time spent in the gallery, in the community, and working from home, depending on the needs of the role. Some weekend and evening work is required throughout the year.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director/Curator provides operational leadership to the organization and is responsible for all aspects of operation. The role is accountable for executing the Strategic Plan under the guidance of the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Values, including a deep commitment to supporting emerging and established artists in the West Kootenay region; upholding a welcoming and inclusive community space; removing barriers to full community participation; and continuing VISAC’s legacy of excellence in education.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Report on progress toward strategic goals at bi-monthly board meetings and annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Provide strategic leadership and communication on board committees.
Document and report on gallery activities, including enrollment numbers and attendance at opening receptions.
Lead policy and procedure development as required.
Collaborate with and provide leadership to the pottery committee to ensure smooth studio operations.
Ensure all association memberships remain current.
Review and maintain external agreements, including insurance policies, licenses to occupy, and funding agreements.
Create and maintain a comprehensive schedule of grant application deadlines, interim reports, and final reports.
Ensure grant funds are spent in accordance with approved budgets.
Develop project schedules and budgets for project-based grant applications.
Research and identify new grant and funding opportunities.
Plan and curate the annual exhibition schedule for main and pop-up gallery spaces at least one year in advance.
Create timelines for artists and exhibitions.
Determine and administer artist fees in accordance with CARFAC recommended minimums.
Prepare artist contracts outlining schedules and fees.
Support artists with clear expectations to ensure successful exhibitions and promotion.
Proactively develop new exhibition opportunities in the community.
Safeguard, document, and make publicly available the permanent collection.
Provide direct or indirect supervision to staff, contractors, and volunteers.
Conduct performance reviews and provide feedback as needed.
Set a positive, welcoming tone and provide leadership to the VISAC team.
Determine compensation for contract arts practitioners and prepare artist agreements.
Maintain criminal record check policies and ensure instructors are properly insured.
Develop the annual budget with support from the finance committee.
Review monthly financial reports and share them with the Board of Directors.
Account for all expenditures and respond to board inquiries regarding disbursements.
Make financial decisions aligned with the board-approved budget.
Follow accounting procedures as determined by the finance committee.
Represent VISAC with kindness, openness, and approachability in all communications.
Develop and steward relationships with artists, youth, patrons, and arts practitioners.
Represent VISAC at community events, City of Trail Council meetings, Chamber of Commerce events, and relevant ceremonies.
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships to expand access to arts programming.
QUALIFICATIONS:
3–5 years of experience in a non-profit leadership role, preferably within an artistic setting.
Demonstrated success securing funding through grant writing and fundraising.
Familiarity with the BC Arts Council.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
Confidence using Google Workspace or demonstrated ability and willingness to learn new software.
Sound judgment, including knowing when to make decisions and when to consult the Board of Directors.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong customer service skills and commitment to reflecting VISAC’s values.
HOW TO APPLY:
You can apply via email by sending a resume and cover letter to hr@visacgallery.com.
REMUNERATION:
$30 per hour plus 4% vacation pay and five (5) paid sick days.
