Executive Director
/Job Title:
Executive Director
Organization:
Arts On Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows
Deadline:
Apr. 7, 2026
Organization Description:
Arts On is the creative heartbeat of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, connecting people with art, creativity, and culture in ways that spark conversation and shared experiences. From performances to exhibitions, the organization celebrates diverse voices and fosters community engagement.
Arts On began as The Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Arts Council and rebranded recently to Arts On Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows (Arts On) and is one of the oldest Arts Councils in British Columbia. Established in 1971, Arts On has had a decades long impact on arts and culture in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. During the past twenty years its primary focus has been the operation of The ACT Arts Centre and Theatre. Recently the City of Maple Ridge has taken direct responsibility for The ACT which has given Arts On an opportunity to reimagine its role becoming more community based and focused on:
• Supporting Artists and local Arts Organizations
• Providing citizens and visitors with meaningful opportunities to be exposed to and inspired by all forms of artistic expression; and
• Contributing positively to the local economy
Arts On is currently offering and planning a variety of programs and presentations for all ages throughout the community. While the majority of patrons are local, Arts On attracts participation and audiences from elsewhere in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. While primarily focused on serving the citizens of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, the organization is exploring the potential for greater collaboration with other regional arts organizations to expand its reach and audience.
Website:
Job Description:
Arts On now seeks a new Executive Director to shape its future in a time of transition. This is an exciting role for an innovative and entrepreneurial leader to:
• Shape the future of an established organization at a pivotal moment of renewal,
• Build and grow strategic partnerships in the local arts community,
• Work with the board and staff to finalize and operationalize new transitional and strategic plans.
This is an ideal role for an ambitious arts leader keen to make their mark in a dynamic and exciting environment.
Responsibilities:
Arts On is seeking a creative, entrepreneurial and energetic leader to serve as its next Executive Director (ED). Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will work with a small and highly focused staff team with programming, marketing and financial expertise, and consultants as needed.
The ED will work collaboratively with staff and the Board to fine-tune and implement strategic plans for the organization, guiding Arts On as it takes full advantage of the current opportunity for renewal.
The Executive Director will lead a team of Managers of Finance, Programming and Marketing, and several instructors and volunteers.
The ED is the artistic and management team leader, committed to new and innovative ideas, programs and services, and, as a leader in the arts community, will have a strong desire to engage with others, identifying and developing strategic partnerships with arts groups, school boards, and other key constituents.
The ideal candidate will build public and private sector support, working with the Arts On team to maximize earned and contributed revenue while meeting the local needs Arts On is in the best position to address.
This is an exciting and unique opportunity for a creative professional who can bring the Arts On vision to life, using all the human and fiscal resources of the organization alongside their own experience and passion for a wide range of artistic endeavours.
The ED will exercise prudent fiscal management of our stable financial resources to advance the organization’s goals and chart a sustainable future.
Qualifications:
Description of Desired Personal Strengths
• Passion for the Arts On mission and vision, and a commitment to positively impact the organization’s long-term success, supporting artists and local arts organizations, and ensuring the citizens of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows have a wide variety of opportunities to experience and be inspired by all forms of artistic expression.
• Entrepreneurial; proactive; dynamic; and self-motivated leadership skills.
• Detail, people, and team orientation.
• Exceptional artistic, management, team building, social and verbal communication skills and value frequent interaction and collaboration with others.
• The drive to actively pursue Arts On goals with creativity and determination.
• A commitment to accountability and a strong desire to exceed expectations.
• A highly organized strategic approach along with the ability to shape and maintain a high-functioning team.
Key Traits and Characteristics sought in the ED include:
• Leadership: The ED has the ability to inspire and work with the entire Arts On Team to develop a shared vision, sense of purpose and direction.
• Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills: The ED embraces the notion of cooperating and collaborating with others to meet objectives and has the ability to effectively communicate to build rapport while relating to many different people.
• Decision-Making and Resiliency: The ED consistently and thoroughly analyzes all aspects of any unexpected situation to make sound and timely decisions that surface during the process of addressing challenges.
• Creativity & Innovation: The ED demonstrates and encourages innovative approaches,programming, processes, technologies and/or systems to achieve desired results.
• Flexibility, Time and Priority Management: The ED demonstrates the ability to prioritize and the drive to complete tasks, delivering desired outcomes within allotted time frames while readily adapting to change.
• Organizational sustainability: The ED has a clear appreciation of the operational practices and priorities necessary to ensure the organization’s fiscal and strategic success and sustainability.
Required Knowledge, Certifications and Experience
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in the arts or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• At least three years of progressive experience with increasing responsibility in leadership roles in an arts-based organization.
• Prior knowledge of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows will be considered an asset.
Read the full Position Description here:
https://thediscoverygroup.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Arts-On-Executive-Director-Profile.pdf
How to Apply:
Arts On is partnering with The Discovery Group in support of this important hire.
Please apply with a cv/resumé and cover letter – in the same document, to Christoph Clodius at christoph@thediscoverygroup.ca or Laura Heikkila at laura@thediscoverygroup.ca.
Applications are requested by April 7, 2026.
Remuneration:
$85,000 to $95,000
