Executive & Artistic Director
/Job Title:
Executive & Artistic Director
Organization:
Eastside Arts Society
Deadline:
Jun. 4, 2026
Organization Description:
The Eastside Arts Society (EAS) is a registered charity that presents year-round arts programming including the Eastside Culture Crawl, Eastside Arts Festival, educational workshops, curated visual art exhibits, and Studio 101 – a free arts education program for inner-city schools. EAS is also working to sustain affordable, accessible spaces for artists and cultural producers through advancing its Eastside Arts District initiatives. In 2026, EAS is moving forward into an exciting new chapter as it celebrates the 30th year of its signature programming event, the Eastside Culture Crawl, and takes ownership of its heritage building housing administrative offices, new artist studios and a gallery exhibition space.
Mission
• Inspire, educate, and engage the community in visual and performing arts.
• Foster excellence and professionalism in the visual and performing arts.
• Preserve, promote, and grow production space in Vancouver’s Eastside in support of contemporary performing and visual arts.
Vision
• Transforming community through performing and visual arts.
Website:
Job Description:
The Eastside Arts Society (EAS) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Executive & Artistic Director (E&AD) to lead the organization through an exciting period of growth and opportunity. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working with a dedicated team of staff and contractors, the E&AD will provide strategic leadership across all areas of the organization, including financial management, fund development, human resources, operations, and artistic programming.
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of Vancouver’s most vibrant creative communities. With the 30th anniversary of the Eastside Culture Crawl, the continued development of the Eastside Arts District (EAD), and the transition to operating a new cultural asset at 716 East Hastings Street, the E&AD will play a key role in advancing EAS’s impact and long-term sustainability.
The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of leadership in the nonprofit sector, ideally within arts and culture, along with sound financial acumen, natural leadership abilities, and a collaborative, community-focused approach. They will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and be inspired by the opportunity to support and elevate artists and cultural activity across Vancouver’s Eastside.
Responsibilities:
Financial
• Ensure sound financial management of the organization
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget
• Oversee all financials, including monthly financial reporting, banking, payroll, year-end and financial policy and procedures
• Supervise bookkeeper Fundraising
• Develop and oversee implementation of a comprehensive annual
Fund Development Plan
• Oversee and enhance all fundraising revenue streams, which include public sector grants, individual giving (annual and major gifts), corporate sponsors/partners, foundation supporters and special events
• Develop and maintain relationships with all key supporters, which include public funders, individual donors, corporate sponsors and foundations
Human Resources
• Hire, train and supervise all staff, contractors, and other service providers
• Lead and implement staff performance management and evaluation procedures
• Cultivate a positive and collaborative work environment
• Advance equity, diversity and inclusion amongst staff
Artistic Programming
• Leadership and oversight of all of EAS programs, including the Eastside Culture Crawl, Eastside Arts Festival, Studio 101 and the Eastside Arts District, and the 716 Building
• Leadership and oversight for all operational and programming initiatives related to the new 716 Building artist studios, gallery and community spaces
• Develop and oversee implementation of an annual Program Plan
Administration and Operations
• Oversee day-to-day operations and administration for the organization
• Responsible for maintaining all official records, filings and documents and to ensure compliance with local, provincial and federal regulations
Governance and Board Relations
• Work openly and collaboratively with the Board and its committees in advancing EAS strategic objectives
• Work with the Board to develop a Strategic Plan to guide the organization’s path forward over the next three to five years
• Oversee planning and preparations for the Annual General Meeting in collaboration with the Board Chair
Marketing & Communications
• Oversee all external relations, advertising, communications, community engagement and media relations
• Act as designated EAS spokesperson, and lead all community engagement and stakeholder consultations
• Develop and oversee implementation of an annual strategic Communications Plan
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Lead the development and implementation of an organizational EDI Plan
• Ensure EDI practices are followed and implemented through all aspects of EAS’s programming and operations
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will bring:
• Five years operations leadership in the arts and nonprofit sector
• Strong financial management and experience in developing and managing budgets
• Demonstrated ability and success in private sector fundraising and public sector grant writing
• Strong experience in developing and maintaining relationships with donors and stakeholders
• Experience in HR management and leading teams
• Experience with developing and managing arts programming and/or festivals
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
• Knowledge/experience in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy and practices
• Passion for the arts; knowledge of and relationships within the Vancouver arts and culture sector is an asset
• Knowledge of the Eastside Arts District arts and culture ecosystem is an asset
Candidates with relevant, transferable skills who do not exactly meet the criteria above are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply:
To apply, please email a cover letter stating your suitability and values in relation to this posting, along with a resume/cv outlining your professional experience in a single PDF document to board@eastsideartssociety.ca with “E&AD Application” in the subject line.
We invite applicants to apply early as the review of applications will begin immediately. All applicants will receive an acknowledgement of their application. Application deadline: June 4, 2026 @5PM
We encourage applications from members of communities that are marginalized or that experience structural discrimination, and we encourage applicants to self-identify in their application if they feel comfortable in doing so. EAS believes that a staff that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve strengthens our ability to achieve our mission.
The Eastside Arts Society operates on the traditional, unceded ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. The EAS is grateful to gather on these lands and waters, and we work from a place of respect and responsibility to this gift.
Remuneration:
EAS offers an annual salary of $80,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience
Based on a 37.5 hour work week, except during peak festival periods when some weekend and weeknight hours will be required
Annual medical allowance in place of benefits
Three weeks vacation to start in first year of employment
