Associate Director

Job Title:

Associate Director

Organization:

Artspeak Gallery

Deadline:

Until Filled

Organization Description:

Artspeak, established in 1986, is a non-profit artist-run center and a registered charitable organization. Artspeak, is an exhibition and programming space that encourages dialogue between contemporary visual art and writing. Artspeak is committed to intersectional participation and exchange. In particular, Artspeak features work that crosses the boundaries between the two disciplines and under its current Director, makes visible the work of Black/African diasporic, Indigenous, POC cultural practitioners within the regional specificity of the DTES. Artspeak continues its work as a platform for art criticism from underserved perspectives predicated on the belief that art criticism should be an accessible dialogue – a tool through which we question, celebrate, and talk back to the global world of contemporary art. Artspeak produces innovative exhibitions and publications that create an idea-highway between Vancouver and the world.

Website:

https://linktr.ee/artspeakgallery

Job Description:

Working closely with and reporting to the Director/Curator, the Associate Director provides organizational leadership in the areas of fundraising and development, administration, marketing and communications, project coordination, and facilities management. The Associate Director plays a central role in supporting the strategic and day-to-day operations of the gallery, ensuring organizational stability, effective internal systems, and the successful delivery of exhibitions, public programs, publications, and special projects. The position contributes to fostering a collaborative and responsive organizational culture grounded in accessibility, care, accountability, and equity-informed cultural practices.

The Associate Director oversees administrative operations including financial tracking, expense reporting, policy implementation, record management, and operational systems. They lead communications strategies across print, digital, and social media platforms to ensure strong public engagement and visibility for the gallery’s activities and initiatives. In collaboration with the Director/Curator, the Associate Director coordinates exhibition production timelines, artist logistics, installation planning, public events, and institutional partnerships. The role also includes stewardship of gallery facilities, ensuring spaces remain safe, functional, welcoming, and responsive to the needs of artists, audiences, and staff. The Associate Director may supervise interns, volunteers, contractors, and temporary support staff.

This role requires exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and a demonstrated commitment to contemporary art, artist-run culture, and community engagement.

Responsibilities:

Administration and Development

• Oversee financial operations including accounting coordination, reporting, and financial review

• Manage and monitor project and operational budgets in accordance with annual fiscal plans established with the Director/Curator

• Prepare and submit gaming, foundation, government, and private funding applications

• Research and identify new grant opportunities, fundraising initiatives, and revenue streams

• Work closely with the Treasurer, Board Chair, bookkeeper, and external accountant to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting

• Manage membership and donor programs, including correspondence, renewals, database management, and promotional activities

• Maintain bookkeeping systems, expense tracking, reporting procedures, statement filing, and tax receipt preparation

• Maintain and organize cloud-based and physical filing systems and organizational records

• Acts as privacy officer for Artspeak

Operations and Exhibitions / Projects

• Support the daily operations of Artspeak in collaboration with the Director/Curator to ensure efficient program delivery

• Oversee maintenance of gallery facilities and liaise with contractors, building management, and strata representatives

• Coordinate exhibition support labour, equipment rentals, fabrication, shipping, and technical requirements

• Develop and maintain operational policies, procedures, standards of service, and organizational workflows

• Manage office equipment, technology systems, and supply inventories

• Attend Strata Annual General Meetings on behalf of the organization

• Provide administrative and logistical support for 4–6 annual exhibitions, publications, public programs, and special projects

• Coordinate communications with artists, writers, contractors, and project partners

• Plan and execute receptions, openings, public events, and related hospitality needs

• Draft and administer artist and contractor agreements

• Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements and itineraries for artists, guests, and collaborators

• Manage bookstore sales, inventory, and related administrative systems

Communications and Public Engagement

• Maintain and update organizational systems including social media, website, digital archives, publication files, manuals, hardware/software systems, and filing systems

• Implement communications and publicity strategies developed in collaboration with the Director/Curator Produce, edit, and coordinate promotional and interpretive materials

• Liaise with graphic designers, printers, media contacts, and communications contractors

• Oversee website maintenance and maintain an accessible online archive of gallery activities

• Coordinate print and digital publicity campaigns including newsletters, advertising, social media, and audiovisual documentation

• Manage public correspondence regarding submissions, exhibitions, publications, and organizational information

• Collaborate with the Director/Curator to develop long-term marketing and audience engagement strategies

Advocacy and Sector Engagement

• In collaboration with the Director/Curator, advocate for the arts and cultural sector within the community and to donors, stakeholders, and government representatives

• Remain informed on policy developments affecting the arts sector and help represent the organization’s interests within broader cultural conversations and networks

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or equivalent professional experience in arts administration, cultural management, operations, or a related field

• Minimum three years of experience in the administration of an art gallery, artist-run centre, or cultural organization

• Strong knowledge of contemporary art practices and familiarity with the history and ethos of Canadian artist-run culture

• Demonstrated experience in grant writing, fundraising, budgeting, and bookkeeping

• Proven financial management and organizational planning skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities

• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Ability to work independently with initiative while also contributing collaboratively within a small team environment

• Strong leadership skills and a demonstrated commitment to arts administration and community-based cultural work

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required

• Capacity to undertake occasional physical labour associated with exhibition preparation and installation

• Technical Proficiency

• Experience with the following platforms and software is considered essential:

  • QuickBooks

  • Wagepoint

  • Microsoft Office Suite

  • Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat)

  • WordPress

  • FileMaker

  • Pro Campaign Monitor

  • Social media and digital communications tools

How to Apply:

Artspeak is committed to fostering a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. To apply please email your cover letter and CVin one document to hiring@artspeak.ca with the title “Job Application: Associate Director”. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please note that Artspeak will not be able to respond to all applicants; we thank you for your interest in working with us!

Remuneration:

48,000 per annum