Executive Director

Whitby, ON
On-site
Posted Nov 4, 2026
1 position

Opens an external site

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Senior · 5+ years
Minimum education: Professional degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Seniority: Executive
Application method: Apply on the employer’s site

Job summary

Lead the gallery’s strategic plan and overall operations, including artistic advocacy, financial stewardship, fundraising, earned revenue, facility management, and regulatory compliance. Build community partnerships and inclusive programming, represent the gallery publicly, and work with staff and the Board to foster a collaborative workplace and strong governance.

Job details

About Our Client: Our client is a respected charitable, not-for-profit art gallery dedicated to connecting communities through art, culture and education. Position Scope: As the Executive Director, you will act with integrity to personify the gallery’s purpose and will use the key strategic pillars to establish clear priorities demonstrating strong organizational performance, and lasting community value. You will oversee all aspects of operations, financial health, fund development, and community-centered programming that align with the Gallery’s Strategic Plan. Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Growth Plan Execution: Translate the overarching goals of the 2026–2029 Strategic Plan into actionable operational plans and metrics. Artistic Advocacy: Support curatorial staff in developing robust exhibition calendars featuring emerging, mid-career, and established contemporary artists across 4 exhibition spaces. Brand Visibility: Serve as the primary public face and spokesperson to elevate the gallery's regional reach, reputation, and relevance. Financial Stewardship & Revenue Generation Fiscal Management: Develop and manage the annual operating budget, ensuring disciplined resource allocation, sustainability, and transparency. Fundraising Portfolio: Lead strategies for achieving diversified sources of revenue, including corporate sponsorships, private philanthropy, signature events, and public grant writing. Earned Revenue: Maximize commercial income streams through existing channels such as studio classes, creative workshops, facility rentals and through development of new and creative offerings. Operations, Risk & Facility Management Asset Preservation: Oversee facility management for our historic building, balancing public accessibility with heritage asset preservation. Compliance & Risk: Mitigate operational risks and maintain compliance with charity regulations, regional safety codes, and labour standards. Community Engagement & Partnerships Stakeholder Relations: Build deep, purposeful relationships with local businesses, school boards, artists, indigenous nations, and federal, provincial and municipal partners. Inclusive Outreach: Expand public programming and community initiatives to engage diverse local demographics and underrepresented communities. People & Culture Leadership Team Environment: Foster an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative workplace for core staff, contract educators, interns, and volunteers. Board Governance: Execute on Board priorities and partner closely with the Board to maintain high governance standards and clear operational boundaries. Key Qualifications: Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive senior leadership with strong business acumen and experience within a non-profit art gallery, public museum, or broader cultural/charitable sector organization. Education: A university degree or post-graduate certificate in Arts Administration, Museum Studies, Fine Arts, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience). Grant & Financial Literacy: Proven success in non-profit budget building and securing institutional funding from agencies like the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts. Strategic & Relationship Acumen: Demonstrated background reporting directly to a volunteer Board, managing organizational change, and navigating municipal or public-sector stakeholder relationships. Cultural Intelligence: Exceptional communication skills with a proven capacity to connect authentically with diverse audiences, artists, and community groups. Application Instructions: To apply, please send a resume to Allison Dwyer at Allison.Dwyer@summitsearchgroup.com. Summit Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates need 5–7 years of progressive senior leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit art gallery, museum, or cultural or charitable organization, and a degree or post-graduate certificate in a relevant field or equivalent experience. They should demonstrate nonprofit budgeting and institutional fundraising success, Board reporting experience, organizational change leadership, public-sector relationship skills, and strong communication with diverse communities.