The Music Gallery is currently seeking an Artistic Director

Position Type: Full-Time
Start Date: TBD
Location: Toronto – Downtown (Bloor/Bathurst)

The Music Gallery is a centre for promoting and presenting innovation and experimentation in all forms of music. Established in 1976 by members of the Canadian Creative Music Collective (CCMC), the Music Gallery occupies a unique position within Toronto’s musical ecology in which we present, encourage and promote leading-edge contemporary music in all genres.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Artistic Director works alongside the Executive Director to form the organization’s senior management team. 

The Artistic Director is responsible for creating and implementing the artistic vision and programming of the Music Gallery. The Artistic Director acts as an ambassadorial figure and public face of the organization.

Primary Roles & Responsibilities will include:

Artistic Programming & Strategic Direction

• Shape the artistic vision of the Music Gallery, including seeking out new music and art forms; receiving and evaluating proposals and submissions from artists; co-ordinating programming; and overseeing the work of guest curators
• Provide leadership in articulating long-term artistic and programming objectives for the Music Gallery that meet its mandate, organizational values and strategic plan, structured into an annual concert season, including festivals, concert series, and workshops/educational activities
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to prepare the Annual Programming Plan for internal planning, and develop and submit corresponding funding grants to a broad range of arts councils, and public and private foundations to execute the Plan

Production Coordination

• • Produce and coordinate programming within the organization’s budget.  This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
    • Negotiate fees and terms of contract related to performances with artists or responsible agents 
    • Source, organize, coordinate and schedule travel, accommodation and technical requirements for artists

• Develop content and notes for program guides, house programs, press releases, social media and other publicity outlets 
• Oridinarily production responsibilities include lifting and carrying equipment up to 60 lbs. Accommodations for these tasks are available. 

Community Building, Marketing & Communications

• Foster, develop and nurture good relations with a network of artists, musicians, curators,  presenters and other cultural organizations; both locally, nationally and internationally
• Direct and execute a marketing & publicity strategy in consultation with the Executive Director, Marketing Coordinator and, outside media consultants when needed
• Act as a spokesperson for the organization’s artistic purpose via speaking engagements, public and social appearances, and, as requested, at fundraising events

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate has a demonstrated track record of inclusive leadership, vision and team building which inspires board, staff, volunteers, partners and funders to achieve the organization’s artistic, social and business goals. Qualifications that are essential include:

• Previous experience in programming “creative + experimental” music and live performances for diverse audiences and demonstrated excellence in the production/direction of programming that is regarded as visionary and leading edge
• Experience in arts organizations with regards to supervising staff, grant writing and co-ordinating production logistics
• Experience in building collaborative community partnerships: has relationships, is well connected to, and knowledgeable about the performing arts culture, programming trends and emerging artists within the creative music scene in Toronto, across Canada and internationally
• Experience in the management of an evolving organization, preferably in a not- for- profit setting; including the ability to develop and implement long term plans, goals and strategies.

The following are considered assets:

• Experience working with a Board
• Experience with generating revenue and engaging stakeholders, sponsors/donors who support the organization’s vision

The successful candidate will be expected to uphold the values of the Music Gallery: Equity and Diversity, Respect, Anti-Oppression, Equality Across Gender Identities and Sexual Orientation, Maintaining Safe Work Environments, Community Building.

SALARY

$45K to $60K compensation commensurate with the successful candidate’s level of experience, four weeks vacation per annum, plus a medical/childcare allowance

Some evening and weekend work is required. 

ORGANIZATION

The Music Gallery’s staff is typically comprised of two full time positions (Executive Director, Artistic Director), and a small team of part -time roles including marketing & promotion, technical production, front-of-house and bar service. Occasionally these are supplemented by volunteers. 

The Board of Directors is comprised of up to 11 volunteer directors, four of whom form the Executive Committee (Chair, President, Secretary, Treasurer).

The Artistic Advisory Committee is comprised of up to 12 volunteers.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The Artistic Director works primarily out of the Music Gallery’s office, located in the lower level of 918 Bathurst.

Unfortunately, 918 Bathurst is not currently wheelchair accessible due to stairs (two half-flights to enter the performance space, and one flight to access the washrooms and office space). We are willing to discuss accommodations for candidates with disabilities, including a change of office space. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have transitioned our working environment to working-from-home and video-conference.

TO APPLY:

Your application package should include the following, in PDF format:

• Covering letter, professional resume, including salary expectations

The deadline is October 16th, 2020, 5PM EST.

Please submit your application package as attachments by EMAIL to:

Attn: Hiring Committee – Artistic Director
c/o Dave Darby, President, Board of Directors
president@musicgallery.org

Please note that incomplete submissions will not be considered. Applications will not be accepted by fax, mail, courier or hand-delivery. No phone calls please. 

The Music Gallery would like to thank all applicants for their interest, but only candidates being considered for an interview will be contacted by the hiring committee.

The Music Gallery is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates from visible and invisible minority group members, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. We are committed to hiring on merit and to removing barriers in employment policies. Should you require accommodation during the interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.