Director, Indigenous Arts

About Us

Founded in 1933, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a learning organization built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and creative development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become the global organization leading in arts, culture, and creativity across dozens of disciplines. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.

The Opportunity

Are you a leader that wants to set the direction to make our Indigenous Arts programming globally recognized while simultaneously upholding the values of Indigenous peoples in Canada?

Our goal is to have our Indigenous Arts programs meet the needs of Canadian Indigenous artists in the 21st century while increasing the profile and reach of our nationally and internationally renowned Indigenous Arts programs.

The focus of this position will be to develop new programs that bring together Indigenous artists, practitioners and learners to advance contemporary Indigenous artistic expression in Canada and to explore topics of national importance, including calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The role will also take the lead in the creation of new programming and outreach that drives participation by Indigenous youth in Alberta.

The Indigenous Arts department encompasses programming relating to the performing, literary and visual/digital/media art disciplines. The incumbent will provide the expertise necessary to lead the department, envisioning a compelling future for programs that meet the ambitions outlined in the overall program Strategic Plan of the Centre. Reporting to the Vice President, Arts, the incumbent is also responsible for balancing the artistic ambitions of the department with the operational requirements necessary to function efficiently as part of a post-secondary institution.

The incumbent will be expected to draw on their network of contacts within the Indigenous Arts community to attract a roster of world-class creative faculty and program Directors. Together, this staffing complement will create an environment where artists can explore and push creative boundaries to build on existing artistic knowledge and facilitate personal growth and development.

Specific Accountabilities

Strategic Planning
Programming
Operational Management
Financial Management
Relationship Building
Communications
Employee Engagement
Leadership and Influence
Stakeholder Relationships

Qualification and Educational Requirements

5+ years of proven collaborative and inclusionary leadership.
Related university degree with a deep understanding of art education and professional development at the post-secondary level.
Network and reputation in the Canadian and International Indigenous arts communities to attract high profile artists and faculty to the Centre to continue to build our profile and reputation in Indigenous Arts.
Active member of Indigenous Arts associations and groups.
Previous experience in setting a compelling vision and utilizing creativity, innovation and business acumen to delivery on this vision.
Background and or interest in working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
Operational awareness (budgets, grants and fundraising).
Experience working with external donors and stakeholders from government, the private and public sectors.
Highly motived and energetic – contemporary and forward-looking while honouring legacy and what has been built.
Effective communication and presentation skills.
Adept in the planning and organization required to successfully launch multiple projects at once.
Multilingual (preferred)
Experience in working in a unionized environment (preferred)

Special Requirements

Candidates offered a position with the Centre, in this capacity, will be required to obtain a criminal record check verifying a clear record before a final job offer can be finalized.
This position requires the candidate to be available to work a flexible, irregular schedule and weekends.

Employment Terms & Benefits

In accordance with the terms of employment governing Management/PSP employees, this is a permanent, full time position, subject to a 12 month probationary period.
Banff Centre offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. For more information please visit our benefits page.

Application Process

We are currently accepting applications for Director, Indigenous Arts until a suitable candidate has been identified.
Please include a cover letter demonstrating how your experience translates to this position and why you are interested in becoming part of our team.

Submit your application, resume and cover letter online via Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity careers website as per below:

For new applicants, click ‘Apply for this Position’ at the bottom of this page and complete the application for employment. Please upload your cover letter (in one document and quoting the appropriate position title) and resume as ONE document in either .doc or .pdf format. NOTE: Multiple documents will not be accepted
For previous applicants, log into your profile at the bottom of this page using your email address and password, then click on the browse button to upload your cover letter (in one document and quoting the appropriate position title) and resume as ONE document in either .doc or .pdf format. NOTE: Multiple documents will not be accepted

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its work community. If you are a foreign national please visit our International Applicants page for more information.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in working at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.