Director, Rodman Art Institute of Niagara

Position: Director
Company: Rodman Art Institute of Niagara (RAiN)
Location: St. Catharines, Ontario
Company Website: rodmanart.ca
Reports To: Board of Directors
Direct Reports: Gallery Manager and contract staff

The Organization

Rodman Art Institute of Niagara (RAiN) continues the legacy of Niagara’s Rodman Hall Art Centre through its efforts to establish a new public art gallery for the region Supported by the City of St. Catharines and endowments, RAiN manages a collection of over 1000 art pieces and works with partners throughout Niagara to foreground the visual arts. Currently, RAiN operates a small gallery in downtown St. Catharines.

The Position

RAiN is seeking a Director to lead – with support of a committed board of directors – the re-establishment of a public art gallery for the Niagara Region. This role requires a strategic and experienced museum professional to inspire and guide the Board, staff, arts community, civic leaders, and visitors.

Responsibilities

Visionary Leadership & Strategic Planning:

Communicates and implements RAiN’s vision with the Board and staff, aligning strategies and programs with RAiN’s mandate, values, and charitable status.
Promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in organizational and operational practices.
Works with the Board to create and execute a Work Plan, including key deliverables, resources, policies, and procedures.
Oversees the development and promotion of the artistic program, ensuring effective and financially feasible implementation of exhibitions, events, and activities.
Expands RAiN’s audience, public profile, and partnerships, advocating for the art gallery’s benefits in the Niagara region.
Leads strategic planning, master plan development, and establishes key partnerships for building a new home for the Rodman Art Institute of Niagara, ensuring objectives and milestones are met.

Fundraising & Development:

Maintains financial health and fosters growth of Rodman Art Institute of Niagara in consultation with the Board.
Facilitates donor relations, including donor cultivation and retention with support of the Board.
Sources, writes (or supervises writing of), and submits project and operating grants, maintaining positive working relationships with arts councils and private funders.
Seeks new funding from private and public sectors while maintaining existing funding, cultivating relationships with diverse donors, granting agencies, and supporters.
Leads fundraising initiatives and events to increase self-generated revenue with support of the Board.
Collaborates with programming staff to secure financially beneficial programming partners.

Communications & Marketing:

Directs and oversees overall communications and marketing strategies.
Acts as the primary spokesperson for RAiN with support of the Board.
Builds relationships with stakeholders and community partners.
Ensures clear and transparent communication between staff, the Board, Advisory Committee, membership, and stakeholders.

Operation and Financial Direction:

Leads and develops short and long-term financial strategic plans, budget models, priorities, and objectives for RAiN.
Establishes and monitors the annual operating budget and ensures financial responsibility.
Oversees the processing of all financial transactions, in addition to receipting and cash flow tracking.
Prepares and compiles financial reports and oversees annual audits.

Human Resources & Management:

Manages and provides leadership to all permanent and contractual staff; including hiring, evaluation, and professional development.
Fosters a collaborative, accessible, diverse, and equitable work environment.
Ensures compliance with all legislative requirements regarding human resources within Ontario (ESA, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health & Safety Act, AODA).

Candidate Qualifications

Leadership experience in the operation and strategic development of visual arts or related cultural institutions that serve diverse communities.
Experience with collections management, exhibitions planning, grant-writing and financial management.
Track record in building public-private partnerships and/or capital project development.
Skill in cultivating and managing stakeholders and fundraising.
Excellent communication, marketing, and community engagement skills.
Experience with facility planning and management.
Graduate degree or equivalent experience.
Willingness to live and work in Niagara with flexible hours.

Candidate Attributes

Natural leadership skills with a strategic orientation.
Emphasis on collaboration, diversity and broadening access to the arts.
Passion for RAiN’s mission, vision, and values.
Commitment to excellence in programming and strong audience engagement.
Innovative and politically astute with the ability to bring new resources to enable RAiN’s goals.
Entrepreneurial spirit who embraces change.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package, with a salary range of $75,000 to $85,000 and applicable benefits.

How to Apply

Please submit your application by emailing your cover letter and résumé to: careers@rodmanart.ca

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled

Rodman Art Institute of Niagara is an equal-opportunity employer committed to reflecting our country’s diversity. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We thank applicants for their interest; however, only those advancing in the process will be contacted.