Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer, Art Gallery of Alberta

Art Gallery of Alberta – Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer

Organization: Art Gallery of Alberta
Position: Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Position Details: Full-time
Full Job Description

Position Summary

The Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer (Deputy Director & COO) will be an innovative yet practical leader who embraces a vision for the Art Gallery of Alberta (the AGA) that focuses on the diverse community it serves. In close partnership with and reporting to the Executive Director & Chief Curator, the Deputy Director & COO will oversee all financial, facility, technology, marketing, communications, and human resource aspects of the AGA, as well as streamline operational activities that best meet both community and organizational needs. This includes reassessing and reinvigorating retail, restaurant, art sales, art rentals, events, venue rentals, and other revenue generating enterprise initiatives while ensuring the highest caliber visitor experience and market visibility for the AGA. The Deputy Director & COO will also collaborate closely with Exhibitions & Collections, Education & Learning, and Development & Donor Engagement, all of whom report to the Executive Director & Chief Curator, to integrate all areas of the AGA with a unified team that is focused on the AGA’s long-term capital needs embedded in a solid strategic direction.

Roles and Responsibilities

Ideation, Strategic Direction, and Implementation

Serve as a thought leader and collaborative partner to the Executive Director & Chief Curator, Board, and senior leadership team in assessing, recommending, and implementing clear short- and long-term plans that balance strategic objectives, capital needs, team cohesion, financial outcomes, and community impact.
Reassess and reinvigorate admissions, memberships, and revenue generating enterprises based in a welcoming and inclusive visitor experience and market visibility.
Engage in a collaborative and comprehensive change management process where all voices are welcomed, heard, and included in a cross-functional leadership team and community-focused organization.
Focus on a visitor-centered plan in thoughtful dialogue with curatorial, education, marketing, and other senior leaders to support increased attendance and brand awareness.
Cultivate partnerships and opportunities that expand revenue opportunities, both earned and contributed, that build financial resilience for ongoing programs, education activities, facilities, and the visitor experience.
Oversee the writing and reporting of grants for departments and operational areas (i.e. capital, building, technology, human resources) with support from Finance and Administration, Executive Director & Chief Curator, and other departments as needed.
Nurture authentic relationships with Indigenous peoples, settlers, and newcomers by including them in equitable organizational practices and policies.
Ensure the vitality of a strategic plan that attains the vision to drive responsible growth, achieves sustainable financial success, and meets visitor expectations.
Embrace other ideation, strategic direction, and implementation responsibilities as needed.

Human, Financial, Technological, and Facilities Vibrancy

Oversee financial operations, including the preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director & Chief Curator, Head of Finance & Administration, Board Audit & Finance Committee, and senior leadership team.
Monitor operating, endowment, and capital revenues and expenditures, as well as their impacts on the balance sheet and cash flow, and guide delivery of regular updates to Board and department leaders to ensure the most effective use of financial, human, and technological resources.
Develop appropriate facility repair and replacement plans, in collaboration with the Head of Facility Operations and Head of Finance & Administration, and communicate priorities to the Head of Development & Engagement, as well as the Board’s Building and External Relations Committees.
Deliver transparent, comprehensive, concise, relevant, and timely information to the Executive Director & Chief Curator and the Board, so that they can effectively fulfill their policy-setting and community ambassadorship responsibilities.
Manage Human Resources, ensuring that the overall staffing, structures, policies, systems, and procedures are in place, equitably distributed, and reviewed for effectiveness within a positive organizational culture.
Inspire, mentor, evaluate, and guide a high-performing team that supports a culture of inclusion, growth, and continuous improvement in alignment with the AGA’s values.
Advocate for digital innovation and strengthen the IT and financial infrastructure of the AGA and capabilities to ensure effective and efficient operations.
Embrace other human, financial, technological, and facilities vibrancy responsibilities as needed.

Mission-Oriented Partnerships, Public Visibility, and Community Engagement

Develop an active community presence and build strong, positive relationships with business, university, tourism, and civic leaders to foster opportunities for ongoing support, new initiatives, and partnerships throughout the community.
Guide Enterprise & Visitor Experience team with engaged alignment and increased revenue opportunities that benefit those who interact with the AGA in person, virtually, or otherwise.
Oversee Marketing & Communications in developing and executing a comprehensive plan that will raise public visibility, engage the community, define the brand proposition, build trust, enhance reputation, and deepen loyalty.
Commit to Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations, including integrating Indigenous knowledge systems and practices into organizational frameworks and resource allocations.
Deepen and refine all aspects of communication to support and strengthen the AGA’s brand and visibility.
Embrace other mission-oriented partnerships, public visibility, and community engagement responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) with at least 10 years of demonstrable senior management experience in revenue generating enterprises, finance, facilities, and operations in a multi-faceted visitor- and community-facing organization is needed. Candidates from galleries, museums, cultural institutions, or destination-based entertainment organizations are encouraged to apply. Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, analysis, and reporting that enables timely data-driven decision making with limited risk, is essential. A track record of decisive decision-making and effective judgment in complex organizational settings, including both internal and external interfaces, is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

The AGA provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated base salary in the range of $160,000 to $200,000. Benefits include having access to extended health and dental coverage, life and disability insurance, travel assistance, and a range of wellness support options, including paramedical services and mental health resources. The plan also includes access to online health and wellness tools through EquitableHealth.ca and coverage options that support employees and their families through all stages of life and work.

Applications and Inquiries

Please click here or visit ArtsConsulting.com/OpenSearches to apply.

Deadline to Apply: July 24, 2026