Open Studio artist members at work in the studio.

Open Studio is Seeking an Executive Director

Open Studio is seeking a new Executive Director to steward the organization into its next chapter as an artist-run centre and non-profit. This full-time position is responsible for the strategic, financial, operational, and administrative leadership of Open Studio.

The ideal candidate is a strong operational leader with deep knowledge of Toronto’s arts sector, administrative and fundraising expertise, and a collaborative approach to leading staff and artist members. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director also acts as Board Liaison, supporting strategic oversight of organizational goals (see: Open Studio 2025-28 Strategic Plan) and upholding Open Studio’s commitment to accessibility, openness, and its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion framework.

With arts spaces in Toronto facing ongoing funding and sustainability challenges, the Executive Director joins Open Studio at a pivotal moment. After a temporary closure in 2024 for organizational restructuring, Open Studio reopened with a more accessible and sustainable studio model, and the Executive Director will strengthen its financial sustainability through fundraising, membership growth, and studio activity.

This role calls for a balance of strong operations and forward-thinking strategy. If you’re passionate about the future of printmaking and the importance of accessible creative spaces, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

People Leadership

The Executive Director plays a key role in managing internal and external relationships at Open Studio. Key people leadership responsibilities include:

• Leading a small team of dedicated full-time staff members who oversee studio and artistic programming, education, exhibitions, print sales, marketing, and communications.
• Overseeing staff recruitment, compensation, training, and evaluation based on organizational needs and budget.
• Developing and implementing staffing policies and procedures.
• Maintaining strong relationships and clear communication with staff, board, membership, and community partners.
• Managing freelance and contractor agreements relating to the facilities.
• Conducting regular staff meetings.
• Acting as spokesperson for Open Studio within printmaking and arts communities nationally and internationally.

Strategic Oversight

In collaboration with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership to advance Open Studio’s mission, vision and long-term sustainability. Responsibilities include:

• Leading development, implementation, and evaluation of Open Studio’s strategic plan with the Board, staff, members, and stakeholders.
• Ensuring programs and operations align with Open Studio’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Monitoring fundraising performance against budgets and targets to inform decision-making.
• Serving as an ambassador for Open Studio’s strategic vision by communicating its mission and impact to members, staff, and the broader arts community.

Finance and Administration

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees the organization’s financial and administrative functions to support sustainability and sound stewardship of resources. This includes:

• Ensuring sound financial and administrative management.
• Developing and managing annual budgets.
• Rigorously monitoring financial performance.
• Overseeing cash flow and financial reporting.
• Overseeing facilities, building maintenance, and technical improvements.

Philanthropy

The Executive Director provides leadership for Open Studio’s philanthropic strategy, advancing a culture of philanthropy and long-term sustainability. Working closely with staff and the Board of Directors, responsibilities under philanthropy include:

• Serving as the organization’s primary fundraiser and ambassador, cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors, funders, partners and community stakeholders.
• Overseeing philanthropic initiatives, including grants, corporate partnerships, government relations, and individual giving.
• Collaborating with staff and the Board to develop and execute fundraising strategies, proposals, reports and donor stewardship activities.
• Monitoring fundraising performance against budgets and targets to inform decision-making.

Studio and Gallery Operations

Open Studio is a well-equipped shared printmaking studio in Toronto supporting a range of analog processes. Its front-of-house galleries advance the appreciation of contemporary print through exhibitions, programming, and sales. Responsibilities for the Executive Director include:

• Overseeing the Studio and Education Manager, responsible for studio maintenance, member access, education activities, and major purchases.
• Overseeing Open Studio’s Curator and Collections Manager who manages: artistic programming, including in-house exhibitions, offsite events, and special projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience working in artist-run centres and/or nonprofit organizations.
• Strong knowledge of the arts and culture sector.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff, with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing memberships, including artist members and volunteer groups.
• Demonstrated financial management experience, including budgeting and oversight.
• Experience in strategic planning and organizational development.
• Strong understanding of philanthropic best practices, with a proven track record of writing and securing grants.
• Experience with financial and statistical management, analysis, and reporting.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-oppressive practices, with an open-minded and collaborative approach.
• Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors and a strong understanding of non-profit governance.

Pay and Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 – $75,000

Benefits:

• Open Studio has a self-directed RRSP plan for staff with up to $700 yearly matching from the organization.
• 25 days paid time off during annual gallery closures in August and December.
• Health insurance, including dental.
• Paid sick days.

Job Details

The Executive Director works primarily on site at Open Studio, in a shared office space located at 401 Richmond Street in downtown Toronto. The position is full-time, Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week (10am-5pm), with occasional evening and weekend availability.

Projected start date: January 4, 2027

How to Apply

To apply, submit the following in a single PDF (file name: First Last Name) to board@openstudio.ca by September 16, 2026, 5pm ET:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Sample of writing (preferably a grant or funding application with identifying information removed)

References will be required if your application proceeds to the interview stage. A copy of this full online post is available here.

Equity and Inclusion in the Selection Process

Open Studio is committed to anti-discrimination and anti-racism, and welcomes applications from equity-deserving groups, including BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIAP+, Deaf, and disabled applicants.

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

Open Studio
401 Richmond Street West, Suite 104
Toronto, ON M5V 3A8
416-504-8238
office@openstudio.ca
openstudio.ca | openstudioshop.ca

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