Interim Managing Director, Toronto Animated Image Society

Interim Managing Director

35 hours per week, 6-month contract

About the Organization

The Toronto Animated Image Society (TAIS) is an artist-run production centre where independent artists come to create, explore, research and develop skills in traditional and experimental animation techniques.

As a charitable non-profit organization, TAIS is dedicated to exploring and promoting the art of independent animation through production, screenings, workshops, and exhibitions. Founded in 1984, today TAIS’ artistic vision is shaped by support for the ever-broadening multidisciplinary and global context of the animated arts. Annually, TAIS programming seeks to prioritize diverse, intersectional, and progressive artistic and community-based interests that maintain support for the traditions of the discipline while also reflecting an evolving, expanded definition of animation. TAIS receives funding from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council.

Position Summary

TAIS is seeking a full time (35 hrs per week) Interim Managing Director. This is a 6-month contract with the potential to extend to a permanent position.

The Interim Managing Director is responsible for the successful direction, development and management of the organization according to the strategic goals set by the Board of Directors. This includes overseeing finances and operations, coordinating planned programming, facilitating existing long and short-term objectives, and reporting to the Board. The Managing Director works co-operatively with TAIS Board of Directors and Studio Coordinator to ensure the smooth running of the centre.

Following the departure of our long-time Managing Director, TAIS is seeking candidates who are capable of stepping into the role and ensuring continuity in our operations during this period of transition. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who is passionate about artists-run centres and understands how to keep them sustainable within Toronto’s arts and culture sector. The ability to balance daily operational management with meeting short-term strategic goals is essential.

Responsibilities

Daily Studio Operations

The Interim Managing Director manages the daily activities of TAIS to ensure the smooth operation of the centre in cooperation with TAIS Committees, the Board of Directors and our staff. These responsibilities include:

Overseeing the TAIS Studio Coordinator, who manages: studio bookings and equipment rentals, facility upkeep, volunteers program registrations, and workshop facilitation.
Assisting TAIS members with access to facilities, services, and equipment.
Managing the coordination and delivery of programming.
Representing TAIS by acting as a public liaison and maintaining relationships with members and partners, and other organizations.
Implementation of, adherence to, and management of adherence to all TAIS policies and procedures

Financial Management and Administration

The Interim Managing Director is responsible for the financial management and administrative functions of the organization, including:

Budget management, updating and monitoring.
Operational grant writing and grant reporting.
Managing cash flow, including issuing invoices and receipts, collection of fees and efficient processing of payments.
Overseeing facility maintenance and improvements.
Managing capital asset purchases and maintenance
Managing and monitoring cash flow, including the issuance of invoices and receipts, collection of fees and efficient processing of payments.
Communicate clearly and regularly with the Board of Directors, including attending board meetings to provide operational and financial reports.

Qualifications and Skills

Minimum three (3) years of arts administrative experience, preferably in the artist-run, non-profit arts sector or similar.
Excellent communication, leadership and relationship-building skills demonstrated by staff management, partnership and/or community organizing experience.
Strong financial management skills, including analysis and reporting.
Demonstrated experience and success in grant management and writing.
Fluency in word and number processing applications, digital platforms such as CADAC, and financial management and accounting platforms such as Hubdoc and Quickbooks.
Understanding of non-profit compliance and governance.
Knowledge of animation production equipment, software and tools is an asset. Individuals employed at TAIS are expected to have some knowledge of animation production, and appreciate and believe in the artistic vision and creative process of animation.

Compensation

Salary Range

$50,000 – $57,000 a year (incl. 4% vacation pay and HST)

Benefits

Health Benefits
Paid sick days
Two (2) weeks paid time off during December studio closure

Additional Details

The Interim Managing Director works primarily on site at our production centre, located at 1411 Dufferin Street, Unit B.

Work hours are Monday to Friday from 10am – 5pm with occasional evening and weekend availability.

Projected start date: November 16, 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a single PDF attachment (file name: LastName_FirstName.pdf) to hrcommittee@tais.ca (subject: “HIRE Interim Managing Director”) containing the following documents:

Cover Letter
Resume
Grant or funding application writing & budget sample (max. 1500 words, identifying information redacted)

Application Deadline: Friday, October 23, 2026 at 6pm ET

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, however, only candidates selected for consideration will be contacted for an interview. If selected, you will be asked to provide two (2) references.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

TAIS is committed to providing an environment free of oppression, discrimination and harassment, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, can contribute fully, and have equal opportunities.

We welcome candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives, especially those whose identities are often marginalized. Our studios and washrooms are wheelchair accessible. Accommodations will be made for any candidates who require them.