Executive Director – Vancouver Maritime Museum, Vancouver

1 month ago


Vancouver, Canada Association of Academic Museums & Galleries. Full time

Organization

For more than 60 years, the Vancouver Maritime Museum (VMM) has been sharing stories about maritime heritage in British Columbia and the Canadian Arctic that reflect a diverse range of voices. Its mission is to be a center for dialogue, research, expression, and experience regarding the maritime heritage of the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, and its vision is to be a world-class maritime museum and heritage center. It strives to build a shared sense of belonging within its community by inspiring visitors to appreciate the profound relationship between humans and the sea.

VMM is nestled in Vanier Park in the Kitsilano neighborhood of Vancouver, an ancestral fishing ground known as Sen̓áḵw to the Squamish Nation. Strengthening its connections with First Nations communities, VMM offers activities curated by First Nations representatives through workshops, collecting, and collaborations with First Nations and other cultural institutions. The museum is committed to highlighting a greater diversity of stories reflecting Indigenous coastal communities and people from diverse west coast cultures, pro-actively seeking out and documenting the maritime heritage of the future.

As the primary repository for maritime history on the west coast of Canada, VMM houses more than 15,000 artifacts, a significant portion of which is owned by the City of Vancouver but managed, preserved, curated, and exhibited by the non-profit Vancouver Maritime Museum Society. Programs cover a vast range of marine-related topics, including shipwrecks, lighthouses and steamship lines, coastal trade, deep-ocean exploration, and the interaction of coastal communities with the sea. The Leonard G. McCann Archives consists of archival materials related to vessels, shipping companies, and maritime personalities. The collections exist in various formats, including processed textual records, photographs, ship plans, and maps and charts dating from 1892 to the present day.

Position Summary

The Executive Director will be a transformative champion for VMM’s exhibition, educational, and program offerings while elevating its stature as a destination for and within Vancouver. This individual will have exceptional business acumen in seeking first to understand the diverse communities VMM serves and then being a visible leader in guiding VMM to its next level of growth in service to its audiences. Committed to advancing reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism for all people, the Executive Director will act as a liaison between the city, First Nations communities, tourism agencies, and a multitude of public, private, and government stakeholder groups. As VMM’s lead fundraiser in advancing its mission, vision, and values, the Executive Director will partner with and report to the board of trustees in driving their effectiveness in governance, policy making, and community ambassadorship. They will collaborate with the board and staff to drive financial support that results in dynamic and accessible exhibitions, collections, and facilities. This individual will have primary responsibility for all aspects of VMM’s operations and will be accountable for empowering, guiding, and mentoring a highly motivated team.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary listener and spokesperson for VMM, convening with government agencies, the media, members, funders, audiences, and the public-at-large.
  • Develop mutually beneficial strategic partnerships and actively engage in building a deeper sense of community with civic and public leaders, educational and community organizations, and non-profit partners.
  • Advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in every aspect of organizational practices.
  • Collaborate with diverse communities to determine appropriate ways to design, deliver, evaluate, and reinvent programs and services.
  • Oversee an effective communication strategy that includes a strong digital presence, social media, press releases, newsletters, and other communication tools.
  • Refine and execute annual and multi-year work plans with the board and staff to reinforce strategic priorities.
  • Exemplify a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of VMM.
  • Perform other strategic and community leadership responsibilities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) and a minimum of seven years of senior management expertise are required. A master’s degree is desired. Deep knowledge of museums, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or related government agency experience is appreciated. Experience serving on or working with a board, supervising senior staff, managing a budget, and expanding revenue opportunities is needed. Excellent written communication and verbal presentation skills are required. A passion for and knowledge about maritime culture, history, and communities is expected.

Compensation and Benefits

VMM offers competitive compensation, anticipated in the range of $120,000 to $140,000, plus benefits that include extended health and dental insurance, life insurance, and vacation time. The employee may participate in the Vancouver Employee Pension Plan after one year of service. Vancouver offers a high-quality work-life balance in a dynamic multicultural city surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Applications and Inquiries

To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments, please click here or visit artsconsulting.com/employment. For questions or general inquiries about this unique job opportunity, please contact:

Vancouver Maritime Museum Society is an equal opportunity employer and values a society that respects diversity and fosters social inclusion.

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