Managing Director Arts

**Requisition ID**:44126

**Organization**

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and engaging workplace. Working at the City of Vancouver and within the public service can be a rewarding career where you play a key role in ensuring impartial and equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and addressing the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

About the Role

The City of Vancouver is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as Managing Director, Arts & Culture. Reporting to the General Manager, Arts Culture and Community Services, the MD oversees a broad portfolio, including public art, cultural infrastructure, major civic collections and assets, grant programs and community partnerships. This leadership role leads the City's cultural strategies, programs, and partnerships, championing initiatives like Culture|Shift, Vancouver Music Strategy, and Making Space for Arts and Culture.

The role also advances the City's priorities around cultural equity, reconciliation, and redress, working across civic departments and with diverse cultural and government partners.

Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Arts & Culture Division, including staff, strategy, policy, projects, programs and operations
- Oversee the City’s public art program, capital and operating grant programs, cultural spaces, and civic cultural programs, policies and assets. Develop and steward the primary relationships with a number of external organizations including non-profit organizations, business community other levels of governments to advance the City’s arts and culture priorities.
- Advance the City’s arts and culture interests through development and major projects
- Manage the relationships with major exhibiting institutions which hold the City's collection of fine art and artifacts.
- Leads City priorities for capital investment for Arts and Culture

**Qualifications**:

- 10+ years’ senior leadership experience in arts/culture or public sector, including 8 years in management or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- University degree in public administration, cultural planning, or related field
- Deep knowledge of the arts and cultural sector, cultural policy, community cultural development, and funding
- Skilled in public engagement, stakeholder collaboration, strategic planning, and equity-driven leadership
- Proven ability to lead large teams and unionized workforce, manage complex budgets, and deliver multi-stakeholder projects.
- Politically astute, solutions-oriented, and collaborative with a strong commitment to public service.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Demonstrated leadership in cultural equity, Indigenous reconciliation, and anti-racism.

**Business Unit/Department**:Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200)

**Affiliation**:Senior Exempt

**Employment Type**:Regular Full Time

**Salary Information**:Pay Grade RNG-131: $154969 to $203905 per annum

**Application Close: August 10, 2025**

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process._ _Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.