Associate Director

The Victoria Chinatown Museum Society is seeking a visionary and dynamic Associate Director to take part in implementing the strategic direction of the Society and to bring operational leadership to the Victoria Chinatown Museum (the VCM). This role is ideal for a creative leader with a passion for Chinese Canadian history, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

Reporting to the Chair of the Board, the Associate Director will oversee exhibits and programming, curation, grant writing, public communications and outreach. The ideal candidate will build public and private sector support to deliver priorities and will embrace collaboration with the VCMS Board and deliver on strategic priorities. The position will also supervise the work of the Museum Visitor Experience Manager and the Social Media Coordinator.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity for a creative professional to bring their vision, experience, and passion to advance the success and growth of the Victoria Chinatown Museum.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Chair of the VCMS, the Associate Director is responsible for overseeing organizational operations, under the direction of the Board, including but not limited to:

Operational Management

❖ Supervise the Museum Visitor Experience Manager and other project staff as required. Oversee the work of Social Media Coordinator.

❖ Identify, evaluate and implement measures to control risks to the Museum's people, property, collections, donations, sales, goodwill and image.

❖ Ensure that the museum follows accepted cash management policies, and that the organization operates within the limitations of the Board-approved budget and policies.

❖ Participate in cross-collaborative committees or project teams as required.

Leadership & Vision

❖ Implement the strategic vision of the VCMS under the leadership and direction of the Board of Directors.

❖ Provide visionary and inspirational leadership to develop and deliver programming and a positive visitor experience.

❖ Align programming and operations with the VCMS' mission to preserve and celebrate Chinese Canadian heritage.

❖ Lead organizational growth and sustainability through innovative planning and partnerships.

Collaborative Team Leadership

❖ Oversee the work, role and responsibilities of the Visitor Engagement Manager and Social Media Coordinator.

❖ Establish and maintain standards of service and performance, and develop clear lines of authority and communication.

❖ Foster the ongoing development and empowerment of the VCMS staff and volunteer teams.

❖ Provide collaborative leadership to the team, ensuring they have the tools and skills necessary for the development and implementation of their respective goals and objectives.

❖ Keep the team updated with emerging priorities and assist them in modifying plans and practices as required.

Board Relations

❖ Develop and communicate key matters to be addressed with the Board of Directors at regular meetings.

❖ Carry out strategic and operational goals as determined by the Board.

❖ Ensure accurate and timely reporting on operational goals and outcomes, financial and operational performance, and related administrative matters between the operations and the Board.

❖ Partner with Board committees to develop and implement their respective goals and objectives.

Curation & Programming

❖ Oversee the development and delivery of VCM and Living Museum exhibits, public programs and educational programming.

❖ Collaborate, and curate with historians, cultural practitioners, and partners to ensure high-quality, relevant content.

❖ Plan, develop, and execute exhibits and museological projects.

❖ Liaise with partners as necessary to acquire seasonal or rotating exhibits, including artifact selection.

❖ Support the integration of digital technologies and interpretive strategies to enhance visitor experience.

❖ Maintain and update artifact and collections inventory.

Grant Writing & Fund Development

❖ Identify and pursue funding opportunities from public and private sources.

❖ Lead grant writing efforts and manage reporting requirements.

❖ Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding agencies to support museum initiatives.

Community Outreach & Engagement

❖ Build and maintain strategic alliances with local communities, cultural organizations, and stakeholders.

❖ Represent the VCMS in public forums, media, and community events.

❖ Provide oversight of public communications.

❖ Develop and implement outreach strategies to broaden public engagement and participation, and attract new donors.

❖ Participate in special events, workshops and community engagement initiatives.

Key Competencies for the Role Include:

Leadership – Organizing and influencing people to believe in a vision while creating a sense of purpose and direction.

Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills – Cooperating with others to meet objectives and the ability to effectively communicate to build rapport while relating to many different people.

Vision - Imagining, envisioning, projecting and/or creating what has not yet been actualized.

Decision Making – Analyzing all aspects of a situation to make consistently sound and timely decisions.

Creativity & Innovation – Creating innovative approaches, programming, processes, technologies and/or systems.

Qualifications

❖ Bachelor's or Master's degree in Museum Studies, History, Arts Administration, Non-Profit Management, or a related field.

❖ Minimum 4 - 5 years of progressive leadership experience in museums, cultural institutions, or non-profit organizations.

❖ Demonstrated experience in grant writing and fundraising.

❖ Strong interpersonal, communication, and team leadership skills.

❖ Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community collaboration.

❖ Knowledge of Chinese Canadian history and cultural heritage.

Compensation & Terms

❖ Salary: Up to $75, FTE, 30 hours/week), commensurate with experience.

❖ Includes 3 weeks of paid vacation.

❖ Hybrid work schedule with 2 days per week required in the museum. There is occasional evening and weekend work when events require.

How to Apply

To apply in confidence please email your letter of interest and resume in Word or PDF format to Carolyn Hahn at Your resume must clearly state how you meet the above qualifications and include dates (month/year) of your experience. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and will receive an acknowledgment of their application.

Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm on November 30, 2025.

Position start date will be early 2026.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00-$75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Victoria, BC V8W 1W3