Executive Director

Arts Habitat Edmonton

Status: Open Location: Edmonton, AB

The Organization

Arts Habitat leads in advocating for, building, and managing, appropriate and accessible spaces for the arts in Edmonton.

We recognize that appropriate art spaces are essential to creating dynamic, sustainable, and entrepreneurial artistic communities, and we actively support the arts as a chosen career path.

THE VISION – Dynamic, sustainable, and entrepreneurial artistic communities thrive in the Edmonton area.

THE MISSION – Appropriate and accessible art spaces are essential for thriving arts communities.

THE MANDATE – Arts Habitat is a social purpose enterprise engaged in identifying, managing, and building appropriate and accessible spaces for the arts in Edmonton and area.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES – Arts Habitat will achieve its Vision and Mandate by actively pursuing three strategic priorities:

• Building appropriate and accessible spaces for the arts.
• Engaging the community and advocating for art spaces.
• Developing organizational capacity and resilience.

Arts Habitat Edmonton celebrates the spirit of ta-tawâw. There is room here for everyone; for all peoples and their stories. We advocate for and support arts spaces that are welcoming, accessible, safe and respectful. We live and work on Treaty Six lands, the traditional territories of First Nations and Métis peoples, and are in a sacred relationship with the land and the people of this area known as ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ amiskwacîwâskahikan, colonially known as Edmonton.

Arts Habitat Edmonton is an equal opportunity employer and employs people without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, language, citizenship, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical, and/or mental abilities.

For more information, please visit their website.

The Opportunity

Reports to:	The Board of Directors
Direct Reports:	3: Finance and Administration Manager; Communications Manager; and General Manager, ArtsHub Ortona
Location:	Edmonton, Alberta

Mandate

Arts Habitat Edmonton is seeking an inspiring and resourceful Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization through an exciting period of growth and opportunity. With new projects launching, ongoing relationships with the City of Edmonton, and a legacy of fostering accessible creative spaces for artists, they are ready to embrace a leader who brings vision, financial acumen, and a passion for the arts. Arts Habitat Edmonton currently manages four arts spaces (ArtsHub Ortona, ArtsHub 118, ArtsHub McLuhan House, and ArtsHub Creative Studios) and is looking to grow under the leadership of the incoming Executive Director.

The Executive Director (ED) of Arts Habitat Association of Edmonton is the chief executive officer of the organization, appointed by and accountable to the Board of Directors. The ED is responsible for the effective leadership, management, and strategic direction of Arts Habitat in alignment with its mission and goals. This position involves managing the organization’s human, financial, and capital resources, overseeing operations, and fostering relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Accountabilities

Leadership and Strategic Direction

• Provide visionary leadership to advance the mission and strategic objectives of Arts Habitat.
• Develop and sustain a strategic planning process to position the organization for long-term success.
• Lead a small, dynamic team, fostering a culture of collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation.
• Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for Arts Habitat, enhancing its profile and influence in public policy and the arts community.

Organizational Management

• Lead and manage staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
• Ensure efficient day-to-day operations and sound management of human, fiscal, capital, and material resources.
• Implement policies, procedures, and practices that align with Board governance and organizational goals.

Financial Management

• Develop an annual budget that aligns with the business plan and long-term strategic goals for Board approval.
• Monitor the financial health of the organization, ensuring reserves and surpluses are adequate and appropriately managed.
• Proactively work to diversity revenue streams including private donations and grants.
• Present timely financial reports to the Board, including quarterly updates and annual summaries.
• Oversee financial controls, including investment of funds, cheque approvals, and banking resolutions.

Project Management

• Oversee all capital projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Manage resources effectively to support the successful execution of projects.

Engagement of Interested Parties

• Act as the primary liaison with government officials, arts organizations, and other interested parties.
• Maintain effective communication with internal and external partners to build and sustain collaborative relationships.
• Represent Arts Habitat at public and private events, ensuring the organization’s mission and impact are well-articulated.

Board Relations

• Provide timely and comprehensive reports to the Board on organizational performance, compliance, and emerging issues.
• Support the Board in policy development and compliance monitoring.
• Facilitate orientation and ongoing communication with the Board to enhance its governance effectiveness.
• Advise the Board on trends, risks, and opportunities affecting the organization and its mission.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Ensure all activities comply with relevant municipal, provincial, and federal laws and regulations.
• Protect the organization’s assets through adequate insurance, security systems, and risk management practices.
• Maintain appropriate safeguards for intellectual property, financial resources, and operational integrity.

First-Year Deliverables / Measures of Success

Success in the first year will be determined by the candidate’s ability to:

• Ensure a smooth transition of leadership and knowledge from the outgoing ED.
• Successfully launch and stabilize operations at new facilities, including ArtsHub Ortona and ArtsHub Creative Studios.
• Continue pursuing opportunities for new projects/spaces for the Edmonton arts community.
• Establish and strengthen relationships with key community partners, including the City of Edmonton, the Edmonton arts community, and private donors.
• Develop and implement strategies for long-term financial sustainability and growth.
• Foster a positive, energized team dynamic.
• Build a strong, productive relationship with the Board.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education:

• A variety of educational backgrounds may be relevant to the position. Examples include, but are not limited to, education in arts, administration, and management. Equivalent work experience will also be considered.
• Relevant professional training or professional designations (PMP, CFRE, etc.) are welcomed.

Experience:

• Proven experience in project management, property management, or arts administration.
• A strong understanding of financial management, including budgeting and grant development.
• Relationship-building expertise, with experience collaborating with diverse community partners.
• Strong political acumen and comfort engaging both City Council and city administration.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• Experience working with boards and navigating organizational transitions is an asset.
• Experience and comfort managing risk and ensuring compliance within an arms-length municipal body is an asset.

Competencies and Attributes:

• Connection to the arts community and sensitivity to its needs.
• Familiarity with Edmonton’s cultural landscape.
• A self-starter who thrives in resource-constrained environments and can balance multiple priorities.
• Skills in property management and maintenance.
• Proven ability to stretch resources and innovate within constraints.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Application Instructions:

If this opportunity excites you, please send a resume and cover letter to connect@mullenleadership.com with the organization name and position title in the subject line of your email.