Director & Chief Executive Officer

Position Summary

The Director & Chief Executive Officer (Director & CEO) is a community leader who provides vision and strategic direction to uplift and expand the collection and exhibitions of one of Canada’s foremost visual art institutions. In the near‑term, they are empowered to transition the organization from a phase of physical expansion to one of growth, community relevance, audience development, and impact. The Director & CEO is a champion for scaling and activating WAG‑Qaumajuq’s programs by engaging the community through innovative exhibitions that uplift its permanent collection, highlight international artists, engage in inclusive educational programming, and preserve and grow its renowned collection.

As the primary ambassador of the institution, the Director & CEO also cultivates relationships with donors, government agencies, other nonprofit and cultural organizations, artists, educators, and the broader public to ensure WAG‑Qaumajuq remains a vibrant, relevant, and sustainable cultural hub. Reporting to the Board of Governors, the Director & CEO leads all aspects of institutional planning, growth, impact, and operations, including curatorial vision, fundraising, governance, community engagement, financial oversight, and organizational development.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Vision and Executive Leadership

• Serve as the primary listener, convener, and spokesperson for WAG‑Qaumajuq with the media, members, funders, audiences, government agencies, and the many local, provincial, national, and international constituencies with whom it engages.
• Create a bold vision and a clear and compelling strategy for sustainable growth that fosters a strong sense of community, nurtures a deep sense of belonging, and unites people in shaping an inclusive and inspired future.
• Demonstrate a staunch commitment to the values of inclusion, diversity, equity, respectful workplace behaviour, and accessibility.
• Honour, engage, and inspire the diverse communities who live, work, study, and visit Winnipeg and Manitoba.
• Transition from building (facility) to growth strategy, audience development, impact, and relevance.
• Support and elevate new voices that celebrate local, regional, and national artists who have consistently inspired the broader WAG‑Qaumajuq community, as well as exhibitions that bring international acclaim to Winnipeg and WAG‑Qaumajuq.
• Determine appropriate ways to design, deliver, evaluate, and reinvent programs and services to meet the needs of a rapidly developing and demographically diverse community.
• Foster authentic relationships with Indigenous peoples, settlers, and newcomers by embedding them in all organizational practices, brought to life through dynamic exhibits, storytelling, and programs.
• Develop mutually beneficial strategic partnerships and actively engage in building a deeper sense of community with other cultural organizations and tourism agencies; primary, secondary, and post‑secondary educational institutions; government leaders; and non‑profit partners, among many others.
• Understand and advance WAG‑Qaumajuq’s unique position in showcasing Inuit art, and enrich other elements of its curatorial subject matter, style, and the art movements of a multi‑genre gallery.
• Refine and execute annual and multi‑year work plans with the board and staff to reinforce strategic priorities, achieve organizational goals, and drive and deliver meaningful impacts.
• Embrace other strategic vision and executive leadership responsibilities as needed.

Community Engagement and Revenue Revitalization

• Grow the size, scale, and diversity of members through consistent, direct engagement and meaningful dialogue with the communities that WAG‑Qaumajuq serves and seeks to serve.
• Identify new earned revenue opportunities through an array of activities that increase brand awareness, on‑site visitation, mission‑driven events, and international participation.
• Oversee an effective communication strategy that includes regular digital presence, social media, press releases, newsletters, and other communication tools to promote the dynamism of exhibitions, programs, and special events.
• Engage in capital campaign planning and oversee significant capital initiatives.
• Secure public and private funding, including direct involvement in identifying and cultivating donor prospects with foundations, corporate sponsors, and government agencies.
• Serve as a trusted bridge between WAG‑Qaumajuq and Inuit and other Indigenous partners, artists, and advisors.
• Commit to Truth and Reconciliation, including integrating Inuit and other Indigenous knowledge systems and practices into institutional frameworks.
• Proactively identify, cultivate, and solicit individual major donors by enhancing authentic relationships locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Advocate for the arts and culture sector as essential to civic and national identity with and for Winnipeg and Manitoba.
• Engage with Inuit, First Nations, and Metis communities to deepen understanding of their cultures, history, and contemporary realities grounded in respect and a collaborative culture.
• Enable growing information technology initiatives that include resources for the ongoing digitization of the collection, donor management databases, artificial intelligence, and accessible online programs.
• Embrace other community engagement and revenue revitalization responsibilities as needed.

Team, Governance, and Organizational Resiliency

• Build a workplace environment that fosters employee trust, satisfaction, and an elevated level of professional performance.
• Foster a strong, inclusive organizational culture and advance people development through leadership, talent management, and employee engagement.
• Celebrate and lead a diverse team to evolve an effective departmental structure, interdepartmental collaboration, and a resilient organizational culture.
• Commit to overall mentoring, coaching, and professional development opportunities with resources allocated equitably for staff at all levels of the organization.
• Guide collection stewardship, exhibition planning, and audience development in collaboration with the leadership team that results in a welcoming patron experience and long‑term engagement.
• Advise an experienced and committed team of volunteers and professionals who deliver WAG‑Qaumajuq’s high‑quality mission expected by patrons and artists alike.
• Nurture meaningful and authentic relationships with the Board and staff to ensure deep alignment between and within governance and management functions.
• Understand and partner with the board in its governance, policy making, and community ambassadorship roles by researching and recommending best practices, procedures, and plans.
• Engage in Board prospect identification, cultivation, and recruitment activities that result in a diverse and engaged group that actively serve as community ambassadors and represent the diverse nature of Winnipeg.
• Manage and advise the activities of board committees and task forces as appropriate and in alignment with WAG‑Qaumajuq goals and objectives.
• Embrace other team, governance, and organizational resiliency responsibilities as needed.

Financial Oversight and Organizational Sustainability

• Deliver robust monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, paired with timely, meaningful financial and non‑financial insights.
• Integrate clear analytics, empower the leadership team to make informed, evidence‑based decisions while equipping the Board with the transparency and clarity needed to effectively fulfill its governance responsibilities.
• Collaborate regularly with the Board and finance committee regarding critical infrastructure and operational needs with plans for board consideration, adaptation, and approval.
• Establish financial and operational policies with appropriate checks and balances between departments and with the board.
• Direct the use of capital and operating funds and identify needs for facilities, equipment, technology, and operations.
• Commit to challenging colonial narratives and advancing the decolonization of institutional structures, systems, and policies, guided by equitable and inclusive approaches to resource allocation and decision‑making.
• Ensure that the necessary organizational structure, policies, system controls, and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed for effectiveness and a comprehensive commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Participate in museum industry meetings, share and implement evolving museological practices, and ensure high standards with the leadership team.
• Embrace other financial oversight and organizational sustainability responsibilities as needed.

Traits and Characteristics

The Director & CEO will build connections within the community as a collaborative, balanced, trusted, and articulate public spokesperson who delivers ambitious engagement and growth results. Resourceful, strategic, and focused on creative risk taking, they will get personal satisfaction from increasing relevance, visibility, and impact of the organization they lead while understanding the inherent challenges associated with change management. Keeping in mind the critical human, financial, and technological resources needed, the Director & CEO will be a receptive and innovative thinker and community connector. They will embrace new ideas and foster continuous institutional learning and individual professional development. Grounded with both business savvy and a demonstrated commitment to public service and community impact, the Director & CEO will navigate complex cultural and political contexts with skilled advocacy and diplomacy. They will prioritize and model integrity, as well as service to, and in conversation with, the community, artists, Indigenous leaders, Board, staff, and donors. Adaptable, communicative, and driven to evolve the organization and its people to deliver positive impacts, the Director & CEO is able to lead with resilience, inspire various stakeholders and rights holders into action, and advance WAG‑Qaumajuq’s mission and vision with clarity and purpose. They will lead with cultural humility, recognize personal limitations, and seek continuous learning.

Other key competencies

• Professional and Personal Accountability – The integrity to be answerable for personal and professional actions while readily modifying and adapting to change with resiliency, flexibility, and humility.
• Leadership and Conceptual Thinking – The capacity to inspire, build trust, and lead with confidence while analyzing hypothetical situations, collecting data, and observing patterns to understand important connections, highlight critical insights, and develop a path forward.
• Decision Making – The acuity to analyze all aspects of a situation, proactively engage stakeholders and rightsholders, and align institutional goals through consistently sound and timely decisions as WAG‑Qaumajuq reimagines its future with and for the multitude of communities it serves.
• Diplomacy and Resiliency – The ability to effectively and tactfully handle difficult or sensitive issues, honour different perspectives, and demonstrate the adaptability in recovering from challenging situations.

Qualifications

A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible senior management experience in the visual arts, higher education, or relevant government agencies is required. Proven senior leadership experience in the arts, culture, non‑profit, business, or the public sector is needed. Demonstrable results in strategic and community engagement, innovative revenue generation, successful capital campaigns, exemplary team supervision, participatory facility oversight, and dynamic artist relations are expected. A master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in museum studies, business or arts administration, social science, history, Indigenous studies, or related fields is preferred. A combination of education, training, and experience with the knowledge, abilities, and altruism to perform this unique leadership role are deeply valued and will be seriously considered. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or those who otherwise have a current legal right to work in Canada are welcome to apply. Multiple language skills are deeply appreciated but not required.

Compensation and Benefits

WAG‑Qaumajuq provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated base salary in the range of $180,000 to $230,000. In addition to Manitoba Health coverage, supplemental benefits include employer‑subsidized health and dental coverage; life insurance for employees and dependents; accidental death and dismemberment coverage; and access to long–term disability insurance. WAG‑Qaumajuq also provides a defined contribution pension plan, relevant professional memberships, vacation, holidays, and other benefits equitably afforded to all WAG‑Qaumajuq employees.

Applications and Inquiries

WAG‑Qaumajuq is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable experience for job applicants, staff, artists, and the many communities it serves. It welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those from equity‑deserving groups.

Bruce D. Thibodeau

Founder & Senior Advisor

Tel (888) 234.4236 Ext. 201

Email WAG-Qaumajuq@ArtsConsulting.com

WAG‑Qaumajuq recognizes that land acknowledgements are part of an ongoing dialogue with Indigenous Nations and is grateful to live and work on these lands and waters. Institutionally, WAG‑Qaumajuq is committed to acknowledging its colonial history and is actively working to interrogate its colonial ways of being while honouring the enduring relationships Indigenous Peoples have with this land.

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