Executive Director

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daphne is Conducting a Search for an Executive Director

The Executive Director will provide visionary leadership to daphne, overseeing the artistic programming and strategic direction. This role involves curatorial expertise, team management, community engagement, and financial oversight to maintain the organization’s position as a leader in contemporary Indigenous art.

daphne is a not-for-profit Indigenous artist-run centre located in Tiohtià:ke / Mooniyang / Montréal. Now in its seventh year, it operates a 4,300 sq ft facility that includes two galleries (1,090 sq ft and 560 sq ft) along with two flexible, multi-purpose spaces.

daphne is seeking a Director to guide its transition from a successfully emergent organization to a more fully established artist-run centre. This next phase includes moving from a project-based funding model toward sustained operational (core) funding.

daphne encourages applications from candidates who are Indigenous with strong, proven links to community – rural or urban.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Direction

Provide innovative leadership and direction for daphne.
Develop and maintain relationships with funders, institutions, and cultural professionals locally, nationally, and internationally, which may include committee participation.
Promote equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility across all organizational operations and programming.
Collaborate with stakeholders to shape and implement a broad, inclusive vision.

Artistic Programming and Curatorial Oversight

Lead and oversee exhibition and related programming, publications, and public programming initiatives and collaborations.
Ensure programming reflects the breadth and diversity of contemporary Indigenous art and engages our audiences.
Lead efforts to ensure programming is representative of daphne’s mandate – https://daphne.art/

Fundraising and Financial Sustainability

Initiate, research and lead fundraising efforts and grant-writing for operations, capital, and special projects.
Lead all aspects of grant writing: preparation, writing and submission of funding requests and reports.
Initiate, cultivate and maintain relationships with donors.
Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, bookkeeping, budgeting, auditing, and risk management, in collaboration with the bookkeeper and accountant.

Human Resources and Organizational Culture

Direct HR management, including recruitment, staff development, performance management, and workplace culture.
Foster a positive and inclusive environment for staff and volunteers.
Ensure compliance with employment standards and conflict resolution practices.
Work within and cultivate a collaborative, communicative, and innovative team environment.
Ensure organizational culture reflects daphne’s mandate.

Governance and Board Collaboration

Work closely with the Board of Directors to align organizational activities with strategic goals.
Actively participate in board committees, contributing to policy development and long-term planning.
Provide regular updates on performance, finances, and strategy to the Board.
Serve as a liaison between the Board, staff, funders, and other stakeholders.
Organize and prepare monthly board meetings and the Annual General Meeting.

Our ideal candidate possesses:

Proficiency in French and English.

Education / Work Experience

Preference will be given to those with significant relevant experience and/or education related to fine arts/arts management, the not-for-profit arts and culture sector.

Knowledge and Experience

In-depth knowledge of contemporary Indigenous art, visual culture, and relevant trends.
Experience in curating exhibitions and writing and editing publications.
Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver programming.
HR experience, including managing staff performance and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Skills and Competencies

Proven leadership, creativity, and integrity.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Expertise in financial management, organizational leadership, and decision-making.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Effective collaboration and team-building skills.
Sensitivity to detail and accuracy.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and familiarity with accounting software, process improvement methodologies.

Salary

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and will fall within the range of $55,000 and $60,000. This is a full-time position that requires availability during weekday office hours and scheduled programming events in evenings and on weekends.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your cover letter and CV to direction@daphne.art with the subject heading “Search Committee.” Applications must be submitted by September 1, 2026.

daphne appreciates all applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Image credit: Via daphne Website