Executive Director

Institution: SAVAC – South Asian Visual Arts Centre
Deadline: March 4, 2026 (5pm EST)
Location: Toronto, Canada (Hybrid)

SAVAC (South Asian Visual Arts Centre) is seeking an Executive Director to lead the strategic and administrative direction of the organisation. As the only non-profit, artist-run centre in Canada dedicated to increasing the visibility of culturally diverse artists—particularly artists of colour—SAVAC operates through institutional partnerships rather than maintaining a permanent gallery space.

Founded over 30 years ago, SAVAC works to integrate artists and curators of colour into mainstream curatorial and programming frameworks, while supporting diasporic and culturally informed artistic practices. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors and oversee finances, staffing, strategy, communications, and sector relationships.

Position Details

• Contract: Executive leadership role

• Working hours: 30 hours per week

• Salary: $68,000 CAD per annum

• Benefits package included

• 3 weeks paid vacation

• Hybrid working (The Commons at 401 Richmond, Toronto + remote)

• Some evening/weekend work required

• Some travel within Canada and internationally

• Anticipated start date: April 2026

Key Responsibilities

• Overall organisational leadership and strategic direction

• Financial oversight, budgeting, audit processes, CADAC reporting

• Fund development and grant writing

• Staff recruitment, supervision, and management

• Stewardship of artistic vision and programming alignment

• Marketing and communications oversight

• Board relations and governance

• Community and public relations

• Participation in the Commons Executive Committee (401 Richmond shared arts space)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the non-profit arts sector, preferably in leadership

• Demonstrated experience in grant writing and fundraising

• Budget management experience, including working with audits and bookkeeping

• Staff management experience

• Strong written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills

• Strategic planning and implementation experience

• Commitment to anti-racism, equity, and accessibility

• Knowledge of the South Asian arts ecosystem (Canada and internationally)

• Understanding of artist-run culture in Canada and non-profit governance

• Ability to maintain SAVAC’s alignment with and advocacy for PACBI

Fluency in one or more South Asian languages is an asset but not required.