Call for Applicants

Post Title: Director of Exhibitions & Programs
Reports to: Board of Directors
Salary: $50,000 per annum plus benefits and a travel/professional development allotment
Closing Date: 18 April 2017

The Board of Directors of Mercer Union invites applications for the position of Director of Exhibitions & Programs. Mercer Union is a non-profit, artist-centred space in Toronto. We have a unique track record of presenting innovative exhibitions by diverse Canadian and international artists in formative and established stages of their careers. We are dedicated to supporting the production of new and experimental work, assisting artists in realizing pivotal projects. Mercer Union has the will and flexibility to take on ambitious projects. We foster an intimate and supportive space for artists to develop and take risks with their work. In turn, their exhibitions play a role in shaping the cultural landscape of Toronto, Canada and beyond. Our exhibitions, educational programs, artists’ talks, events and publications, both on- and off-site, encourage critical inquiry and conversation.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Director of Exhibitions & Programs establishes the artistic vision for the organization and collaborates with the Executive Director to build on Mercer Union’s strong engagement with the arts community in Toronto, across Canada and internationally.

The main responsibilities of the role are:

• Leading the organization’s exhibition and programming vision
• Curating and delivering the artistic programme
• Developing robust public programming (talks, events, performances)
• Developing key programming and educational partnerships
• Grant writing to secure funding through arts councils, private foundations, embassies and cultural organisations, among others, with the Executive Director
• Actively promoting Mercer Union and expanding its audiences by enhancing its public profile
• Managing Programming staff and volunteers
• Managing the Programming budget
• Overseeing the production of publications
• Developing press, social media and communications strategies and coordinating with staff to deliver outreach to audiences
• Supporting initiatives established by the Executive Director, Committees and other internal stakeholders
• Working with the Executive Director and the Board to deliver on goals for the organization as outlined in the Strategic Plan 2016-2021

The successful candidate should possess:

• An advanced degree or equivalent experience in curatorial studies, art history, fine arts, or visual culture
• Minimum 3 years experience in the administration of an art gallery or other cultural institution
• Exemplary knowledge of contemporary art practices and an understanding of the philosophy and history of the Canadian artist-run centre movement
• Experience developing and administering curatorial and publication projects
• Strong organizational and management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• A proven track record in project management and planning
• Successful grant writing experience with the ability to develop fundraising opportunities
• Proficiency in Mac OSX, Microsoft Office; familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat), WordPress, Filemaker Pro; social media tools an asset
• The ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
• Fluency in both official languages, written and verbal, considered an asset

This position is a 2-year contract, with an option to renew, and carries an expected start date in June 2017.

Application Procedure

Candidates should submit applications by email only to jobs@mercerunion.org to the attention of the Search Committee

Your application should be in PDF format and include:

1. A cover letter
2. A CV
3. A maximum of four US Letter Pages detailing two or more recent curatorial projects
4. Names and contact details of three references – references will only be contacted if the candidate is

Applications failing to include all above elements will be deemed ineligible. Only successful candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please. Questions can be sent by email to the email address listed above.

Mercer Union hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity. We especially welcome applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Mercer Union. Cultivating artists and challenging audiences since 1979.

MERCER UNION, a centre for contemporary art
1286 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6H 1N9
http://www.mercerunion.org/