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The Mendel Art Gallery is a not-for-profit Board of the City of Saskatoon dedicated to being a relevant and dynamic community resource that seeks to provide art experiences that help all of us see the world in new ways. As Chief Curator you are part of the senior management team that will guide, facilitate, and oversee the transition to the Remai Art Gallery of Saskatchewan and contribute to the development of the curatorial strategy (exhibitions, collection, publication and public programs), and business plan for this new facility planned to open in late 2014.

Scope and Major Responsibilities:
As Chief Curator you will report to the Executive Director/CEO and work closely with our creative and dedicated staff of professionals to:

Develop the long-range content-related strategies for the Gallery ensuring fulfillment of the mandate, mission and other Gallery goals.
Research, curate and implement self directed projects that contribute to the Gallery's strategic objectives relating to the development of the region's art historical record and visual arts accomplishments.
Set goals and priorities for the annual exhibitions plan.
Provide recommendations regarding collection development and use, exhibition and education program development, implementation and management.
Envision and implement a balanced and integrated exhibition plan and public programs offerings that are consistent with the Gallery's mandate.
Prepare, monitor and control the Curatorial Department budget, including developing and updating the annual acquisitions plan.
Manage, train and direct Curatorial Department staff. Conduct staff performance appraisals and plans and approves staff development. Provide recommendations regarding the staffing needs of the curatorial and program staff and contractors.
Work with the Senior Management team to develop rationale/business cases to support significant exhibitions and public program initiatives.
Work with the Resource Development Department to provide curatorial/program content, reviews sponsorship and other fund development packages.
Work with and provides guidance to the Resource Development Department regarding communications, marketing and sponsorship of exhibitions and other projects.
Contribute to the development of effective partnerships with the local, national and international visual arts community through the production of exhibitions. Attends studio visits, related programs and other activities.
Prepare and coordinates grants and funding requests for the exhibition program.
Provide direction to the Public Programs area to develop appropriate programs and strategies for the dissemination of information and documentation for exhibitions and related programs.
Identify and steward potential gifts of works of art and/or cash donations. 15. Work with the Executive Director and CEO and committees of the Board to review Gallery policies.

Qualifications:

Master's degree in art history, or equivalent.
Ten years of curatorial accomplishment involving program direction, exhibition development and writing, as well as demonstrated experience in a management capacity, encompassing museum or gallery administration, exhibition production, curatorial practices, public programs, collection management, grant writing and fundraising.
Thorough knowledge of Canadian art history with a deeper understanding of art created in Western Canada.
Thorough knowledge of public sector, non-profit organization operations and government relationships.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment displaying excellent curatorial, managerial, financial, interpersonal and organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to build and foster effective relationships with artists, donors and sponsors within the local, regional and national art community.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Salary
$76,553.28 to $89,950.08 per annum. Through the City of Saskatoon benefits plan, the successful candidate will receive a comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply
For further information regarding this position, contact Human Resources at (306) 975-3261. Applications are to be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 11, 2011 to: Human Resources, City Hall, 222 Third Avenue North, Saskatoon SK S7K 0J5; Fax: (306) 975-3073; Email: careers(at)saskatoon.ca.

The Mendel Art Gallery is committed to maintaining an inclusive culture and to building a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

AKA Gallery is seeking a dynamic person to take over the newly created position of Artistic Director.

AKA Gallery is an artist run centre that facilitates the production, presentation and interpretation of a diversity of contemporary art with an emphasis on innovative artistic practices. By adopting a responsive approach to programming and all related activities, AKA aims to be a catalyst for the development and sustainability of a lively and engaged community of artists and audiences.

The new Artistic Director will have a proven track record of innovative programming in the visual arts as well as the management expertise to lead AKA Gallery into an exciting new phase of its development. This opportunity comes at a very exciting time as AKA has currently undergone a redevelopment of its mandate and of its facilities, which are due for completion in the autumn of 2008.

Job Description:
The Artistic Director is responsible for communicating the Mandate and Objectives of AKA Gallery. The Artistic Director will work in close communication with the Board of Directors, attend all Board Meetings, Policy, Programming, 20 Above Holdings Inc. and other committee meetings. Through an intimate understanding of the organization’s operation and vision, the Artistic Director is in large part the first point of contact between AKA artists, art community and the general public.

The Artistic Director is a fully qualified cultural worker who possesses excellent organizational skills with a strong background in and knowledge of artist-run culture in Canada. The primary objective of the Artistic Director should be carried out with respect to the community that represents our local and regional culture as well as the national art community. The Artistic Director shall always act to further the interests of AKA while carefully maintaining a responsible fiscal equilibrium in terms of budgeting for the organization.

Responsibilities for the Artistic Director position include:

Administer day-to-day operations
Work with the Board of Directors in planning and implementing fundraising activities.
Work with the Board of Directors in developing and implementing the programming.
Work with the Board and staff to ensure sound financial management.
Create an annual budget and administer finances in accordance to the organizations operations, including all visual arts programs.
Work with the Gallery/Communications Coordinator to administer our newly initiated publication program and all other communications materials (i.e. Press releases, invites, didactic materials, membership brochures, etc.).
Work with Gallery/Communications Coordinator in exhibition preparation and installation.
Write all grants.

The Artistic Director has the opportunity to curate and produce exhibitions, talks, publications and other programming consistent with AKA's mandate and in consultation with the Board of Directors.

Experience Required:

Excellent command of the English language (written and oral).
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of contemporary art practices.
Familiarity with sound financial management practices as well as Board governance.
Excellent organizational skills, including fundraising and time management.
Demonstrate ability to liaise with other arts organizations, advocacy groups and the media.
Successful grant writing experience at various levels of government.
Experience in providing direction to support staff and working with a volunteer Board of Directors and membership.
Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

The Artistic Director is a salaried position remunerated at $34,500.00 per annum based on a 37.5-hour work week for 11 months of the year. The gallery is closed during the month of July. Benefits include an extended health plan. The position will commence as of September 1, 2008 for a two-year term.

Forward applications and inquiries to:

Jyhling Lee
AKA Board Chair
717 Temperance Street
Saskatoon, SK
S7N 0M6
Canada