Job Description

Position: Director of Learning and Engagement (Parental Leave Coverage)

The Director of Learning and Engagement shares the Nanaimo Art Gallery team’s values of relevance, relationships, innovation and openness and is responsible for the management of the Learning and Engagement department. A passionate educator and community builder, they will develop vibrant experiences for exploring and engaging with contemporary art. They will share stories and foster a deeper dialogue with community through exhibition interpretation, educational programming and community outreach. Continuing to advance our work in social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, they will work closely with the entire team to create a welcoming and safe space that centers diversity and accessibility.

Salary: $58-60,000 annually, value added benefits available

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, from February 2025 – March 2026

Closing Date: November 29, 2024

The Opportunity
Nanaimo Art Gallery is seeking an individual to join our team as Director of Learning and Engagement to cover a parental leave for thirteen months.
About Nanaimo Art Gallery
Located on the lands of the Snuneymuxw, in the heart of downtown Nanaimo, Nanaimo Art Gallery is an dynamic public art gallery that inspires and engages its communities through art. We honour the Snuneymuxw people and the territory on which the Gallery operates, carrying ourselves with qwum qwum uy’shqwalawun: operating in the spirit of “good heart, good mind.”
With this intention, Nanaimo Art Gallery’s values are:
Relevance: our work is grounded in community and place
Relationships: we believe in building, nurturing and sustaining relationships
Innovation: we are at the forefront of creativity with quality programs and exhibitions
Openness: we are a welcoming organization for all

Responsibilities & Qualifications

The Position
Profile of the Candidate

You will bring your unique ideas, passions and experiences to the role of Director of Learning and Engagement.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with Learning and Engagement staff and colleagues throughout the Gallery, responsibilities will include, but may not be limited to:

Programming
Developing innovative, interesting and impactful learning and engagement opportunities
Developing, planning, designing, and facilitating engaging and accessible public programs for diverse audiences including classes, camps and learning opportunities for children, teens, adults and families
Exhibition interpretation, programming and resources, developed in collaboration with the Curatorial team
Management of the Artists in the Schools program, including hiring and managing contract artists, and oversight of booking and evaluation procedures
Creating and facilitating in-house school programming, including tours and workshops
Coordinating outreach events
Creating welcoming and accessible experiences for all, removing barriers to participation
Building relationships and working closely with exhibiting and community artists
Developing and nurturing relationships and partnerships throughout the community
Administration
Recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of Learning and Engagement staff and summer students
Management of contract artists
Management of the volunteer program, with support from other departments
Development and oversight of the departmental budget
Researching and preparing funding applications to support initiatives related to programming and community engagement, as well as follow-up reporting
Working with our Communications team to promote programs

Requirements (Qualifications, Knowledge, Education and Skills)
Minimum 5 years’ experience in art gallery/museum education
Minimum 2 years’ experience of management and supervisory experience
Bachelors or Masters degree in Art Education or a related field (i.e. visual art, art history, museum studies, etc), or a combination of education and experience will be considered
Exemplary experience in the design, development and facilitation of educational programs
Excellent administrative and organizational skills
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and experience in engaging diverse audiences
Community-minded and skilled at building and maintaining relationships with individuals and community partners
Creative and innovative
Passion for art, culture and community engagement
Proactive and self-motivated
Desire to contribute to and collaborate with a creative team
Knowledge of art education theory, practices and processes
Confident and clear communicator with exceptional interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills
Ability to think critically, employ sound judgment, evaluate situations and engage appropriate parties at varying levels to arrive at solutions.
Ability to successfully organize, prioritize and complete multiple planned and unplanned projects
High level of professional conduct and discretion
Proficiency in common communication tools (MS Office, Google Suite, Zoom, etc)
Ability to move folding tables, chairs, and other heavy equipment

Nanaimo Art Gallery hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community.

The Gallery strives to be a safe space where all voices are heard and valued and work towards accessibility, anti-racism, 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and encourages diversity in our staff team, We encourage applications from visible minority group members, women, Indigenous 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.

To Apply
Please submit a letter of interest, detailed resume and 3 references by email to carolyn@nanaimoartgallery.ca with the subject heading “Director of Learning & Engagement Search”.
Closing date for applications is November 29, 2024. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Nanaimo Art Gallery hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community.

The Gallery encourages applications from women, visible minority group members, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

Salary/Wage

$58-60,000

Apply Now