Managing Director Arts & Culture

Requisition ID: 44126 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and engaging workplace.  Working at the City of Vancouver and within the public service can be a rewarding career where you play a key role in ensuring impartial and equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and addressing the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

About the Role 

The City of Vancouver is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as Managing Director, Arts & Culture. Reporting to the General Manager, Arts Culture and Community Services, the MD oversees a broad portfolio, including public art, cultural infrastructure, major civic collections and assets, grant programs and community partnerships. This leadership role leads the City's cultural strategies, programs, and partnerships, championing initiatives like Culture|Shift, Vancouver Music Strategy, and Making Space for Arts and Culture. 

The role also advances the City's priorities around cultural equity, reconciliation, and redress, working across civic departments and with diverse cultural and government partners. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the Arts & Culture Division, including staff, strategy, policy, projects, programs and operations 
• Oversee the City’s public art program, capital and operating grant programs, cultural spaces, and civic cultural programs, policies and assets. Develop and steward the primary relationships with a number of external organizations including non-profit organizations, business community other levels of governments to advance the City’s arts and culture priorities.    
• Advance the City’s arts and culture interests through development and major projects 
• Manage the relationships with major exhibiting institutions which hold the City's collection of fine art and artifacts. 
• Leads City priorities for capital investment for Arts and Culture

Qualifications 

• 10+ years’ senior leadership experience in arts/culture or public sector, including 8 years in management or an equivalent combination of education and experience 
• University degree in public administration, cultural planning, or related field 
• Deep knowledge of the arts and cultural sector, cultural policy, community cultural development, and funding  
• Skilled in public engagement, stakeholder collaboration, strategic planning, and equity-driven leadership 
• Proven ability to lead large teams and unionized workforce, manage complex budgets, and deliver multi-stakeholder projects. 
• Politically astute, solutions-oriented, and collaborative with a strong commitment to public service. 
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills. 
• Demonstrated leadership in cultural equity, Indigenous reconciliation, and anti-racism. 

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work a hybrid work week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200) 

Affiliation: Senior Exempt 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-131: $154969 to $203905 per annum

Application Close:  August 10, 2025

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.