NOTE: THIS POSITION HAS NOW BEEN FILLED. We are no longer accepting applications, but thank you for your interest

Terms: Full-time, initial 2 or 3 year contract
Start Date: Between December 1 and January 16, 2023
Hours: 36 hours/week, flexible schedule
Salary: $50-55,000 per annum based on experience + benefits
Deadline for Applications: 4:00 pm PDT on October 28, 2022

About Us

UNIT/PITT Society for Art and Critical Awareness is a charitable non-profit artist-run organisation operating on the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish First Nations, in Vancouver BC. UNIT/PITT supports art and critical awareness by offering the tools, space, resources, and mentorship for emerging artists and members of their neighbouring communities to engage in experimental creative work that advances a more expansive, inclusive reality for art and cultural production. 

UNIT/PITT began in 1975 as the Helen Pitt Gallery, founded by students of the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr University of Art + Design). Over its 47-year history, UNIT/PITT has maintained a commitment to supporting emerging artists, artist-curators and writers through a synthesis of subcultural production, visual art, D.I.Y. publishing, underground music, and arts advocacy. Recent programs include ReIssue.pub, I SPY… a disposable camera mail art project, Wrong Wave Festival, Helen’s Quarantine Cookbook, and La Commune 2021 Free School & Artist Residency. UNIT/PITT is currently operating remotely, but with plans to reopen a public gallery in the future.

The Position

The Director is an administrative, capacity-building, and creative position that oversees the artistic direction and day-to-day operations of UNIT/PITT. This position reports to the Board of Directors, but functions independently of them. The Director will develop and implement an artistic program that aligns with UNIT/PITT’s mandate, mission and vision. The Director manages all aspects of gallery and financial administration, including grant-writing, and fundraising initiatives carried out with the support of the Board of Directors. The Director is also a manager and main human resources contact for other UNIT/PITT staff, interns and volunteers. This position will be offered for an initial 2 or 3 year term, to begin this Winter. In the first few months of their contract, the Director will work closely with the Board of Directors and consulting professionals on developing new strategic goals for the organisation.

The Candidate

This is an entry-level Director position, meaning that the candidate does not necessarily need to have prior curatorial or director experience, but must demonstrate a passion for and an extensive knowledge of contemporary art practice. They must show strong grant-writing and financial management skills, and bring a willingness to learn about charitable and non-profit organisations. Knowledge of artist-run centres and art labour history are assets. The candidate must be capable of maintaining and cultivating relationships with UNIT/PITT’s community-stakeholders, including emerging and early-career artists and curators, and donors and funding partners. The candidate can facilitate a collaborative working environment that is efficient, but also respects individuals’ need for rest and work boundaries.

Artists are encouraged to apply. UNIT/PITT also encourages applications from Black, Indigenous and racialised peoples; 2SLGBTQI+ non-binary/gender non-conforming people; people with disabilities; and people with lived experiences of poverty. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Administrative:

–Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organisation, including all communications and online presence;
–Managing and working closely with staff, interns, and volunteers, including hiring and training;
–Preparing and managing annual operating budgets and project budgets, and providing reports to the Board of Directors upon request;
–Assisting the Board of Directors to schedule Board Meetings and Annual General Meetings, and working with the Treasurer, accountant and auditor towards the preparation of year-end Financial Statements.

Capacity-building:

–Writing proposal and grant-writing for operating assistance, project grants and awards;
–Working with the Board of Directors to review policy, operational planning, organisational development, and fundraising initiatives;
–Seeking out additional funding, sponsorships, partnerships, and diverse revenue sources.

Creative:

–Developing and implementing a curatorial vision for UNIT/PITT’s programming;
–Communicating with artists, guest curators, and writers towards the creation of exhibitions, residencies, mentorships, presentations and publications;
–Involving UNIT/PITT’s membership in artistic programs through the Programming Committee;
–Supporting UNIT/PITT’s established programs, including ReIssue.pub and Wrong Wave Festival;
–Developing programming that can adapt to UNIT/PITT’s evolving facility situation, including online programs and publishing projects, aside from ReIssue, that ensure that UNIT/PITT maintains engagement with its communities.

Qualifications

–Equivalent experience or advanced degree in visual or interdisciplinary arts, art history, publishing, or curatorial studies;
–Experience developing and executing artistic and/or publication projects, or arts festivals;
–Minimum of 2 years experience working in the administration of a cultural institution, gallery or arts festival;
–Experience working with a Board of Directors and/or non-profit or academic working committees;
–Strong English-language verbal and written communication skills, and other language fluency considered an asset;
–Proven expertise in financial management and fundraising;
–Proven expertise in grant-writing and developing written proposals;
–Proficient in macOS, Google Workspace, Slack or similar cloud-based file management systems, and WordPress or similar CMS;
–Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is an asset.

How to Apply

Please email the following documents in PDF format to hiring@unitpitt.ca:
–Letter of interest (maximum 1 page)
–Curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages)
–Two references with contact information

Applications are due by 4:00 pm PDT on Friday, October 28. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Monday, November 7. We apologise that we cannot reply to all applicants.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide samples of successful grant-writing, and/or relevant critical writing, such as art reviews, curatorial essays or introductions.

Interviews will be held virtually over Zoom. If you have specific questions about the application process or qualifications, please email the Hiring Committee at hiring@unitpitt.ca