Director

The Organization

Rodman Art Institute of Niagara (RAiN) continues the legacy of Niagara’s Rodman Hall Art Centre through its efforts to establish a new public art gallery for the region Supported by the City of St. Catharines and endowments, RAiN manages a collection of over 1000 art pieces and works with partners throughout Niagara to foreground the visual arts. Currently, RAiN operates a small gallery in downtown St. Catharines.

The Position

RAiN is seeking a Director to lead – with support of a committed board of directors – the re-establishment of a public art gallery for the Niagara Region. This role requires a strategic and experienced museum professional to inspire and guide the Board, staff, arts community, civic leaders, and visitors.

Responsibilities

Visionary Leadership & Strategic Planning: 

• Communicates and implements RAiN’s vision with the Board and staff, aligning strategies and programs with RAiN’s mandate, values, and charitable status.

• Promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in organizational and operational practices.

• Works with the Board to create and execute a Work Plan, including key deliverables, resources, policies, and procedures.

• Oversees the development and promotion of the artistic program, ensuring effective and financially feasible implementation of exhibitions, events, and activities.

• Expands RAiN’s audience, public profile, and partnerships, advocating for the art gallery’s benefits in the Niagara region.

• Leads strategic planning, master plan development, and establishes key partnerships for building a new home for the Rodman Art Institute of Niagara, ensuring objectives and milestones are met.

   

Fundraising & Development:

• Maintains financial health and fosters growth of Rodman Art Institute of Niagara in consultation with the Board.

• Facilitates donor relations, including donor cultivation and retention with support of the Board.

• Sources, writes (or supervises writing of), and submits project and operating grants, maintaining positive working relationships with arts councils and private funders.

• Seeks new funding from private and public sectors while maintaining existing funding, cultivating relationships with diverse donors, granting agencies, and supporters.

• Leads fundraising initiatives and events to increase self-generated revenue with support of the Board.

• Collaborates with programming staff to secure financially beneficial programming partners.

   

Communications & Marketing:

• Directs and oversees overall communications and marketing strategies.

• Acts as the primary spokesperson for RAiN with support of the Board. 

• Builds relationships with stakeholders and community partners.

• Ensures clear and transparent communication between staff, the Board, Advisory Committee, membership, and stakeholders.

   

Operation and Financial Direction 

• Leads and develops short and long-term financial strategic plans, budget models, priorities, and objectives for RAiN.

• Establishes and monitors the annual operating budget and ensures financial responsibility.

• Oversees the processing of all financial transactions, in addition to receipting and cash flow tracking.

• Prepares and compiles financial reports and oversees annual audits.

   

Human Resources & Management:

• Manages and provides leadership to all permanent and contractual staff; including hiring, evaluation, and professional development.

• Fosters a collaborative, accessible, diverse, and equitable work environment.

• Ensures compliance with all legislative requirements regarding human resources within Ontario (ESA, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health & Safety Act, AODA).

   

Candidate Qualifications

• Leadership experience in the operation and strategic development of visual arts or related

• cultural institutions that serve diverse communities.

• Experience with collections management, exhibitions planning, grant-writing and financial

• management.

• Track record in building public-private partnerships and/or capital project development.

• Skill in cultivating and managing stakeholders and fundraising.

• Excellent communication, marketing, and community engagement skills.

• Experience with facility planning and management.

• Graduate degree or equivalent experience.

• Willingness to live and work in Niagara with flexible hours.

   

Candidate Attributes

• Natural leadership skills with a strategic orientation.

• Emphasis on collaboration, diversity and broadening access to the arts.

• Passion for RAiN’s mission, vision, and values.

• Commitment to excellence in programming and strong audience engagement.

• Innovative and politically astute with the ability to bring new resources to enable RAiN’s goals..

• Entrepreneurial spirit who embraces change.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package, with a salary range of $75,000 to $85,000 and applicable benefits.

How to Apply

Please submit your application by emailing your cover letter and résumé to: [email protected] 

Rodman Art Institute of Niagara is an equal-opportunity employer committed to reflecting our country’s diversity. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We thank applicants for their interest; however, only those advancing in the process will be contacted.