- Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of the Garden Society's constitution, bylaws and governance policy;
- Work with the Board and staff team to continually develop and implement the Society's organizational vision, mission and strategic plan.
- Communicate effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
- Prepare an annual work plan and budget for review and approval by the Board.
- Make decisions on appropriate staffing and volunteer deployment, recognizing skills and abilities, and coaching further development.
- Conduct annual staff performance evaluations and determine compensation compliant with the annual budget.
- Manage the Garden structures and plantings to a high standard, maintaining their authenticity of design, construction and care, assessing short- and long-term conservation priorities.
- Oversee the Society's adherence to accepted museum principles of collections management and organization, and accurate curation.
- Ensure that the Society's programs, activities and services contribute to its mission and reflect the priorities of the Society, as confirmed from time-to-time at the discretion of the Board.
- Oversee arts and cultural programming and services in the Garden.
- Lead marketing and branding strategies for the Society.
- Be the primary spokesperson for the Society concerning the operational matters of the Garden in alignment with the Governance Policy.
- Develop and nurture community partnerships in Chinatown and the greater local community that will support the Society's vision and mission.
- Strategically collaborate and partner with all levels of government to promote the interests of the Society.
- Promote the Garden as a prime local, national and international destination and develop the international connections that will benefit the Society.
- Promote knowledge of and connections with the local Chinese and multicultural communities.
- Sustain and build the financial performance of the Garden by maintaining traditional gate and rental revenues while developing revenue streams including government grants, external and internal fundraising, and additional innovative sources of funding.
- Oversee and implement budgeting and financial reporting including an annual financial review.
- Manage external bookkeepers, accounting firms and other services providers.
- Cultural competence: Appreciating the physical and intangible culture exhibited in a classical Chinese garden, as well understanding and moving easily within the historic and evolving culture of Chinatown. Experience in a cultural or museum environment is an asset.
- Communication skill: Demonstrating excellent communication skill including strong writing and public communication in English. An ability in Mandarin or Cantonese language is an asset.
- Community savvy: Maintaining and building strong business and cultural bridges throughout Chinatown and the Greater Vancouver community, including an appreciation of urban development and social policies relevant to the Garden.
- Asset management competence: Identifying priorities in the physical maintenance of the Garden structures and vegetation, and working with Vancouver City and Park Board staff to address them.
- Financial and business acumen: Ensuring decisions are fiscally sound and responsible with an understanding of budget preparation and implementation, financial reporting and analysis, financial statement analysis, fundraising, and ensuring the Garden's businesses support the Society's goals.
- Leadership and governance competence: Working with the Board in the short and long-term planning of the Society and Garden, and leading the staff team in implementing identified strategies. Knowledge of the principles non-profit board governance and experience in their application is an asset.
- A bachelor or higher degree.
- Five or more years senior non-profit management experience.
Executive Director, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden Society - Vancouver, Canada - Gerard Search
Description
ORGANIZATION PROFILE
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden Society of Vancouver is a non-profit cultural institution working to build understanding and mutual appreciation among Vancouver's diverse communities, focusing in particular on the arts and culture of classical China. The Society is also one of Chinatown's leading legacy organizations and works with its Chinatown peers for the success of Chinatown as a whole.
The Society accomplishes its goals and objectives primarily through its physical facility, the Dr. Sun-Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden, located in Vancouver's historic Chinatown. The Garden is a museum and popular Vancouver tourist attraction. As a cultural treasure in and of itself, it provides a unique venue for arts and cultural programming and events, including guided tours, concerts, festivals, exhibitions, receptions and educational programs.
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for providing leadership to all operational aspects of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and achieving the Society's strategic financial, administrative, programming and maintenance goals as determined by the Board. The Executive Director is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with the Society's members, government staff, Chinatown peer organizations, Vancouver tourism and cultural peers, and the general public.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Board Governance
Operations and Human Resources
Tangible Asset Management
Program Development
Community Engagement and External Communications
Financial Performance
Requirements
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
The Executive Director will have or will quickly develop a wide range of skills and abilities including:
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Benefits
Salary range: $100,000 to $115,000 per year plus health benefits, and three weeks of vacation.
Application deadline: We are accepting rolling applications until the position is filled.
Check status of the search process here:
Contact Chris Arnet (she/her) at for more information.