Vice President, Arts (VPA)
The Banff Centre • Full-Time
http://www.banffcentre.ca
Banff, AB

The Vice-President, Arts (VPA) is accountable to the President for the leadership, organization and performance of Arts Programming.  The VPA has overall responsibility for the development and implementation of the goals and plans necessary to maintain the programming excellence, integrity and realistic growth of the Arts within the context of the long-term goals established for the Arts and for The Banff Centre.

The VPA is responsible for leading and motivating a diverse team of professional artists, program personnel and administrators in devising successful program and operating strategies, implementing appropriate delivery and support systems and evaluating results.

WEBSITE www.banffcentre.ca

LOCATION Box 1020, Banff, Alberta Canada T1L 1H5

REPORTS TO President
 
REPORTING    
This position is one of seven (7) positions reporting directly to the President. The other positions are: Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer; Vice-President, Business Development; Chief Development Officer and Executive Director, Marketing and Communications; Director, Government Relations and Manager, Special Projects and Institutional Research.

Reporting to the VPA are the Executive Director, Film & Media; Director, Program Operations; Director, Theatre Arts; Director, Visual Arts; Director of Operation, Music; Director, Aboriginal Arts; and Director, Literary Arts.
 
DIMENSIONS (Annual and approximate, 2012/13):
Operating Revenue $13,142,210
Expenses    
Payroll & Related $10,126,974
Other Operating Expenses $9,150,067
Total Expenses $19,277,041

THE ORGANIZATION
The Banff Centre is Canada’s creative leader in arts and culture. Our mission is: Inspiring Creativity.  In The Banff Centre’s powerful mountain setting in the heart of Banff National Park, exceptional artists and leaders from around the world create and perform new works of art; share skills and knowledge in an interdisciplinary environment; and explore ideas and develop solutions in the arts and leadership.

Arts programs, mainly residential-based, are at the core of The Banff Centre. Programming supports the commissioning and creation of new work by individual artists and arts collectives, and provides resources for collaboration and applied research. Training and professional development at the post-graduate level in more than a dozen art forms including Aboriginal arts, music, theatre, dance, opera, literature, ceramics, print-making, painting, papermaking, photography, sculpture, audio engineering, digital film and video, and new media. Work is showcased in public performance, events, and exhibitions throughout the year, culminating in the annual Banff Summer Arts Festival.

Leadership Development programs pioneer new ways of looking at leadership and new methodologies for leading in a complex world. Programs emphasize experiential, arts-and nature-based learning for leaders in the corporate, government, Aboriginal, and not-for-profit sectors, and applied research in best leadership practices.

Conferences at The Banff Centre provides delegates from Alberta, Canada, and around the world with exceptional meeting facilities in an environment that fosters inspirational learning. Net revenue from conference operations supports arts programming.
 
The Banff Centre is supported by funding from the Government of Alberta through Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education, Alberta Infrastructure, and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Arts programs are supported by funding from the Government of Canada through the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Canada Arts Training Fund. The Banff Centre experience is also enriched through generous support from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. PROGRAMMING AND STRATEGY

• Responsible for identifying the needs of artists and the arts which Arts Programming can best fulfill; for internal and external evaluations of the Art's programs, and for the development of short- and long-term plans for positioning Arts Programming at the forefront of the professional development of artists in Canada and abroad.
• Represent Arts Programming in the Canadian and international context both to establish the network and communication links needed to maintain the excellence and viability of the Arts Programs, and to enhance the presence and the reputation of the programs and The Banff Centre.
• Provide leadership to Arts Programming to establish, maintain and enhance excellence in programs, faculty and participants.
• Develop and effectively integrate the long-range plans and strategies of Arts Programming with those of the Centre; approve all significant changes to long-range plans for Arts Programming.
• Establish and maintain contact with a variety of business, arts, and cultural communities, nationally and internationally, to ensure that the Arts programs are relevant, leading edge where appropriate, and always of the highest caliber.
• Lead creation of the vision for the Arts which provides the context within which to monitor and respond as appropriate to the needs for professional training, development and experimentation in the arts. Assemble the requisite resource structure to support the implementation of the vision.
• Develop and maintain contact with the professional, academic and artistic communities of interest served by Arts Programming.  Keep up to date on the cultural/economic/political/technological developments affecting the needs of artists at different stages of their careers, and help to shape policy as well as to implement it.
• Develop a national and international network of supporters, partners, advisors and contributors in order to be widely informed, influential and well positioned to identify and seize opportunities to enhance the programming and profile of Arts Programming.
• Contribute to the enhancement and promotion of The Banff Centre with all its publics.

2. STAFFING AND LEADERSHIP

• Evaluate and integrate Arts Programming goals and strategies within the broader context of the overall objectives of the institution, recognizing the roles, needs and contributions of the other business areas in the total mix of programming at The Banff Centre.
• Contribute as an informed and influential member of a senior Executive team charged with developing overall Banff Centre operating strategy and policy. The VPA will fulfill this responsibility through consultation with the President, peers and colleagues, and members of the Board of Governors, as appropriate.
• Monitor, evaluate and evolve the mission to ensure the continuing relevance of Arts Programming and operations. Initiate and guide program review, change and evolution in the interest of keeping all aspects of Arts Programming on the leading edge, and aware of the needs of the community and the expectations of the economic, political and social environments.
• Promote the continuing development of an organizational climate which encourages creativity, innovation and risk taking, which rewards individuals for productivity and quality improvements, which focuses on the achievement of the goals of the Centre as a whole, and which constantly reinforces the unique culture of The Banff Centre.
• Guide the recruitment and appointment of the highest caliber of artistic directors, administrators and program staff.
• Guide artistic directors in setting and adhering to appropriate acceptance standards for program residents in the interests of maintaining a reputation of high quality for Arts Programming.
• Provide leadership in the development and support and cross-pollination of all Arts programming.
• Contribute to the overall development of The Banff Centre by working innovatively and effectively with the other officers of The Banff Centre as appropriate, including participation on senior policy committees.

3. PARTNERSHIPS AND DEVELOPMENT

• Develop and maintain close contacts with officials in federal and provincial governments, public and private agencies, associations, advisory bodies, foundations, private sector companies and individual patrons, with the express intent of evolving a high level of public awareness and public and private sector support of the activities of Arts Programming and The Banff Centre as a whole.
• Work with the Chief Development Officer in the creation and implementation of fundraising and sponsorship initiatives which will benefit Arts Programming and The Banff Centre as a whole.
• Initiate and coordinate appropriate joint ventures.
• Assume responsibility for arts financial resources, including annual arts budget preparation; establishes priorities and allocates budgets to each arts office and section.
• Foster open communications between President’s office and the arts community inclusive of: regular internal contact with all senior staff to discuss issues affecting Banff operations, Banff Centre profile and financial status. Regular contact with all arts Directors to discuss issues affecting client/stakeholder groups.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• A proven track record of management in a senior leadership role within an arts/cultural or academic institution with a high level of policy, planning, and marketing skills, as well as budgeting and financial management skills.
• An astute leader with business and political savvy and a drive and dedication toward a high degree of stakeholder satisfaction, including an awareness of specific problems and current issues facing the arts community, artists and arts organizations in Canada and internationally.
• Excellent administrative and management skills in order to ensure that a high level of service is provided for clients, to respond to the administrative needs of reporting Directors, and to promote and achieve Centre objectives.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant provincial and federal legislation, policies, procedures and programs for the arts in order to respond to the problems and changing needs of the arts; Politically astute, able to work effectively and pro-actively with Government.
• Active and effective fundraiser for the institutional development activity of the Arts Programming and The Banff Centre, particularly in the private sector.
• Advanced level of public relations and communication abilities to effectively gain cooperation of others; high profile with credibility within the arts community and ease representing The Banff Centre to various publics including the media.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and passion for the arts in Canada with an appreciation of the cultural, artistic and economic environment and history of the province and its different regions.
• A collaborative and cooperative style backed by sound judgment and integrity and advanced conceptual and analytical skills; relationship-builder with a strong, established and growing network who is able to manage large numbers of stakeholders with a variety of professional working styles.
• Commitment to consultation and consensus-building, balanced with the ability to act decisively in a politically astute and highly professional 360 degree manner; able to understand the complex nature of management in a multi-stakeholder arts organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills so as to be comfortable and effective with The Banff Centre’s internal and external constituencies: the Board of Governors, staff, clients, related government bodies, the corporate and foundation communities, major donors and the diverse arts communities The Banff Centre serves.
• Engender confidence and trust from the arts community, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Able to manage, monitor and deliver on several projects simultaneously while maintaining superior attention to detail; able to adjust style in response to changing priorities and opportunities; strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize.
• Culturally aligned with The Banff Centre’s values of: Creative Community, Learning, Diversity, Communication, Work/Life Harmony and Environmental Leadership.
• Cross cultural awareness and knowledge to work effectively in a diverse workplace and for the building of relationships with diverse communities.
• Knowledge of French a definite asset; International candidates will be considered.

 
The Banff Centre is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and strongly supports and values diversity in the workplace. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome and individuals from equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply. Accommodation will be made available to applicants with disabilities in the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please contact jennifer@searchlightcanada.com.

COMPENSATION
A competitive compensation package will be offered, complete with salary, accommodation and relocation subsidy, and benefits.

To apply, email covering letter and resume by August 31, 2012 to:

Jennifer Gordon, Partner                    
Email: jennifer@searchlightcanada.com             

Daniel Weinzweig, Managing Partner
Email: daniel@searchlightcanada.com

We thank all those who express interest, however only those advancing in the process will be contacted.