Organizer Information
The daphne is a not-for-profit Indigenous artist-run centre based in Tiohtià:ke / Mooniyang / Montréal. Established as a platform for contemporary Indigenous artistic practices across Turtle Island, it supports exhibitions, public programming, and professional development for artists at all career stages.
Operating from a 4,300 sq ft facility with two galleries and flexible multi-purpose spaces, daphne has become a key institution in the Canadian Indigenous contemporary art ecosystem. Its mandate emphasizes equity, accessibility, and community-driven cultural production, while building long-term institutional sustainability through partnerships and funding diversification.
Title & Description
Executive Director — Daphne Artist-Run Centre (Indigenous Contemporary Art Institution)
The daphne is seeking an Executive Director to lead its next institutional phase, transitioning from an emergent organization to a fully established artist-run centre with sustainable core funding.
This Job opportunity is a senior leadership role within a leading Indigenous cultural institution dedicated to Visual Arts, Curatorial Practice, and community-based cultural programming. The Executive Director will shape the organization’s artistic vision, strategic direction, and operational sustainability while ensuring strong alignment with Indigenous artistic values and community engagement.
The role involves overseeing exhibitions, partnerships, fundraising, governance, and internal organizational development, while maintaining a strong curatorial and cultural leadership presence within Canada’s contemporary Indigenous art landscape.
The Role Overview
- Position Type: Full-time leadership position (Job)
- Contract Type: Permanent / Full-time (ongoing institutional role)
- Salary: CAD $55,000–$60,000 (commensurate with experience)
- Reporting To: Board of Directors
- Institution Type: Indigenous artist-run centre
- Programme Context: Contemporary Indigenous Visual Arts programming and curatorial leadership
- Work Schedule: Full-time with evening/weekend availability for programming
- Leadership Scope: Artistic direction, operations, fundraising, HR, governance
Position & Tasks
Leadership & Strategic Direction
- Provide visionary leadership for institutional growth and sustainability
- Develop long-term strategic planning in collaboration with the Board
- Strengthen partnerships with cultural institutions, funders, and stakeholders
- Promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all operations
Artistic Programming & Curatorial Oversight
- Oversee exhibitions and public programming in Visual Arts
- Ensure representation of diverse contemporary Indigenous art practices
- Guide curatorial direction and institutional programming development
- Support publications and public-facing cultural initiatives
Fundraising & Financial Management
- Lead grant writing and fundraising strategies
- Manage operational and project-based funding development
- Oversee budgeting, accounting, auditing, and financial planning
- Maintain donor and funding relationships
Human Resources & Organizational Culture
- Manage recruitment, staffing, and professional development
- Foster an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture
- Ensure compliance with employment standards
- Develop internal processes for organizational effectiveness
Governance & Board Relations
- Work closely with Board of Directors on strategic direction
- Report on finances, programming, and institutional performance
- Support governance processes including meetings and AGM coordination
Categories
- Art Management
- Curatorial
- Visual Arts
- Cultural Management
- Jobs
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Art Administration
Eligibility
- International applicants may apply, with strong preference for Indigenous candidates
- Preference for candidates with demonstrated ties to Indigenous communities (rural or urban)
- Strong professional experience in arts management, curating, or cultural leadership
- Fluency in English and French required
- Background in contemporary Indigenous Visual Arts is strongly preferred
- Experience in nonprofit cultural organizations highly valued
Program Benefits
- Senior leadership position in a nationally recognised Indigenous arts institution
- Competitive salary ($55,000–$60,000 CAD)
- Opportunity to shape institutional transformation and long-term strategy
- Direct influence on Indigenous contemporary Visual Arts programming in Canada
- Leadership role within an established curatorial and artist-run ecosystem
- Engagement with national and international cultural networks
- Institutional authority in fundraising, governance, and cultural policy development
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via email to: direction@daphne.art
Anchor Text: Apply for Executive Director Position at Daphne
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 September 2026
Location
Montréal, Canada
Additional Details
- Salary range: CAD $55,000–$60,000 depending on experience
- Requires availability for evening and weekend programming
- Strong emphasis on Indigenous leadership and community accountability
- Organization is in a transition phase toward a sustainable core funding model
- Strong expectations in fundraising, governance, and institutional development
- Commitment to a barrier-free hiring process and accessibility support