Executive Director

Organization:

Powell Street Festival Society

Deadline:

Until Filled

Organization Description:

The Powell Street Festival Society’s (PSFS) mission is to cultivate Japanese Canadian arts and culture to connect communities. The main activity is producing the Powell Street Festival (PSF), an annual celebration of Japanese Canadian arts, music and culture in Vancouver’s historic Japanese Canadian neighbourhood, Paueru Gai in the Downtown Eastside (DTES). With the support of over 250 volunteers, this free two-day event is the largest of its kind in Canada and the longest running festival in Metro Vancouver. PSFS is a non-profit professional arts presenter that is progressive, diverse, contemporary, and compelling.

Website:

http://powellstreetfestival.com/

Job Description:

Please see the Responsibilities section.

Responsibilities:

Organization Governance: Work with the Board of Directors to develop strategy and fulfill the organization's mission.
• Responsible for leading PSFS in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board.
• Responsible for communicating 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.
• Accountable for leading the process to support the Board in the development of a strategic plan and to ensure the development of relevant operational and/or work plans to support the implementation of the strategic plan.

Financial and Risk Management: Accountable for management of all resources and risks to ensure the financial health of the organization.
• Responsible for the fiscal integrity of PSFS by working with the bookkeeper and Board Treasurer to present to the Board a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.
• Responsible for fiscal management within the approved budget and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position.
• Manage Society cashflows and oversee reconciliation of accounts monthly with bookkeeper.
• Prepare financial reports and liaise with auditor in preparation of annual financial statements.
• Oversee preparation and submission of federal and provincial tax reports, Workers' Compensation reports, annual Registered Charity Information Return, with bookkeeper.
• Oversee preparation and submission of SOCAN reports, annual reports to BC Registry Services and other required government reports.

Fundraising and Development: Responsible for the development of funding and financial opportunities necessary to support PSFS’ mission.
• Manage fundraising and sponsorship campaigns.
• Prepare and submit Operating and Project grant and foundation applications and reports in collaboration with other staff.
• Investigate new sources of revenue (grants, donors, foundations, and sponsors). Organization Operations: Accountable for all operations including PSFS staff and volunteer management and engagement to ensure the operations of the organization are maintained.
• Maintain relevant HR systems, processes, and policies to assure effective recruitment, hiring, management, and ongoing development of salaried and contract employees.
• Lead the recruitment, hiring, management, and ongoing development of salaried and contracted employees.
• Responsible for managing PSFS’s volunteer strategy and program, and supporting volunteer engagement.
• Responsible for establishing employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions and for the day-to-day operation of the non-profit.
• Ensure that PSFS’ policies and procedures as determined by the Board are followed.
• Responsible for reviewing, approving, and signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into on behalf of the organization as delegated by the Board.
• Responsible for the maintenance of the society’s records and databases.
• Responsible for overseeing the organization and management of Board meetings.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned by the Board.

Programming and Curatorial: Responsible for the development and implementation of the society’s programs, including Festival, off-season events, and Community Care programs, with support from PSFS staff and volunteers.
• Support and maintain outreach to artists, curators and cultural producers whose works are consistent with the PSFS mission
• Develop a clear curatorial vision for the organization and each of its programs, and communicate that vision through outreach and publicity.
• Oversee and initiate community and arts organization partnerships, sponsorships and projects.
• Attend other arts and culture community meetings as required.
• Develop relationships year-round with artists and arts and cultural organizations/partners.
• Lead production of self- and co-produced events, development of new works and other projects.
• Oversee preliminary festival artistic production tasks such as developing and reviewing applications for community and professional artist performers, with staff and volunteers.
• Oversee and implement all publicity and promotion with support from PSFS staff/contractors and volunteers.

Community Engagement: Develop and implement engagement strategies with support from PSFS staff, contractors, and volunteers. • Assist in liaising with local and national Japanese Canadian cultural and social organizations to foster awareness and partnerships. • Lead strategy and objectives related to PSFS Community Care programs in the historic Japanese Canadian community, the DTES neighbourhood.

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Five or more years non-profit management experience.
• Skills to collaborate with and motivate Board members and other volunteers.
• Ability to engage with diverse volunteer, donor groups, and stakeholder organizations.
• Budget management, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting.
• Human resources, including staffing, team building, and performance management.
• Records and database management for a non-profit society.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including ease with public speaking.
• Knowledge of grant applications and fundraising strategies in the non-profit sector.
• Working knowledge of Japanese or other Asian languages and/or experience working with non-native English language speakers is an asset.
• Specific experience with or knowledge of the national and local Asian Canadian arts scenes, the mainstream arts community, and the operations of non-profit societies is also desirable.
• Candidates should be familiar and comfortable working in the Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood in which the Festival has been held for over 40 years.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
• Adaptable: demonstrates a willingness to be flexible, versatile, and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Behave ethically: understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure that own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
• Build relationships: establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internal and external to the organization.
• Communicate effectively: speak, listen. and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner.
• Foster teamwork: work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness and sustainability.
• Lead: motivated self-starter to positively motivate others to achieve results.
• Make decisions: understand the boundaries between Board of Director’s role and executive director’s role when assessing situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks and make clear decisions when timely.
• Organize: set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information, and activities.

How to Apply:

Applications will be accepted by email only. Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs[at]powellstreetfestival.com, and include “Executive Director” in the subject line. No phone calls please. The position is open until filled.

Remuneration:

This is a full-time position (35 hours/weekly) with extended health benefits. The position is in the hourly wage range of $32.90 - $44.50 depending on experience. PSFS’s offices are located in downtown Vancouver, with the opportunity for hybrid working arrangements.

Contact Name: Emiko Morita
Contact Email: admin@powellstreetfestival.com
Contact Phone: (604) 739-9388