Visual Arts Nova Scotia is seeking a highly motivated, friendly and well-organized individual with a commitment to the arts community to cover the parental leave term contract of Programming Coordinator. This person will have excellent communication skills, some post-secondary education, administrative experience (preferably in arts admin), and be able to work independently and collaboratively.

Term: 35 hour/week, 5 days a week, $30,000/year.

Dates: Covering a maternity/parental leave starting March 14, 2022 (with two weeks of on the job training) until April 3, 2023. 54 weeks total.

Application deadline: February 1, 2022, 4pm. Interviews will be scheduled for the following week.

ABOUT VANS

Visual Arts Nova Scotia is an artist-run organization incorporated in 1976 to support and promote artists while advocating for the visual arts sector in Nova Scotia. We have a very small staff of one part-time Executive Director, one full-time Programming Coordinator, one part-time PAINTS Coordinator as well as contract staff, including a part-time Social Media Coordinator.  We’re a hardworking, pragmatic, supportive team who are all deeply invested in the success of artists. VANS‘ staff and Board regularly participate in anti-oppression training and our core values include equity and social justice concerns. We value thoughtfulness, flexibility and a sense of humour in our coworkers and regularly check in with one another.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to and working with the Executive Director, the Programming Coordinator organizes and facilitates programs including but not limited to the Mentorship Program, professional development workshops and webinars, discussions and panels, the Peer Application Review Groups, as well as managing our in-house gallery space, the Corridor Gallery.

The Programming Coordinator will also be the primary contact for VANS members, and will produce and edit content for newsletters, website, and promotions. They will assist with the development and coordination of special projects and fundraising initiatives. The Programming Coordinator is accountable for providing support services in a variety of administrative capacities for the Executive Director, the Board and any committees of VANS. They work with the Executive Director and other staff and volunteers to develop programs or special projects as required in pursuit of the organization’s mission and goals.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education: Post-secondary degree/diploma or equivalent experience.

Experience: Familiarity with office procedures and program administration through previous employment, preferably in arts administration and/or the not-for-profit sector. Knowledge of visual art practices is essential and a familiarity with Nova Scotia’s visual arts community is desirable.

General skills: Highly motivated and well-organized with a keen attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.  Must have the ability to work independently as well as work collaboratively with staff, instructors, artists and volunteers in a shared work environment.

Computer: Will have strong computer and internet literacy skills. Knowledge of word processing, email, image editing, spreadsheet and database software is essential. Knowledge of specific programs: Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite (especially Photoshop and InDesign), Google Suite, Zoom, MailChimp and WordPress is highly desirable.

Interpersonal:  Able to interact effectively with staff, volunteers, artists, partners and the general public. Must have a pleasant and patient telephone manner and polite email style. Must contribute to a collegial, productive team atmosphere.

Communication:  Must be an effective communicator with excellent oral and written skills, adjusting communication styles to a variety of contexts. Must be able to analyze problems and communicate solutions clearly. Proper grammar and spelling are important. Will be comfortable with speaking to small groups.

Judgment and initiative: Able to act independently and make sound decisions within the framework of established policies and direction. Must be capable of working from home, as well as in the VANS office in Kjipuktuk/ Halifax, and functioning in the absence of other staff members.

Working hours: Willing to work flexible hours, including evening and weekends when necessary. Should be prepared to work from home (VANS will provide the necessary tools to do so). The Programming Coordinator will receive two weeks of paid vacation per year plus our holiday closure (approx. 2 weeks), access to all Visual Arts Nova Scotia workshops and additional opportunities for professional development. Candidates must be prepared to work overtime, which is compensated by equal time-off in lieu, as described in the VANS Personnel Policy.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration: Provides administrative support to the Executive Director as needed. Helps coordinate volunteer engagement and partnership contributions. Regularly reports to the Executive Director and communicates regularly with the PAINTS Coordinator.

Office: Performs general office management tasks; answers inquiries about all aspects of our programs and general correspondence; maintains up-to-date records; maintains organized filing systems; assists with general housekeeping.

Programs: Delivery of programs and services to members and other interested parties.

Finances: Assists bookkeeper ensuring that accurate records are kept of all financial transactions.

Committees:  Participates ex-officio on the Programming Committee and assists other committees in their volunteer work.

Board: Provides administrative support to the Board as required. Helps prepare for and attends Board meetings as required.

Planning: Participates in planning and creative thinking for future priorities and programs for Visual Arts Nova Scotia.

General:  Maintains knowledge of Visual Arts Nova Scotia’s by-laws, policies, procedures and strategic plan. Keeps up-to-date with news and opportunities from the provincial arts community.

OBJECTIVES

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Programming Coordinator will deliver and evaluate current services and programming, making adjustments as necessary. They will assist with grant writing and reporting to government, arts councils, private foundations and other sponsors. They assist with other services and programming in conjunction with committees and/or other staff in support of our mandate.

The Programming Coordinator assists members on a day-to-day basis, researches and responds to inquiries in person, via telephone and email; maintains an active membership database, develops and seeks resource material for artists’ use and assists in member recruitment.

The Programming Coordinator keeps informed and up-to-date on issues concerning the visual arts community; attends meetings, conferences and open forums representing Visual Arts Nova Scotia when necessary. Promotes a positive public image for the organization and encourages constructive relationships between Visual Arts Nova Scotia and other arts and community groups.

The Programming Coordinator speaks to small groups about the organization’s mandate and issues of concern to artists. They promote Visual Arts Nova Scotia activities through effective press releases, online content and printed matter and maintaining up-to-date information on the website.

The Programming Coordinator maintains a current knowledge of contemporary visual art, curating, exhibition and art practices, and marketing initiatives.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Visual Arts Nova Scotia is a small non-profit service organization. The Programming Coordinator must be willing to assist in any capacity necessary.

Hiring Authority – Hired by the Executive Director.

Accountability – Accountable to the Executive Director.

Evaluation – Performance review after the first three months.

Overtime – Compensated by equal time off.

ACCESS NOTES

The VANS office exterior entrance (facing the NSCAD Port Campus on the harbour side of Marginal Road) is on level ground and is wheelchair accessible. Our doors are not automatic, however staff are visible from the entryway and available to assist visitors. There is also another office entrance in the Cultural Federations of Nova Scotia (CFNS) building. The door to the CFNS, where VANS in located, has an accessible button to push for automatic entry during business hours.

Also in the CFNS are two all-gender washrooms, one of which is accessible, located on the main floor. The CFNS Boardroom is up one flight of stairs. If you have questions about accessibility please let us know.

VANS strives to be scent free and encourages our visitors to do the same. We are pet-friendly.

TO APPLY

Please email your resume and a cover letter to hiring@visualarts.ns.ca  (subject heading: Programming Coordinator Hiring Committee) by February 1, 2022 at 4pm.

VANS is committed to employment equity, and we will prioritize applications from those who self-identify in their application as Indigenous, Black, Persons of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, and/or Persons with Disabilities. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.