Job Description

The Confederation Centre

The Confederation Centre of the Arts is the result of a dream shared by all Canadians - to create a place where our country's evolution and multicultural character is celebrated, where the talents of its people are nurtured and showcased through visual art, theatre, music, dance, learning programs, professional development and leadership programs. It is where Canada connects - where people come to learn about Canada and explore the issues most important to us. As an employer, the Confederation Centre brings together people of diverse skill sets and qualifications in an equally diverse set of programs and multidisciplinary environments.

The Art Gallery

The Confederation Centre Art Gallery offers a fascinating array of historic and contemporary Canadian work. The collection and programming reflect Canadian identities, and the origin and development of the country. You will find a mix of traditional art forms such as painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and sculpture, as well as digital works, installations using various technologies, and contemporary interdisciplinary works. The Gallery has a national mandate to develop appreciation and understanding of Canadian visual arts, presenting an average of 12 exhibitions each year. There are four main exhibition halls on two levels, plus smaller exhibition spaces at the lower gallery entrance and in the Frederic S. and Ogden Martin Concourse Gallery of the Centre. In addition, a collection of public sculptures can be found on the L.W. (Lou) MacEachern Plaza. The Gallery works in collaboration and partnership with other galleries and museums across Canada to present touring exhibitions, host conferences and events, and provides many other engaging public programs.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

The capital city of PEI is the birthplace of Canadian confederation, and the Confederation Centre of the Arts is Canada's national memorial to those who met here in 1864 and proposed a union that would result in a new country three years later. Charlottetown is a beautiful place to live and work. It has a thriving cultural community with numerous attractions including arts, recreation, restaurants, parks, and the harbour. Charlottetown is home to the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College, and welcomes roughly 1.5 million tourists every summer. Minutes away are some of the best beaches, golf courses, and natural attractions that Canada has to offer.

The Role

We are seeking an

Art Gallery Director

to lead the

Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG)

in its efforts to engage diverse audiences with opportunities to connect through a dynamic program of visual art exhibitions, events, publications, educational opportunities, and artist residencies.

We are looking for a strategic leader who can build on the Art Gallery's successful history of innovative visual arts programing to help define best practices for sustainability in the visual arts eco-system and the broader cultural sector. The new Director will help shape the Centre's rejuvenation efforts, including participation in a new cultural leadership institute and the construction of a welcoming new entrance for the Art Gallery. The Director will work with the Curator and Gallery team to ensure the Art Gallery programs remain relevant and engaging for year-round residents and summer visitors.

The Director, Confederation Centre Art Gallery, is a member of the Senior leadership team and reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Working collaboratively with the Curator of the Art Gallery, the Director is responsible for providing leadership in planning, direction, and management of all operations for the galleries, exhibitions, and activities of the Confederation Centre Art Gallery.

As a member of the senior leadership team at the Centre, the art gallery Director works closely with the CEO, as well as other program directors, senior managers, and staff to successfully implement the strategic priorities of the Centre and meet the goals outlined in the Strategic Plan. The art gallery Director and Curator work together to develop and implement the program plan for the Art Gallery that supports the strategic mandates of the Confederation Centre and those of their colleagues in theatre, performing arts, arts education, and the new leadership institute.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

Develop and communicate a strategic vision for the Art Gallery which supports the Strategic Plan of the Centre and ensures the Gallery remains relevant and meaningful to stakeholders. Provide leadership for a professional team of staff, volunteers, the Collection Committee of the board, and external collaborators; setting goals; fostering professional development; and maintaining a positive, inclusive work environment. Work closely with CEO and the teams in Development, Marketing, Administration, Operations and Finance departments via the senior management team, to ensure that the Art Gallery is sustainable and efficiently aligned to the broader operations of the Confederation Centre.

Sustainability and Fiscal Responsibility

Develop and manage the Art Gallery's multi-year budget plans ensuring the prudent allocation of resources while identifying new revenue sources. Take an active role to ensure the financial health and sustainability of the gallery through strong financial management and entrepreneurial strategies for revenue generation. Foster collaborations and partnerships in the local, regional, and national arts community. Cultivate and maintain relationships with funding agencies, community groups, donors, sponsors, government officials, and professional arts service organizations. Oversee the care, maintenance, use and strategic development the permanent collection, preventive conservation practices, ensuring its long-term relevance.

Operational Management:

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the gallery, including exhibition and other program planning, patron experience, collections management, and administrative leadership. Work closely with the gallery team, guest curators, and collaborators to develop programs that reflect the strategic plan and a diversity of voices. Provide supportive and inspirational leadership to the gallery team of staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment; provide guidance and leadership more broadly across program areas at the Confederation Centre as a member of the senior leadership team. Serve as a spokesperson for the Gallery, promoting its exhibitions and programs in the media and to the public.

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will be an experienced and strategic leader in the visual arts, passionate about Canada and its evolution, and the positive role of the visual arts in building community and cultural understanding.

Required Qualifications:

Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in the visual arts sector, with at least 5 years in a senior management role. Proven track record in gallery management, including exhibition planning, collections management, finances, public programming, and publishing. Demonstrable experience and success developing and managing budgets for operations, programs, and capital projects. Extensive experience with grant and funding applications processes. Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff and volunteers. Strong communication skills with experience in public speaking, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in strategic planning; experience in a multi-disciplinary environment Graduate degree in the visual arts, art history, art education or curatorial studies Experience working with diverse communities and underrepresented artists. Experience addressing issues of financial sustainability and new business models Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset. Strong exhibitions and publications experience

Additional Information:

The Director, Confederation Centre Art Gallery, is a full-time, year-round position, beginning Nov 1, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary range is $75,000 - $95,000 per annum commensurate with experience, with a comprehensive benefits package and pension plan. Comprehensive benefits plan, including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability and life insurance coverage.

Employer-matched pension plan Paid vacation and contingency days Staff discounts on shows and events Employee Assistance Program Training and development opportunities
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $75,000.00-$95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Paid time off Vision care
Work Location: In person