Executive Director

Oyablackarts; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

OYA Black Arts Coalition seeks a strategic Executive Director to lead their impactful initiatives in supporting Black filmmakers and artists. The role involves driving organizational growth, financial sustainability, and community engagement. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership experience in the creative cultural sector and a commitment to equity and empowerment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of leadership in arts, film, or nonprofit.
• Proven success in fundraising and financial management.
• Commitment to equity and anti-racism.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership reflecting OBAC's mission.
• Lead fundraising strategies and financial planning.
• Build relationships with Black artists and community leaders.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Communication

Relationship-building

Cultural advocacy

Education

Post-secondary degree in arts administration, cultural studies, nonprofit management or related field

Job description

Executive Director – OYA Black Arts Coalition

Position Type : Full-time, Contract

Location : 276 Carlaw Ave, Unit 214A, Toronto ON M4M 3L1

Organization Website : www.oyablackarts.org

About OYA Black Arts Coalition (OBAC) :

OYA Black Arts Coalition is a non-profit charitable organization committed to cultivating and championing the creative voices of Black youth, emerging, and mid-career filmmakers and artists. Through mentorship, training, industry access, and public programming, OBAC supports a vibrant and sustainable Black arts ecosystem in Canada. We believe in the transformative power of storytelling, community building, and cultural celebration.

Position Overview :

OYA Black Arts Coalition is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and strategic Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization into its next chapter of impact and growth. The ED is the face and guiding force of the organization, responsible for articulating its mission, ensuring financial sustainability, supporting the staff and board, and deepening engagement with the communities we serve.

The successful candidate is a passionate advocate for Black arts and culture, with demonstrated leadership experience in arts-based or community-centered organizations and five years in the film and television, or screen-based sector.

Key Responsibilities :

Leadership and Vision

• Provide bold, inclusive, and strategic leadership that reflects OBAC’s mission and values.
• Lead with staff and the Board to implement the organization’s strategic goals.
• Represent OBAC publicly, articulating a compelling vision to funders, partners, media, and the wider creative community.
• Oversee financial planning, reporting, and accountability in partnership with the Board and finance team.
• Lead fundraising strategies, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and partnership development.
• Maintain and grow a diverse revenue base to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Provide high-level leadership to OBAC’s team and mentor senior staff and help them succeed in their roles.
• Foster a culture of care, equity, collaboration, and accountability.
• Ensure alignment between staff structure and programmatic needs.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Black artists, arts organizations, community leaders, industry funding organizations, and program alumni.
• Represent OBAC at industry events and in community forums.
• Prioritize outreach that amplifies the creative voices and communities of individuals within the Black diaspora.

Board Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison between staff and the Board of Directors; manage communications, meeting schedules, and materials.
• Provide timely updates and recommendations on strategic, operational, and financial matters.
• Support Board development, governance practices, and strategic planning.
• Lead resource development strategies in collaboration with the Board and fundraising team.
• Secure and steward funding from public arts councils, private foundations, and individual donors.
• Grow OBAC’s profile among philanthropic and sectoral partners.

Organizational Support & Operations

• Support the operations, coordination, and administration team in ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of the organization.
• Collaborate with the Operations Manager and Program Coordinators to align strategic goals with operational workflows.
• Ensure the organization remains compliant with nonprofit regulations and reporting requirements.

Advocacy & Public Relations

• Champion the visibility of OBAC and the work of Black artists locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Act as the organization’s spokesperson to media, funders, and cultural stakeholders.
• Build public understanding of OBAC’s role and impact in the cultural sector.

Qualifications :

• Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in the creative cultural sector (including arts, film, television, interactive digital media, etc..), nonprofit.
• Proven success in fundraising, financial management, and organizational leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, anti-racism, and community empowerment.
• Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities facing Black artists and filmmakers in Canada.
• Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors is an asset.
• Post-secondary degree in arts administration, cultural studies, nonprofit management or a related field is an asset but not required.

Application Instructions :

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications.

Application Deadline : July 24, 2025

OYA Black Arts Coalition is an equal opportunity employer.

We encourage applications from candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically excluded or marginalized in arts and culture spaces. We are committed to equitable hiring and creating a supportive environment for all team members.

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