General Manager - SMCQ

NūMove Robotics & Vision; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Competitive compensation

Internationally renowned cultural role

Collaborative team

Job summary

Société de musique contemporaine du Québec (SMCQ) seeks an Executive Director to lead a premier contemporary music institution in Quebec and Canada. You will partner with the Artistic Director, report to the Board, and drive strategic growth while maintaining artistic excellence.

You will oversee budgets, fundraising, governance, and stakeholder relations, building a diverse team and advancing the organization’s international reach with a culture of innovation and impact.

Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent required; leadership experience in non-profit or cultural sector preferred.
• Minimum 5 years managing a contemporary music organization or similar entity.
• Strong understanding of arts funding, grants, and government relations.
• Proven ability to lead diverse teams and collaborate with artistic leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic vision and mobilize the team around priorities.
• Foster innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure sustainable financial management and rigorous budgeting.
• Oversee relationships with funders and private funding initiatives.
• Recruit and develop a high-performing, inclusive team.
• Strengthen partnerships with government bodies and professional networks.
• Expand the organization’s reach within Quebec, Canada, and internationally.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Fundraising & grant writing

Governance & board relations

Bilingual (FR/EN)

HR leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

University degree or equivalent

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Budgeting software

IT management tools

Job description

The Société de musique contemporaine du Québec (SMCQ) is seeking a visionary leader to head one of the most important contemporary music institutions in Quebec and Canada. As Executive Director, you will play a pivotal strategic role: bringing together artistic passion, operational excellence, and an ambitious vision for the future. The Executive Director will work closely with the Artistic Director. Both departments report to the Board of Directors.

Why this role is unique

• Making a real difference: Leading an organization that embodies musical innovation and has an international reach.
• A stimulating challenge: Navigating the complex balance between artistic vision, operational rigor, and social impact with elegance.
• A creative team: Collaborating with artists, influential partners, and key players in the cultural sector.
• Strategic autonomy: Shaping the organization's trajectory and leaving your lasting mark on a renowned institution.

Your main responsibilities

• Leading the strategic vision and mobilizing the team around organizational priorities.
• Cultivating a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensuring sustainability Financial and rigorous budget management.
• Oversee relationships with funders and orchestrate private funding initiatives.
• Recruit and develop a high-performing team in an inclusive and stimulating environment.
• Strengthen strategic partnerships and represent the SMCQ with government bodies and professional networks.
• Expand the organization's reach in Quebec, Canada, and internationally.

Desired Profile

• University degree or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least 5 years of experience managing a contemporary music organization, in a leadership role within a cultural organization, a non-profit organization, or a similar organization.
• A good understanding of the contemporary music scene and its specific challenges will be particularly valued. Appreciated.
• Skills in budget preparation, IT management tools, grant applications, musician contract management, concert and festival logistics, supervision of various projects, and new communication tools.
• Bilingual (French, English).
• Outstanding ability to navigate the intersection of creativity, collaboration, and operational rigor.
• Act as the organization's human resources leader, ensuring the attraction, development, engagement, and retention of talent, while supporting managers and fostering a healthy organizational culture.
• Sharp political acumen, diplomacy, and excellent interpersonal skills.

What We Offer

• Flexible schedule to accommodate concerts, events, and other evening or weekend activities, with a regular on-site presence at the SMCQ office.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with your experience and qualifications.
• The opportunity to lead a prestigious, internationally renowned cultural institution.
• A collaborative team and a creative environment where your leadership will make a real difference.

If this profile resonates with you and you are excited about shaping the future of a major cultural institution, we would like to meet you.

To Apply

In addition to your resume, please include a cover letter explaining your interest in this position.

We encourage you to share with us:

• Your reasons for applying;
• Your vision of the role of Executive Director at the SMCQ;
• The experience and achievements that prepare you to take on this challenge;
• Your perception of the main issues and challenges specific to this position;
• Your vision of the relationships and collaboration between Executive Director, Artistic Director, Board of Directors, and the team;
• The contribution you wish to make to the SMCQ and its development.

This letter is an opportunity to share your management approach, leadership, and understanding of the realities of a cultural organization.

For any questions, please contact: Dominique Gauvin - Executive Director, HR Department [e-mail]

We thank all those who express their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.