Interim National Executive Director

Cultural Human Resources Council; Canada; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A national membership association for visual artists is seeking an Interim National Executive Director to provide leadership during a transitional period. This full-time, interim role involves overseeing daily operations, managing financials, and leading organizational strategy. The ideal candidate should have significant experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly in arts and advocacy, and demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion. Offering a salary range of $70,000 to $80,000 with benefits, this position supports a hybrid work environment, acknowledging the importance of diverse perspectives in the arts.

Benefits

3 weeks paid vacation

4 day work week in July and August

Health benefits after three months

Qualifications

• At least three years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit or arts organizations.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong delegation and organizational skills, capable of managing competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of organizational policies and strategies.
• Oversee financial operations, including budget preparation and funding applications.
• Strengthen relationships within the cultural sector and represent the organization publicly.

Skills

Leadership experience in nonprofit organizations

Communication skills

Financial management

Conflict resolution

Fundraising experience

Education

Post-secondary degree in fine arts or arts administration

Job description

Key Details

Type: Full-time, temporary 12 month contract, salaried position
Compensation: $70,000 - $80,000
Hours: 37.5 hours/week
Location: Remote (hybrid work may be available depending on location)
Start date: As soon as possible
Deadline to apply: January 8th, 2026
Benefits, Vacation, and Paid Time Off: 3 weeks paid vacation, 4 day work week in July and August, health benefits provided after three month probationary period

Note: This interim role will be followed by an open competition for the permanent National Executive Director position, for which the interim ED may apply.

About CARFAC

CARFAC is the national membership association for visual artists. We represent professional artists of all ages and stages of their artistic careers, living from coast to coast to coast. We believe that artists, like professionals in other fields, should be paid fairly for their work. We educate the visual arts community about artists’ economic and legal rights, and we offer professional development opportunities through conferences, workshops, and publications. CARFAC strives to be an inclusive and safe space for all, and to accurately reflect the diversity of the artist communities that we serve.

About the Role

The Interim National Executive Director is the senior‑most administrative position at CARFAC, reporting directly to the Board of Directors. This role provides organizational leadership during a period of transition, with responsibility for operations, human resources, financial management, governance support, strategic oversight and sector, affiliate and member relations.

The Interim National Executive Director leads the development and implementation of policies and strategies, supports the Board in transition planning, and oversees government and funder relations, provincial affiliate and public communications, and national advocacy initiatives. The successful candidate will bring experience in the cultural sector and demonstrate a strong commitment to collective responsibility, social justice, and equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Transition Management

• Assess and strengthen organizational systems, policies, and workflows and support the Board in developing and implementing a 12‑month transition plan.
• Prepare clear documentation and sustainable systems that ensure strong continuity and support the organization’s transition into permanent leadership.
• Provide supportive, trauma‑informed, equity‑aligned leadership to staff, ensuring smooth workload distribution during leave periods, onboarding temporary or contract staff, and coaching team members to build internal leadership capacity across the organization.
• Lead human resources management, including job design, recruitment, supervision, and performance reviews for a small team of staff in collaboration with the Board of Directors.

Operations, Governance & Financial Management

• Oversee internal/daily operations, ensuring continuity and implementation of core programs and projects, advocacy work, and member support.
• Coordinate policy research and consultation responses with the Board, and implement Board decisions while ensuring strong governance practices are maintained.
• Provide administrative support at board and committee meetings as well as the Annual General Meeting & National F2F board meeting, including preparation of agendas in consultation with meeting Chairs, and preparation and presentation of meeting materials.
• Oversee financial planning and operations, maintenance of accounting records, writing funding applications and reports, and preparation of the annual operating budget.

Sector Relations, Advocacy & External Representation

• Provide sector‑facing leadership for CARFAC by ensuring responsive communication with members; strengthening relationships with affiliates, partners, cultural agencies, funders, and major funding bodies; and stewarding partnerships that advance CARFAC’s mission.
• Coordinate national advocacy efforts, including government relations and lobbying, and represent CARFAC publicly with members, media, policymakers, and sector partners.
• Lead and support key national advocacy files: the Artist’s Resale Right, National Gallery of Canada negotiations, payment standards, and other major cultural policy initiatives.
• Track legislative and cultural policy developments and collaborate with the Board to ensure the advancement of relevant advocacy priorities.
• Support staff with project implementation, reporting, stakeholder relationships, and funding applications to ensure alignment between programming and advocacy goals.
• Connect members, partners, and sector organisations to strengthen national networks, improve alignment, and support collective action across the visual arts ecosystem.

Experience

We recognize the value of both paid and unpaid work. For this role, we are seeking someone with the following experience:

• At least three (3) years of demonstrated senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, arts, advocacy, community, or grassroots organization, involving strategic planning, financial management, team leadership, and collaboration with a board of directors (or equivalent governing body).
• A post‑secondary degree, diploma, or certificate in fine arts or arts administration. Equivalent experience, related fields of education, or a deep understanding of the visual arts sector will also be considered.
• Exceptional communication, writing, interpersonal, facilitation, conflict‑resolution, networking, and public speaking skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and effectively represent the organization.
• Strong delegation skills, organizational skills and high attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities, effectively solve problems, and make sound decisions while handling confidential information with discretion.
• Experience and/or strong interest in progressive and grassroots or membership‑based artist‑run culture is required.
• Proven change‑management experience, including leading organizations through periods of transition.

Skills, Qualities & Values

The following skills, qualities and values will support success in this role (assets, not required). These can be gained through lived experience, volunteer roles, community work, and formal employment.

• Speaking proficiency in both of Canada’s official languages (French/English).
• Experience in fundraising, public relations, grant writing, policy development, and government relations or negotiations.
• Familiarity with labour relations or legal frameworks, and knowledge of visual arts labour standards, including the CARFAC/RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule.
• Familiarity with CARFAC collaborations and projects such as the Artist’s Resale Right, Indigenous Protocols for Visual Arts, National Gallery of Canada negotiations, and the Copyright Act.
• Experience in the Canadian cultural sector, collective governance, national membership organisations, or unionised environments.
• Commitment to equity, anti‑oppression, accessibility, and safer‑space practices. Ensure inclusive practices in consultations and communications.

To Apply

Applications are due Thursday, January 8th, 2026 at 11:59pm PST.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a first interview. Candidates who are then invited to a second interview will receive a small honourarium for their time. A decision on a successful candidate is expected to happen by early February 2026.

* Please name your document as follows: Position_First name_Last name.pdf
Example: CARFAC Interim ED_Mary_Chan.pdf

* Please write the subject line of your email to match the file name.
Example: CARFAC Interim ED - Mary Chan

If you are experiencing any difficulties with your application, please reach out to us at [e-mail] to make arrangements or discuss any specific accommodations you may need.

We are committed to fairness, equity, and diversity in all employment opportunities, and we provide a supportive work environment for all staff. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who are members of marginalized and/or underserved/underrepresented communities, especially individuals who identify with: Black, Indigenous, or people of colour; diverse gender and sexual identities (including 2SLGBTQIA+); people living with dis/ability, etc.

Not sure if you check every requirement? That’s ok! We are still interested in hearing from you. We’d love to learn more about how your unique experience might make you a great addition to the CARFAC National.

Established in 1968, CARFAC is the national association for Canada’s visual artists. As the national voice of Canada’s professional visual artists, CARFAC defends artists’ economic and legal rights, and educates the public on fair dealing with artists.