MIchael and Sonja Koerner Director and CEO [Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada]

SEARCH SUMMARY

The Director of the AGO is a leader and an influential voice in the civic and cultural life of Toronto and Ontario in particular, and within Canada’s art community overall.  In recent years the AGO became a more globally engaged participant in the dialogue around the future of museum practice and we are committed to the continuation of this focus both internally and with our sister institutions around the world.

The Director and CEO, is responsible for the AGO’s artistic vision, strategic and financial direction and overall management, including its collections, exhibitions and programs, human resources, facilities, future growth and development, and the professional practices of collaboration, acquisition, deaccession, preservation, program organization and presentation.

The Director, with the support of and in partnership with, the Board of Trustees, is responsible for the financial health of the AGO through audience and civic engagement, fundraising and appropriate earned revenue pursuits. For more information about the AGO please visit www.ago.net.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director and CEO:

?       Sets the level of ambition and excellence for the AGO’s curatorial and programmatic vision that explores opportunities to expand its scholarship, reputation, impact and network.

?       Collaborates with the Board of Trustees on stewardship and management oversight of the AGO and together with the AGO Foundation Board and the Board of the American Friends of the AGO, establishes and maintains clear policy directions and strong committee governance practices to actively support and advocate for the AGO’s interests. Leads planning and execution of museum operations within the Board-approved balanced annual budget and capital funding.

?       Reviews and builds effective, efficient, transparent and collaborative organizational culture.  Leads the AGO’s staff Leadership Team in the ongoing evolution of the museum’s culture through inclusivity, accountability and effective decision making practices and implementing the appropriate organization structure, processes and talent.

?       Manages, supports, recruits and retains highly qualified professional staff to enable the AGO to succeed.  Delegates responsibilities and authority appropriately and definitively. Supports and holds individuals accountable for specific and collective performance and provides direction and coaching to enable success.

?       Leads a successful, multifaceted fundraising operation that builds partnerships, community and trust along with financial security and collections.  Cultivates and stewards relationships with current and prospective major stakeholders, expanding and diversifying the reach of and support for the AGO.

?       Liaises effectively with government, and other national and international cultural institutions in matters relating to funding, partnerships, joint ventures, loans, etc.

?       Expands the AGO’s institutional identity including exhibition excellence, messaging and brand vision through multiple media vehicles and demonstrable visitor experiences and attendance growth.

?       Directs thinking and efforts to define the AGO’s audiences and development of compelling strategies and products for audience engagement including cutting-edge use of technology to enhance scholarship, the visitor experience and connection to the AGO.

?       Ensures museum best practices and adherence to professional standards of excellence for collection care, exhibition design, graphic design, production, collection information management, and donation documentation, including CCPERB applications, are in effect.

?       Develops collaborative working relationships with established and rising members of the Toronto art, cultural, education, political and business communities as well as institutional colleagues and leaders.  Represents the AGO as required, at public functions in Toronto and elsewhere, as a spokesperson and champion.

?       Invests time and resources in scholarship to ensure that the AGO is viewed as a cultural and educational leader.

RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS

The Director and CEO will have or be:

?       A recognized leader in the visual arts and museum community, capable of developing a bold artistic vision for the AGO and enlisting enthusiastic and broad support internally and externally for its realization.  A decisive manager practiced at delegation and operating effectively across multiple platforms.

?       Minimum of 8 years of demonstrated experience as a senior executive with museum operations, audience engagement, governance and best practices, from content to administration including financial operations and integrating technological advancements.

?       Advanced degree in Art History, Museum Studies or equivalent related experience in exhibition and program planning and production.

?       A proven track record in successful fundraising, government and donor relations.  Capital campaign experience a plus.

?       Demonstrated experience leading institutional change, developing exhibition projects, positioning the institution regionally and internationally, and successfully negotiating support and/or works of art from donors.

?       Demonstrated curatorial experience gained in art museums that have sought and achieved imaginative ways of engaging with their visitors that have met targeted results.

?       Demonstrable ability to manage, mentor and retain talent.  Disciplined in managing professional staff to strive for excellence in ideas, execution, strategic and individual goal achievement.

?       Experience setting and managing organizational and staff performance benchmarks; creating a team oriented culture based on inclusivity, performance and accountability.

?       Demonstrated superior organizational, communication (verbal and written), negotiation, interpersonal and presentation skills.  Demonstrated superior judgment, integrity and character in dealing with a variety of stakeholder groups.

?       Personable, approachable, ambitious and intellectually curious.

?       Extensive work on evenings, weekends as well as local and international travel required.

Compensation:

• Annual base salary range of CDN $350,000 to $450,000 based on qualifications, skills and experience subject to annual review.
• Participation in annual bonus program.

Benefits:

• Medical Benefits, Dental Benefits, Vision Care Benefits,
• Disability and life insurance Benefits,
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan,
• Relocation allowance to be considered.