Executive Director

Reports to: Board of Directors
Location: Chilliwack Museum and Archives, Chilliwack BC
Job Type: Full-Time; Permanent
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm (shifts may be required outside these hours)
Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000
Closing Date: Open until a suitable candidate is found
Benefits: Extended health and dental benefits plus 6% RRSP matching
 
The Chilliwack Museum & Archives is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Ts’elxwéyeqw and Pelólhxw communities of the Stó:lō. We are thankful for the opportunity to live and learn on this territory.

The Chilliwack Museum & Archives is an innovative, responsive, and inclusive organization that connects people with the past, present and future. Our organization strives to create experiences with local and global significance that encourage dialogue and inspire action.

Located in downtown Chilliwack, the Museum and Archives operates out of 2 locations. The Museum is housed in Chilliwack’s historic City Hall building while the Archives are located a few blocks away inside Evergreen Hall – another City owned facility.

The Chilliwack Museum & Archives is a not-for-profit organization governed by the Chilliwack Museum & Historical Society (CMHS) Board of Directors. The management and operations of the CMHS are overseen by the Executive Director.

Summary of Position:
Reporting to the President of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for implementing the Strategic Plan and leading the operations of the Chilliwack Museum & Archives. The Executive Director coordinates the talents of the staff and volunteers to create a dynamic, community- engaged organization. The Executive Director is the primary representative for the organization, serving as a liaison with the public on matters pertaining to Chilliwack’s history and the Museum & Archives itself.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Board of Directors and Governance

• Propose initiatives and participate in the development of the Strategic Plan. Implement Board strategies and activities;
• Provide Board of Directors with monthly financial and activity reports;
• Create policies for Board approval and carry out Executive Director activities in compliance with Board approved policies.

 
2. Fiscal Management

• Develop and manage an annual operating budget and provide monthly status reports to the Board on the state of the budget;
• Develop and manage capital budgets;
• Prepare reports as required for agencies who provide funding for the organization;
• Increase the resource base of the Museum & Archives through creative fundraising, grant writing, and other financial sources;
• Ensure all grant-funded expenditures are carried out in accordance with grant requirements;
• Maintain accurate donor records and ensure tax receipts are issued;
• Monitor and oversee financial procedures including payroll and accounts payable;
• Regular liaising with external bookkeeper;
• Annual liaising with external auditor.

 
3. Operational Management

• Collaborate with employees to ensure key operational plans and initiatives are carried out including regular operations at both the Museum and Archives locations, special events, development and implementation of exhibits and programs;
• Supervise staff and volunteers;
• Implement specific fundraising initiatives;
• Implement and adopt technology solutions to maximize productivity and streamline processes. Ensure technology and computer policies are up to date and liaise with IT contractor.

 
4. Human Resources Management

• Build an effective, engaging, and enjoyable workplace for employees and volunteers reflective of the Museum & Archives mandate;
• Collaborate with staff to set annual growth plans;
• Conduct performance evaluations;
• Create job postings, hire employees, and ensure new hire paperwork is completed;
• Ensure HR Policies are up-to-date, communicated with employees, and are reflective of best practice;
• Ensure all job descriptions are up to date, complete, and understood.

5. Communication, Partnerships and Marketing

• Execute the re-branding of the organization;
• Develop strategies to build engagement and awareness of the organization;
• Build and maintain community partnerships with educational institutions and historical/heritage organizations to expand public engagement activities;
• Liaise with the City senior management representatives and those responsible for facility maintenance;
• Liaise with provincial museum, archival, historical and heritage organizations, as well as relevant national organizations;
• Use a variety of creative approaches to market programs, exhibits and services.

6. Museology and Stewardship

• Work with employees to develop and implement high-quality programs, events, and exhibitions;
• Create opportunities to collaborate with local Indigenous communities to de-colonize the Museum’s programs, exhibits, and events with a focus on local history.

Qualifications and Skills:

• University Degree, preferably at the Graduate level in Museum studies, History, Art History, Anthropology, or another related discipline. An appropriate combination of education and experience may be considered. Preference will be given to individuals with additional studies/experience in leadership and administration;
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a museum environment or non-profit organization;
• Experience serving on or working with a Board of Directors, supervising staff, managing a budget, and expanding revenue opportunities;
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement and business development;
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and volunteers;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills marked by professionalism, teamwork, and courtesy;
• Proven ability to develop and manage Operating Budgets. In addition, experience in grant writing and fundraising will be given preference;
• Managerial knowledge of accounting, Excel and Word is required;
• Knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action and the standards outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP);
• Knowledge of local history is an asset.

 
Commitment to Decolonization and Reconciliation
The Chilliwack Museum & Historical Society recognizes that museums and archives are inherently colonial organizations that must take accountability and action in dismantling the parts of these organizations that continue to perpetuate colonial harm.

The Chilliwack Museum & Archives is committed to decolonization and reconciliation and is committed to implementing the Truth & Reconciliation (TRC) Commissions Calls to Action and the standards outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Application Instructions
The Chilliwack Museum and Archives is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to foster a workplace that reflects the full breadth of the communities we serve and welcome applications from women, racialized persons/BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, and people with disabilities.

All qualified applicants are invited to apply by submitting their cover letter and resume as a single PDF to:

Kaitlyn Janzen,
Chair, HR Committee, Board of Directors
boardofdirectors@chilliwackmuseum.ca

Please use “Executive Director Application” as the subject line.

We look forward to reviewing all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.