Programming and Communications Manager
The Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation for Young Artists
Location: Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art, 2121 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC
Employment Type: Permanent, Part-Time on a 10 month schedule to account for the July and August Gallery closure.
Hours: 24.5 hours/week
Wednesday: 9:00 AM–1:30 PM, Thursday & Friday: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM–4:30 PM
(Occasional evening work required for events and public programs)
Compensation: $24–$30/hour, with Extended Health Benefits
Application Deadline: June 17, 2025
Start Date: September 2025
About the Organization
The Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation for Young Artists, in partnership with Artists for Kids and the North Vancouver School District, is dedicated to enriching children’s lives through visual arts education and public programming. Together, we operate the Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art—a unique space where Canadian art, education, and community engagement converge.
We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional, unceded territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Position Summary
The Program and Communications Manager plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the Gordon Smith Gallery. This position is responsible for delivering high-quality public programming, coordinating exhibitions and events, managing gallery communications, and supporting volunteer engagement.
This is a permanent part-time position, ideal for a creative and detail-oriented individual with experience in the arts, communications, and community engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Program Coordination & Exhibition Support
Plan and deliver Explore and Create, a free drop-in Saturday family art program
Assist with logistics and administration for the Spring Exhibition, annual Speaker Series, and Music at the Smith events
Collaborate with Artists for Kids to support the Fall Exhibition and community-facing programming
Communications & Marketing
Draft and manage email newsletters, social media posts, and web updates for both the Smith Foundation and Artists for Kids
Collaborate with a graphic designer to produce promotional materials and event collateral
Track and report on digital engagement metrics
Administrative Support
Track program attendance, volunteer hours, and engagement metrics
Donor database maintenance
Assist with fundraising initiatives and administration. Including creating and sending tax receipts and thank you letters.
Manage Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation Artwork Inventory list.
Volunteer Management
Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise 30+ volunteer docents and event assistants
Maintain clear communications and a welcoming volunteer culture
Gallery Operations
Open and supervise the Gordon Smith Gallery during public hours (Thursday–Saturday)
Welcome visitors, provide exhibition information, and ensure a safe and inclusive environment
Event Support
Assist with setup, ticketing, bar service, volunteer coordination, and strike for fundraising events and exhibition openings
Work occasional evenings when events are scheduled
Qualifications
• 3+ years of experience in galleries, museums, arts programming, communications, or related fields
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills
• Experience with WordPress (or similar CMS), social media platforms, and email marketing tools (Mailchimp)
• Experience coordinating volunteers and delivering public programs
• Familiarity with Raisers Edge, eTapestry, or other Donor Management Software
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a small team
• Familiarity with Canadian contemporary art or visual art education is an asset
• Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement
Compensation & Benefits
• $24–$30/hour, commensurate with experience
• Extended Health Benefits
• Flexible work environment
• Generous vacation time
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to admin@smithfoundation.ca by June 17, 2025.
Subject line: Program and Communications Manager Application
We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.