Employment type: Full time (30 hours per week), fixed term (6 month term, potential to extend)
Additional time during events and some evening and weekends required
Location: Calgary, AB
Hybrid work model, some on-site work required
Travel: Must be able to travel within Calgary
Compensation: $60-70,000 annually, dependent on experience
Reports to: CQAS Board of Directors
Supervises: 1-40 Volunteers, Contractors, Employees
Benefits: Health benefits, generous vacation, flexible work arrangements
The Position
The Interim Executive Director will provide strong administration and thoughtful stewardship to support Calgary Queer Arts Society during a period of transition. This role is ideal for someone who excels at bringing organization to systems, streamlining processes, and strengthening organizational functions through a compassionate, community-centered approach. The Interim Executive Director will help create the conditions for 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and storytellers to thrive while fostering an environment that celebrates the intersectionality of queer communities. This role is dedicated to continually improving accessibility and inclusion.
With support from the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee the strategic initiatives of the organization and is responsible for managing all CQAS operations, including administration, funding, finance, program delivery, communications and marketing.
About CQAS
Calgary Queer Arts Society (CQAS) is a dynamic organization committed to advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ representation, creativity and resilience. We bring community together to celebrate, connect and grow through storytelling and other arts-based programming. We educate and strengthen communities and institutions.
For 28 years, CQAS programs like Fairy Tales Film Festival and The Coming Out Monologues have used storytelling mediums and artistic endeavours to dissolve our differences, break down barriers, and inspire thoughtful conversations as an integral part of Calgary’s creative and 2SLGBTQIA+ ecosystems.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategic Direction
- Provides overall leadership and direction for CQAS in alignment with our mission, vision, values, strategic plan, and artistic priorities, with support from the Board of Directors
- Advances key strategic initiatives and priority projects that balance organizational sustainability and community impact
- Provides compassionate, people-centered leadership to employees, contractors, and volunteers and fosters a workplace culture grounded in inclusion, accessibility, and a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
- Supervises all employees, contractors, and volunteers including processing invoices, payroll, providing guidance, and managing performance and ensures compliance with legislation and organizational standards, with support from the HR committee
Governance & Board Relations
- Serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, preparing reports, updates, recommendations, and materials for Board and committee meetings
- Collaborates with the Board to maintain compliance with ethical, legal, and policy frameworks
- Implements Board-approved policies and strategic decisions
Financial Management & Compliance
- Provides sound financial oversight, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting in collaboration with the finance committee
- Develops budgets aligned with CQAS priorities, following financial best practices
- Monitors performance against approved budgets and work plans
Fund Development
- Leads fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Board and stakeholders
- Supports the diversification of funding streams through practical initiatives
- Manages grant writing, reporting, and stewardship of funder relationships
Program & Event Management
- Oversees the effective delivery of programs, events, and organizational initiatives
- Maintains and improves administrative systems, policies, procedures, and documentation
- Coordinates cross-functional operations to ensure efficiency and clarity
- Oversees event planning and delivery in collaboration with programming staff, contractors, and volunteers
- Supports the creation and delivery of high-quality experiences for artists, audiences, and program participants
Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Acts as the primary ambassador for CQAS, representing its mission and values
- Cultivates and strengthens relationships with artists, community members, partners, sponsors, funders, and other stakeholders that expand community impact through CQAS core programming
- Supports communications and community engagement aligned with organizational priorities
Qualifications
CQAS recognizes that some qualifications listed may deter applications from 2SLGBTQIA+ people, Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities, people with disabilities, and others who experience systemic barriers to employment. We encourage all interested applicants with relevant skills to apply.
- Two years of progressive leadership experience. Leadership experience in a non-profit or arts-based organization is an asset
- Demonstrated ability in managing budgets and meeting financial goals and commitments
- Demonstrated ability to manage funding relationships, including application and report writing
- Proven ability to lead with a compassionate, people-first, and community-centered approach
- Education in arts, non-profit, or business administration is an asset
- Lived experience within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is an asset
- Commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and Truth and Reconciliation. Knowledge of intersectionality, anti-racism, the Report on the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is an asset
- A police information/vulnerable sector search will be required. If requested, support is available throughout this process
To Apply
To apply, please send a letter of interest and a resume to [email protected]. Applications are only reviewed by humans.
CQAS is committed to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion. Individuals from equity-seeking groups are encouraged to self-identify in their applications. We welcome all requests for accommodations at any point in the recruitment process.
This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Candidates will be contacted on an ongoing basis.
Pay: $60,000.00-$70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Work from home
Application question(s):
- Are you legally authorized to work in Canada?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Calgary, AB T2P 1M6
