Executive Director, Fernie and District Arts Council
Schedule: Full-time (Average 35 hours per week), with flexibility required for evening and weekend events and operational needs.
Location: Onsite at The Arts Station, Fernie, BC. Candidates must reside within the City of Fernie boundaries or within a 30-minute commute.
Salary Range: $65,000 – $75,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Benefits & Perks: Benefits package and performance bonus scheme included.
The Fernie & District Arts Council is seeking a collaborative, community-minded, and experienced leader to join our team as Executive Director. This position provides overall leadership and day-to-day management of FDAC and The Arts Station, working closely with the Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission, strategic goals, programs, and initiatives. The Executive Director will oversee operations, finances, staff, fundraising, partnerships, and community relationships while helping to strengthen and grow the organization’s impact in the community.
Summary Of Responsibilities
- To work with the Board of Directors in developing governance policy for the organization; to implement such policy once it is established by the Board; to collaborate on the strategic plan and implement its goals.
- To bring to the Board’s attention opportunities for new initiatives and programs, fundraising, sponsorship and grant opportunities and to oversee these initiatives.
- To establish and maintain strong communication and good working relationships with the community and regional arts councils, other arts organizations, government agencies, funding agencies, officials and staff at all levels, and to promote the FDAC and its aims in every way possible.
- To ensure the operations of the FDAC are in accordance with the constitution and bylaws; the BC Societies Act; and the Canadian Income Tax Act as it applies to charitable organizations.
- To manage the day-to-day office, financial, human resource operations of the FDAC within the Board approved annual budget and governance policies.
- To disclose fully and promptly any direct or indirect interest in a contract or transaction with the FDAC which may place the Executive Director in a position of conflict of interest.
Required Skills
Leadership & Strategy
- Proven ability to lead with confidence, manage competing demands, delegate effectively, and demonstrate initiative.
- Experience leading small teams and managing contractors.
- A proactive, practical, and solutions-focused approach to problem-solving in high-stress situations.
- Deep alignment with FDAC values, demonstrating integrity and commitment in all aspects of work.
Communication & Collaboration
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including artists, children, youth, volunteers, renters, instructors, contractors, and the public.
- Thrives in a small-team environment; possesses a “pitch-in” mindset, communicates openly, shares information proactively, and takes initiative to support colleagues and operational needs as they arise.
Interest & Alignment
- Demonstrated interest in arts, culture, and community development. (Note: While passion for the sector is essential, this is an administrative role, not an artistic one.)
- An understanding of the FDAC and the surrounding community.
Operational & Physical Requirements
- Demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a strong willingness to learn.
- Comfort with physical tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs and navigating steep stairs. (Note: All team members participate in facility maintenance, including cleaning and snow removal.)
- First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain) and legal entitlement to work in Canada.
- Ability to obtain and pass a criminal record check (Vulnerable Sector).
Preferred Skills
Experience & Background
- Demonstrated experience in community-based environments, including working with the public, artists, instructors, or volunteers.
- Experience with board governance or non-profit organizational structures.
- Post-secondary education or practical experience in business, non-profit administration, or accounting.
Technical & Operational Skills
- Proficiency with digital administration tools and management systems.
- Specialized knowledge or certifications in Health & Safety, Human Resources, or contract/legal frameworks.
- Valid driver’s license.
In keeping with its fundamental principles, FDAC is committed to equitable opportunities and in the elimination of organizational structures and actions that oppress, exclude, limit or discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, financial ability, sexual orientation, religion, disability or age. It is imperative that all programs and services reflect its commitment to inclusion and diversity. The FDAC will make every effort to make its volunteer and employee workforce representative and reflective of the communities in which its services are provided. The FDAC will endeavour to ensure that the workplace, all policies, procedures and practices are free of deliberate or unintentional (systemic) barriers so that no one is disadvantaged.
The FDAC code of conduct applies to everyone involved in the organisation Code of Conduct.
Please submit your resume and cover letter, addressed to the FDAC Board of Directors, to fdac@theartsstation.com by 2:00 PM on September 18, 2026.