Director, SFU Galleries

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SFU Galleries encourages and advances conceptual and experimental programs that explore ways in which contemporary art is socially and politically engaged. It does so within the context of Simon Fraser University, a public research university known for its radical past committed to intellectual freedom, interdisciplinary research, innovative programming, and support for artists to exhibit, create work, study, and teach over its fifty-four-year history.

SFU Galleries’ mandate is to exhibit, research, collect, publish, educate, and develop programs in the field of contemporary art and in contemporary approaches to art history. The mission is to present, study and collect art that engages, challenges, strengthens and enriches local, national and international communities and art audiences. This is done through the exploration of current art practices and ideas, including the crucial considerations of BC and nation, activating them through exhibitions, publications and events, and caring for the SFU Art Collection.

There are three distinct galleries under SFU Galleries: SFU Gallery, Burnaby (established 1970), Audain Gallery, Vancouver (established 2010), and Teck Gallery, Vancouver (established 1989). SFU Galleries stewards the SFU Art Collection and is responsible for public art installations throughout the university’s campuses. SFU Galleries report to the Vice President, External, with a focus on advancing engagement between the university and the public through art, and has strong ties to the School for the Contemporary Arts along with the various campuses and faculties.

The Director, SFU Galleries role combines managerial, curatorial and public relations aspects, representing SFU’s visual arts to the public and the university community in support of knowledge, innovation, creation and research. The Director provides leadership in promoting and implementing the art galleries’ long-term initiatives, including a strategic plan and the planning and development of new gallery spaces such as the planned SFU Art Museum which will replace the SFU Gallery. Through innovative and challenging curatorial exhibitions, programming and publications, the Director represents the University’s vital and critical commitment to the visual arts. This position oversees and directs the acquisition, preservation, and display of works of art within the art galleries, as well as the overall management of the SFU Collection (approximately 5,500 works). The Director will maintain and continue to expand a network of internal and external contacts in the arts community and enlist the support of administrators, public funders, benefactors, donors, and the public. This position oversees budgets and manages galleries operations and staff.

As a professional working in an academic environment, this position requires a unique range of expertise and experience. These include a deep understanding of contemporary art in its local, national and international contexts along with curatorial practices and principles, and the ability to recognize the possibilities of research-based exhibition projects and programs which engage the SFU academic community while appealing to wider audiences. A collaborative and collegial approach, team leadership, fundraising and operational management experience, and strategic capabilities along with an understanding of the process of conceptualizing and building a new museum facility are also required. A post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline, and substantive gallery or museum leadership experience or a similar combination of education and expertise will be needed to successfully carry out this interesting and complex position.

With equity, diversity, and inclusion being core to SFU’s excellence as an engaged university, SFU is committed to ensuring that no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. SFU encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women, Indigenous people, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and others who may contribute to the diversification of the university.

SFU is one of Canada’s top 100 employers

Those at Simon Fraser University live and work on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority.
For further information about this position, contact Hilary Meredith, HJ Meredith Group. To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume, in one pdf attachment to:
Hilary Meredith
Hilary@meredithgroup.ca