Leading the Greater Vernon Museum & Archives (GVMA) and strengthening its community relationships is the core of this Executive Director role. The position involves shaping the future of the Society as the Museum transitions into the new Greater Vernon Cultural Centre (GVCC), providing strategic and operational leadership, and guiding its participation in the planning and development of the GVCC.
Responsibilities
Provide operational leadership to GVMA, implementing the strategic plan and developing operational plans for staff
Oversee museum operations, programming, collections, archives, facilities, and visitor experience
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking organizational culture
Provide recommendations to the board to identify opportunities to strengthen GVMA’s visibility, relevance, and contribution to the community
Lead the GVMA’s engagement with community partners throughout the planning and transition to the GVCC
Identify GVMA’s operational, staffing, financial, facility, and service needs within the new shared space
Collaborate with GVCC partners to develop a sustainable operating model, including roles, responsibilities, governance, shared resources, communication, and decision-making processes
Support transition planning, operational readiness, and the development of agreements and protocols required for operating multiple sites
Represent GVMA positively and professionally to government, community organizations, Indigenous communities, educational institutions, funders, donors, and cultural partners
Develop and maintain strong, respectful, and mutually beneficial community relationships
Engage diverse stakeholders to understand needs, gather feedback, identify opportunities, and support informed decision-making
Participate in relevant committees, working groups, and initiatives related to GVMA and GVCC
Develop and oversee annual operating budgets, financial plans, and expenditure controls, while working in collaboration with the Treasurer and Finance Committee
Oversee grant applications, fundraising, donor development, sponsorships, and revenue-generating initiatives
Support financial planning for the GVCC transition, including shared costs, funding requirements, and revenue opportunities
Ensure sound financial stewardship and compliance with applicable requirements
Lead, support, and develop staff, contractors, and volunteers
Oversee recruitment, performance management, training and development, and succession planning
Maintain human resources policies and the employee handbook to ensure equitable and fair treatment of all employees, while working in collaboration with the HR Committee
Promote a respectful, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture
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Oversee the effective day-to-day operation of GVMA and the delivery of high-quality services and programs
Support exhibitions, educational activities, events, research, and community programming
Ensure the responsible stewardship, preservation, and interpretation of collections and archival resources
Promote an engaging, welcoming, accessible, and inclusive visitor experience that match the needs of Greater Vernon
Report regularly to the Board of Directors on operations, financial performance, strategic priorities and risks, while also collaborating frequently with the Board President
Prepare reports, recommendations, and supporting materials for Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting
Maintain effective communication with the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) and other relevant governing and funding bodies
Implement Board-approved policies, strategic directions, and initiatives
Ensure compliance with the Society’s Constitution, Bylaws, policies, and applicable legislation
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, history, business administration, public administration, non-profit management, arts administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant leadership experience
Minimum of five years of progressive management or leadership experience in a museum, cultural institution, nonprofit organization, public-sector organization, or related environment
Demonstrated experience providing strategic and operational leadership in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment
Experience developing and managing operating budgets, financial plans, funding proposals, and grant applications
Demonstrated experience building and maintaining effective relationships with community organizations, government representatives, funders, donors, and other stakeholders
Strong communication, negotiation, facilitation, and relationship-management skills
Demonstrated ability to engage diverse groups, understand competing needs, build consensus, and move collaborative initiatives forward
Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, develop, and retain staff and volunteers
Commitment to ethical leadership, accountability, inclusion, accessibility, and respect for diverse cultures, abilities, and backgrounds
Nice to have:
Experience leading or supporting organizational change, strategic planning, facility development, organizational growth, or a significant transition
Benefits
Medical and Dental coverage for you and your dependents
Important Details
Employment: 35+ hours per week, weekends and evenings may be required; part-time hours may be considered (minimum 20 hours/week)
Reports to: Board of Directors, Greater Vernon Museum & Archives Society
Application Process
Submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications, leadership experience, and interest in contributing to the future of the Greater Vernon Museum & Archives Society and the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre
About the Company
The Greater Vernon Museum & Archives (GVMA) celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2025. It was founded by Charles Edward Haines, David Howrie Sr., and W.C. Pound, a pioneering taxidermist who gifted his collection to the City of Vernon. From humble beginnings in a local high school, the museum has grown into a thriving cultural hub, formalizing its Board of Directors in 1970 and becoming a not-for-profit organization in 2016. Today, it enriches the Greater Vernon area by collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting unique artifacts and history, with over 25,000 physical items and an additional 25,000 objects in its archives, including maps, photos, and video and audio clips. The Greater Vernon Archives is among the most respected research facilities in the province, handling well over 700 research inquiries annually. The GVMA is moving into the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre (GVCC) in 2027, opening to the public in 2028, co-locating with the Vernon Public Art Gallery and an intimate presentation and event space, and creating a new cultural commons experience.