Sâkêwêwak First Nations Artists' Collective Inc.
Hiring for the position of Executive Director
Term: 1-year, Full-time
Hours: 28 hours/week, some evenings and weekends
Compensation:
$55,000
Benefits: 15 working days of paid vacation/year; Additional time off during Winter holiday
closure and post-Storytellers festival week closure dates. Health & dental benefits available
after 90 days of full-time employment; Travel and relocation funds available as applicable,
Professional development funds available annually. *Professional Development training set up at Banff Centre of the Arts October 2023.
About Sâkêwêwak
Incorporated in 1996, Sâkêwêwak has been supporting Indigenous artists in the Regina area for
over two decades. All artists need a community of support, and members to engage with in
order to succeed. Sâkêwêwak provides this support, giving artists a chance to create, grow, and
reach audiences. Regular programming includes Sâkêwêwak’s yearly Storytellers Festival, annual residencies,
workshops, performances and exhibitions.
Executive Director at Sâkêwêwak First Nations Artists’ Collective
Summary of Position
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for managing all
aspects of Sâkêwêwak First Nations Artists’ Collective (SFNAC) operations in accordance with
the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. This includes leading a small and
passionate team currently composed of an Office Administrator and Programming & Outreach
Coordinator, as well as any future contracted positions. The Executive Director is responsible for
the management of day-to-day operations; inclusive of grant writing, budget management,
overseeing the development and evaluation of programs, membership management,
engagement initiatives, as well as partnership, funder, and community relations. Managing a
new four-year funding cycle beginning, taking action towards Indigenizing our policies and
carrying on with 2025-2028 strategic planning.
Sâkêwêwak is committed to equitable, inclusive and anti-racist values and the Director will
demonstrate this through conduct and interactions in the workplace, interactions with the Board
of Directors, membership and in their roles as representatives of SFNAC in local and national
artistic and wider cultural communities.
Staff manages a team of: Programming and Outreach Coordinator, Administrator and
Residency Coordinator and annual summer student(s) (if applied).
Key Responsibilities
● As a managing role at SFNAC, the Executive Director will work in all areas of
Sâkêwêwak and contribute to long-term planning of the organization.
● Create and build upon consistent and collaborative relationships with other arts
organizations, artists, co-presenters, and contractors while continuing to cultivate those
networks long-term, while prioritizing professional development in accordance with
SFNAC's values.
● Manage the planning, implementation, and evaluation of SFNAC’s programming with
special emphasis on the Annual Storyteller’s Festival.
● Work with SFNAC’s Board of Directors to maintain the goals set in the current Strategic
Plan and work with the Board, and consultants, to contribute to the development of a
new Strategic Plan for 2025.
● Recruit, hire, train, and manage staff, interns, contractors, and volunteers.
● Draft annual operational budget and oversee the financial competence of the
organization.
● Work with a bookkeeper to prepare and present quarterly financial reports to the Board
of Directors. Work with SFNAC's contracted accountant to draft year-end financial
statements; Maintain integrity of the organizational profile with the Canadian Revenue
Agency along with statistical & financial CADAC (Canadian Arts Data) reporting.
● Research and write grants for federal, provincial, and municipal granting bodies to fund
the programming, operations, and staffing of the organization. Prepare final reports upon
project completion.
● Cultivate communicative, mutually-beneficial, and supportive relationships with funders
and partners.
● Creating and fostering ongoing connections in collaboration with Indigenous artists and
communities.
● Develop additional events and programming that engages SFNAC’s membership and
communities.
● Work with the Board of Directors to plan fundraising initiatives, research and pursue new
revenue streams, and secure community, corporate, and private sponsorships.
● Develop promotional strategies for the organization that are aligned with the mission of
the organization and that are responsive and respectful of SFNAC's programs and
communities. Delegate and manage external communications.
● Ensuring the safety and security of the building including all legal aspects relating to
insurance, equipment, and upkeep. Manage the physical organization and cleanliness of
the office spaces; Maintain both physical and digital integrity of records and filing
systems.
● Maintain consistent office hours and work collegially with staff to field and respond to
incoming phone calls and emails.
● Work with the Board of Directors to keep policies and procedures relevant through an
ongoing basis.
● Report to and maintain regular communication with SFNAC's Board of Directors.
● Other duties as required.
Education & Experience:
● Education: An undergraduate or graduate degree in Business, Fine Arts, or equivalent
studies or other relevant experience.
● Experience: 2-3 years’ experience working in a related field.
Work Environment
Sâkêwêwak’s offices are located in Regina and the organization is seeking a candidate who
lives locally or is willing to relocate to Regina as the successful leadership of Sâkêwêwak's
depends upon creating meaningful relationships with the communities the organization serves,
understanding the arts community and artistic composition of Southern Saskatchewan and
familiarity with the area's cultures. Non-local applicants are also encouraged to apply with the
understanding that in-person work commences September 30, 2023. A period of remote work
prior to this date will be considered as required via communication with the Board of Directors.
Sâkêwêwak’s office space is only accessible via stairs; we will work together to discuss
adaptation as required.
Hours of Work
The Executive Director works 28 hours per week, with any hours worked over accruing as flex
time. The Executive Director is responsible for managing a flexible schedule that includes
regular in-person office hours, and programming, workshops, board meetings, advisory
committees, and other special events occurring outside of regular office hours, such as during
the Annual Storytellers Festival.
Competencies
● Long term goal setting skills, excellent organizational skills, and a high degree of
attention to detail;
● Demonstrated knowledge of bookkeeping and budgeting;
● Familiarity with financial practices of nonprofits;
● Experience with writing grant applications and reports;
● Experience planning and managing festivals or events;
● Strong oral and written communication skills;
● Ability to work independently and collaboratively with fellow staff, volunteers, and Board
members;
● Ability to self-manage time efficiently, remain flexible and problem-solve;
● Enthusiasm towards community building;
● Leadership skills, including experience directing others;
● Knowledge and respect for diverse points of view and the ability to cultivate generative
conflict resolution;
● Working knowledge of Indigenous artists, and artistic or cultural communities;
● Familiarity with other regional or national arts organizations;
● Experience working or volunteering with artist-run-centres and/or non-profit
organizations;
● Working knowledge of computer softwares such as: Apple operating systems (IOS),
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)
● G Suite (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Docs, Sheets, Forms)
● Group emailing software (Mailchimp)
● Group messaging app (SLACK)
● Social Media platforms (Instagram, Facebook)
● Content Management Systems (WordPress)
Deadline: Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Target Interview Dates: Last week of August.
How to Apply:
Please email the following to board.sakewewak@gmail.com by August 22, 2023, with the
subject line “Executive Director Application 2023”:
● Cover letter
● Resume
● List of 3 References
*While Sâkêwêwak welcomes all applications, priority will be given to Indigenous applications; Please self-identify in your cover letter.
**Applications without a cover letter will not be accepted.
