We are hiring! Managing Director

DEADLINE: May 1st, 2026

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ABOUT VINES ART SOCIETY:

Vines Art Society exists to nurture artists who are working toward land, water, and relational justice and regeneration. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge, queer-hearted, and neurodiverse-minded, Vines welcomes all. We create opportunities for marginalized artists through professional development, an annual festival, year-round public programming, and advocacy initiatives that strengthen artists’ well-being. Our work is responsive, centering anti-oppressive community care and minimizing bureaucracy.

Vines serves grassroots communities and listens for calls for justice and regeneration. We embrace harm reduction as a practice of care and spiritual responsibility. Our spaces welcome people in all stages of life, including those navigating complex trauma, grief, and/or personal struggle. Through art, ceremony, and community, we create opportunities for healing, reflection, and reconnection, trusting that creativity and restoration are intertwined.

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JOB DESCRIPTION:

Vines is looking for a strong, generous leader who is passionate about the arts, environmental and social justice, and Indigenous sovereignty; a grounded person who can provide the momentum required for Vines’ next chapter of organizational stabilization and growth.

The Managing Director provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership for Vines Art Society in collaboration with Vines’ Artistic Director. This role directs and oversees the implementation of Vines’ yearly activities and strategic plan; and ensures organizational sustainability through financial management, fundraising, grant writing, sponsorships, and partnerships. The Managing Director leads operations and program delivery, including team and contractor management, internal systems, and compliance with nonprofit and charitable regulations.

The Managing Director works with a small team of contractors and staff to support fundraising, administration, marketing, and event delivery. This role is strategic in scope and supported in implementation. Our full team (Managing Director, Artistic Director, Marketing Manager, Events and Booking Manager) meets weekly in person. Outside of meetings, much of the work is done independently.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborating with the Board of Directors and Artistic Director to oversee strategic plan, vision of Vines, support governance best practices, and contribute to bylaws, policies, and long-term organizational planning.
• Leading fundraising strategy, including grant writing, public sector funding, sponsorships, and individual giving. Grant writing is supported by an Administrative Assistant and the Artistic Director.
• Overseeing operations and programming, ensuring alignment with Vines’ mandate, funder requirements, industry trends, and community needs.
• Co-managing with the Artistic Director Vines’ team members, contractors, and consultants, including hiring, supervision, performance evaluation, and conflict navigation.
• Providing leadership in financial management, including budgeting, cash flow oversight, revenue projections, banking, and collaboration with the Board and Bookkeeper on financial planning and reporting.
• Networking and maintaining relationships with partners, grassroots initiatives and funders. 
• Keeping organizational systems accurate and up to date (Asana, Google Calendar, Airtable)
• Communicating with the City of Vancouver, Parks Board. Applying for event permits and licenses as needed.
• Supporting and ensuring the maintenance of Vines Den with the Events and Booking Manager. 

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QUALIFICATIONS

Required Skills:

• Minimum 3 years of experience or equivalent in a nonprofit, arts, cultural, or advocacy organization. Lived experience and community leadership are valued as equivalent to formal post-secondary credentials.
• Demonstrated experience in festival, event, or program leadership, including complex project management.
• Background in fundraising, including sponsorships, grants, and donor relations.
• Proven financial management skills, including budgeting and reporting.
• Experience working with Boards of Directors and diverse community stakeholders.
• Commitment to equity, anti-racism, and community-centered practice.

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ORGANIZATIONAL CORE COMPETENCIES

Solution-Oriented - Proactively identifies pathways forward. Remains grounded through crisis or change. Draws on strengths and resources to move work ahead with pragmatism and adaptability.

Generosity - Respects labour, their own and others’. Notices collective needs and contributes where possible with care and boundaries.

Creativity - Understands creativity as survival and freedom. Bridges past and future while honoring sovereignty. Supports people in expressing themselves authentically.

Collaboration - Communicates consistently and openly. Respects diverse knowledge. Encourages shared ownership and the outpouring of collective gifts.

Self-Determination - Upholds boundaries. Centers vulnerable individuals. Respects autonomy and choice.

Reliability - Honest about capacity. Follows through. Takes responsibility for actions and communication.

Nurturing - Leads with care. Listens without judgment. Makes decisions rooted in justice and love.

Humour - Brings lightness and perspective. Understands joy and humour as practices of resilience.

Accessibility - Meets people where they are. Works relationally rather than bureaucratically. Recognizes visible and invisible disabilities.

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MANAGING DIRECTOR COMPETENCIES

Trauma-versed Leadership - Understands how trauma impacts individuals and systems. Holds strong boundaries while working compassionately. Has professional and/or lived experience supporting vulnerable communities.

Conflict Navigation - Holds the big picture during tension. Moves toward repair and accountability rather than punishment. Maintains openness while guiding resolution.

Decision-Making - Makes timely, context-informed decisions. Adjusts course when needed. Holds confidence alongside humility.

Communication - Listens deeply. Communicates clearly, directly, and with gentleness. Offers guidance and feedback with care.

Networking & Representation - Builds and maintains authentic relationships. Speaks confidently about Vines’ mission to diverse stakeholders.

Leadership & Mentorship - Leads collaboratively. Cultivates team strengths. Seeks support when needed. Recognizes leadership as responsibility, not title.

Financial & Project Stewardship - Skilled in budgeting, timelines, and systems management. Balances detail-oriented work with long-term planning.

Administration & Fundraising - Patient, organized, and ethically grounded. Capable of stewarding grants, donors, and public funding responsibly.

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HOW TO APPLY

Please email your resume and cover letter to Heather Lamoureux at info@vinesartfestival.com.

Posting will close May 1, 2026.

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REMUNERATION and CONTRACT: 

The Role of Managing Director for the Vines is a 12 months contract with the possibility of renewal with flexible hours as required. General hours over the calendar year may vary based on program needs. Hours average out to about 35 hours/week. This position comes with health benefits and approximately one month of vacation.

Location: Mix of virtual and Vines Den (825 E Hastings St, Vancouver)

Remuneration: $58,000/year

Start Date: October 1, 2026. The position will receive two months of training from outgoing Managing/Artistic Director 

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CONTACT

Contact Name: Heather Lamoureux

Contact Email: info@vinesartfestival.com

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