BEING Studio invites applications to join its Board of Directors. Join us as we continue to evolve BEING into a thriving disability arts organization. Applications from disability-identified candidates will be prioritized.

Application deadline: Tuesday, July 21, 2020

BEING is an independent, not-for-profit, Ottawa-based charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. We exist to support the participation and professional practice of artists with developmental disabilities.

BEING artists have access to the space, the tools and the representation to pursue and profit from their art practice. Programming includes learning and skill sharing opportunities, workshops with guest artists, and exhibition opportunities. Adapting to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, BEING launched a virtual program in April 2020 called BEING Home. What felt at first like a lifeline for our community has begun to open a world of possibility and expanded connection that we never thought possible.

We now face an exciting time of potential expanded impact through sustained online programming beyond the pandemic, while also seeking to maintain and grow the core program at the Bronson Centre studio. We are seeking Directors to join us in this dynamic and exciting period of growth. Working in collaboration with an advisory committee made up of community members and artists at BEING, the Board of Directors will shape a strategic plan to achieve the following:

- Meaningfully grow online programming while maintaining and investing in core operations and programming at the physical studio;

- Grow BEING’s social business functions to increase artist revenue through sales, royalties and strategic partnerships;

- Shift the culture of leadership and governance at BEING towards majority disability leadership;

- Build long-term fundraising strategies that ensure the organization’s resilience;

- Develop HR policies and planning to foster meaningful employment with opportunities for growth and financial security at BEING.

What we’re looking for:

BEING is strongly committed to equity and values diversity. We encourage applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of racialized communities and LGBTQ-identified persons. Applications from disability-identified persons will be prioritized.

In particular, the Board is seeking a new Director to fill the role of Treasurer:

The Treasurer serves as Chair of the Finance Committee and is responsible for reviewing financial results and making recommendations to the board regarding financial decisions and policies.

The board welcomes applicants with a wide diversity of knowledge and experience and seeks in particular to find directors with expertise in the following areas:

- HR management and practices;

- Knowledge of and experience within disability arts and culture;

- Experience running a social enterprise (particularly in the arts);

- Fundraising and sponsorships (particularly in the arts);

- Social justice and advocacy work;

- Marketing, branding, media relations and/or communications;

- Technology, IT and Digital strategic planning.

Ideal candidates will possess some or all of the following qualities:

- Desire to contribute to Disability Arts in Ottawa;

- Willingness to lead and/or support BEING’s fundraising efforts;

- Commitment to representing the Board at BEING events and within the community;

- Insistence on the importance of diverse experiences and perspectives;

- Collegial demeanor and an ability to work as part of a team;

- Demonstration of high ethical standards and integrity;

- Ability to see the big picture, to ask relevant and probing questions at the strategic level, to challenge management's assumptions when needed, and

- to differentiate between governance and management responsibilities;

- Ability to read and understand financial statements is considered an asset but is not required;

- Prior experience on a board of directors is considered an asset but is not required.

Time commitment and what to expect:

- You must be willing to participate in all board meetings (6 per year), the annual general meeting (1 annually), and additional committee meetings as they arise (2-4 per year depending on the committee);

- Directors will be voted in at the Annual General Meeting in September;

- Regular board meetings will begin with an orientation in October;

- Board meetings are every other month (currently on Wednesday evenings at 6 PM but this can be changed to accommodate conflicts);

- Meetings are held virtually over Zoom and travel to the Studio is not required. We welcome applicants from outside of Ottawa, however local applicants will be prioritized;

- Board meetings are typically between 1.5 and 2 hours in length;

- Directors are additionally expected to provide strategic guidance to the Executive Director in occasional one-on-one meetings, as well as contributing to at least one committee (current committees are working in areas of governance, fundraising, and finance);

- In all you can expect to spend up to 5 hours per month, preparing for and participating in meetings.

Application deadline: Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Please submit an expression of interest (max. 500 words) outlining your understanding of what BEING is trying to achieve and how your experience can help us get there, as well as a brief biography (max 250 words). Kindly use the subject line: BEING Board of Directors, and address your application to Zoë MacNeil: zcmacneil@gmail.com.

Questions?

Contact Zoë MacNeil: zcmacneil@gmail.com

Thank you for your interest! Only candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted.

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