Program Officer, Creating, Knowing and Sharing

This competition is intended for candidates who belong to First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities in the lands now known as Canada. Candidates from these groups who wish to be considered must self-identify. This initiative is in support of the Council’s goals towards reconciliation, employment equity and diversity.

A list of pre-qualified candidates may be established as a result of this recruitment and selection competition. Pre-qualified candidates may be considered for future vacancies for similar positions of the same occupational group and level on a term or casual basis.

About the Role

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Program Officer:

• Manages the delivery of grants or funds to Indigenous artists, cultural carriers, arts groups, and/or arts organizations in accordance with established policies and procedures, including Equity policies and priorities;
• Responds to inquiries from applicants and delivers program information through outreach activities;
• Assesses the eligibility of applicants and projects and follows-up as needed;
• Chairs or participates in working groups and committees;
• Provides assessments in internal committees;
• Chairs assessment committees;
• Provides information and impartial commentary during peer assessment committee meetings;
• Contributes to advancing program outcomes, Council’s strategic direction and the development of Council policies;
• Sustains relationships in the arts communities and shares knowledge of artistic practices;
• Reviews artistic profiles and grant applications for eligibility;
• Provides financial and organizational analysis;
• Proposes assessment committee composition;
• Makes recommendations for grant recipients and amounts;
• Represent the Council at various events;
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of programs and processes;
• Works to ensure access for First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists and arts organizations to Council programs and services;
• Validates reporting data, including CADAC statistical data, and perform other related duties.

Education

• An undergraduate degree in arts practice or in arts administration, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience related to the responsibilities of the position.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the arts and or culture directly related to the principal responsibilities of the position.
• Three (3) years of experience in Indigenous arts.
• Experience in a national context in the production and dissemination of work by Indigenous artists.
• Experience analyzing financial and statistical data.
• Experience in the arts, culture or creative industries sectors would be an asset.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of First Nations, Inuit and Métis arts and culture.
• An understanding of the interrelationships and complexities of the artistic milieu, including the relevant organizations and institutions.
• Knowledge of the current discourses in Indigenous self-determination, specifically as it relates to arts and culture.
• Strong knowledge of one or more artistic disciplines.
• Knowledge of the current state of the arts in Canada and of trends and new developments in the arts, including more recent forms such as digital arts.
• General knowledge of issues related to equity, diversity, anti-racism, and anti-colonialism, including diverse arts practices in Canada, such as non-Western forms, Indigenous arts and Deaf and disability arts.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven client service orientation.
• Proven problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills, including delivering presentations.
• Solid interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Excellent judgment and leadership skills.
• Effective time management skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong degree of ethics, demonstrating professionalism and diplomacy.
• Ability to adapt and assume responsibilities related to new programs and services.
• Demonstrated ability for creative thinking and innovation.
• Ability to synthesize information, write reports, analyze budgets, and understand financial statements.
• Ability to facilitate consensus and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to chair and manage committees.

Bilingual Requirements

This position requires the use of both official languages. The requirements in the second official language are:

• An intermediate level in reading comprehension (B),
• An intermediate level in writing (B),
• An intermediate level in oral (B). 

The Council may consider Indigenous applicants who do not meet the second official language requirements provided they commit to participating in language training offered by the Council to reach the language proficiency levels of the position.

Proficiency in an Indigenous language may be considered an asset.

*Important: Please submit your resume and a cover letter clearly demonstrating how you meet the above qualifications for Education and Experience. Please note that selection for further consideration will be based solely on the information provided in your cover letter, resume and application.

We are committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive and accessible to all. Should you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please contact the Council directly.

For people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or TTY users, please use your preferred MRS (Message Relay Service) or IP service to contact us.

The Canada Council for the Arts is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the individuals and communities we serve. We invite applications from individuals with any combination of backgrounds, origins, identities, and forms of self-expression. The Council is committed to enhancing the representation of the following groups within its workforce: Indigenous people, Black people, racialized people, Deaf people, people with disabilities, women, and members of 2SLGBTQI+ and gender-diverse communities.

We encourage you to include information on how you identify in the Voluntary Self-Identification section of the application form. This information is used during the recruitment process to enhance representation of historically underserved and marginalized communities, as per the Employment Equity Act and the Council's ongoing commitment to equity. This information is also used for reporting at an aggregate level.

Please note that all persons requiring accommodation and/or assistance in completing the Canada Council’s Careers application process are welcome to contact the Council for support.