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Type: Full time permanent

Reports to: Director & CEO

Direct Reports: One

Expected Starting Salary: $113,000 – $125,000

Salary Range: $113,000 – $160,000

Expected Start Date: July 2026

Perks: Medical, dental, prescription drugs and hospital coverage, life and long-term disability insurance effective three months following the start date. Following the first year, the position offers a matching contribution towards a group RRSP of up to 4.5% of salary.

Toronto Arts is currently piloting a four-day work week.

OVERVIEW:

The Director of Strategy & Public Affairs is a newly created senior leadership position responsible for advancing the implementation of Toronto Arts’ strategic plan through high-impact partnerships and initiatives; community and knowledge mobilization; advocacy and public affairs; strategic communications; and cross-organizational coordination and planning.

Reporting to the Director & CEO, this role acts as a strategic integrator within the organization and across partners and sectors – connecting community insight, research evidence, philanthropy, advocacy, strategic communications, and multi-party collaboration to strengthen Toronto’s arts ecosystem and increase its public value. The Director leads Toronto Arts’ cross-organizational planning process, strategic communications and impact agenda, advocacy initiatives, and partnership strategy, positioning Toronto Arts as a catalyst, convenor, and trusted advisor and partner.

They are a key member of the leadership team that:

- Shapes organizational strategy and sets priorities, goals, and objectives;
- Ensures accountability for results and outcomes;
- Upholds Toronto Arts’ values and ways of working;
- Builds and maintains a strong and inclusive organizational culture;
- Represents the organization and stewards external relationships; and
- Advances systems-level change for Toronto’s arts sector.

The Director of Strategy and Public Affairs reports to the Director & CEO. They will work closely with their leadership colleagues and across Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Arts Foundation teams to achieve their objectives.

Direct Reports: Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications

Responsibilities:

Partnerships and Initiatives

Develop and implement a cross-sector partnership strategy that advances Toronto Arts’ strategic plan through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Expand Toronto Arts’ networks and relationships across arts and culture, community, government, and private sectors to increase innovative and coordinated investment in Toronto’s artists and arts organizations.



This includes strengthening Toronto Arts Foundation’s position within Canada’s philanthropic ecosystem, enabling Toronto Arts to serve as an intermediary and advisor for partners seeking impact in Toronto’s arts sector. Explore and activate collaborations that align the arts with broader civic priorities such as health and wellbeing, education, belonging and inclusion, and placemaking.

Community and Knowledge Mobilization

Strengthen Toronto Arts’ role as a trusted advisor and convenor within the arts sector and beyond. Develop and implement effective and sustainable models to bring the arts community and other sector stakeholders together around shared challenges and opportunities, enabling collective sensemaking and systems-level change. Build and manage a knowledge mobilization function that translates research into accessible tools, stories, and strategic insights for the arts sector, partners, and policymakers.

Advocacy and Public Affairs

Working closely with the leadership team, cultivate productive relationships with all levels of government, as well as civic leaders and influencers to find common ground, maintain strong reputation and credibility, build lasting influence, and gain support for Toronto Arts’ vision, priorities, and objectives. Working with the Research, Impact & Evaluation team and Marketing and Communications team, plan and implement a public affairs strategy and advocacy initiatives that elevate the role of the arts in civic life, influence arts investment, and increase public support for the arts.

Strategic Communications

Working closely with the Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications, oversee the delivery of a strategic, dynamic and cohesive public relations, brand, marketing and communications plan, including analysis of strategic communication needs and overall effectiveness. Ensure research, partnerships, and impact stories are translated into compelling public narratives, represent Toronto Arts in media, public forums, and sector convenings, and create a supportive and collaborative environment for all team members contributing to communications activity. Keep up to date on relevant and timely issues and events affecting the Toronto arts community.





Cross-Organizational Planning

Implementation Planning: Lead the development and advancement of the implementation plan for the priorities and objectives articulated in Toronto Arts’ strategic plan. This includes setting performance measures, tracking progress, adjusting as required, and reporting on progress.

Operational Planning: In collaboration with the Director of Operations, determine operational requirements for the implementation plan and lead the planning components of the integrated operational planning and budgeting (IPB) process to set priorities, resources, and timelines. Oversee engagement and coordination across teams to create strategic alignment and effective use of resources; avoid duplication and gaps; and ensure inter-team collaboration in the planning process.

Change Management: In collaboration with the leadership team, develop and implement a change management strategy to meet the goals and objectives of the strategic plan. Provide expertise and guidance across teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and strategy-driven innovation.

Budgeting and Financial Management

Working closely with the Director of Operations, ensure proactive and responsible financial management in areas of responsibility, including monitoring revenues and expenditures and preparing accurate and timely financial reports. Analyze and interpret financial data for the development of long-range plans and resource needs. Contribute to the preparation of annual and multi-year budgets.

Human Resources

In collaboration with the leadership team and working closely with the Director of Operations, develop and advance medium and long-term plans for staffing under areas of responsibility. Oversee the recruitment and training of staff under your direction and, if necessary, termination of employment. Determine the goals and objectives of the positions under your direction, assign responsibilities, and conduct annual performance reviews for these positions. Hire and manage external consultants, as needed.

Risk Management

Ensure that all activities and relationships are managed to minimize risks to the organization. Work with staff and the leadership team to mitigate risk potential and manage issues as they arise.

Other duties

Performs such other duties as assigned by the Director & CEO.

Conflict of Interest restrictions

The Director, Strategy & Public Affairs, may not work in any paid capacity with organizations and collectives that apply to or receive funding through Toronto Arts Council grants programs.

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📌 Director, Strategy & Public Affairs (Toronto)
🏢 Nameless
📍 Toronto