Grant Assistant

VANCOUVER ART GALLERY                                                      

Temporary, Full-Time (1-Year Term)

The Vancouver Art Gallery believes that creativity is fundamental to an open and engaged world. Bring your writing experience to one of Canada’s leading arts institutions in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

Reporting to the Head of Government and Foundation Grants, the Grant Assistant provides administrative support to the grants team and helps draft content for applications and reports. This role involves preparing materials that clearly communicate the Gallery’s priorities and impact to Canadian and international funders.

The Grant Assistant contributes to securing funding for a wide range of activities, including exhibitions, education and access programs, research, publications, infrastructure and staffing. This is a great opportunity for a strong writer who is organized, detail-oriented and passionate about supporting the arts through meaningful, behind-the-scenes work.

What You Will Do

•       Compile and review upcoming grant opportunities, ensuring alignment with the Gallery’s projects and timelines

•       Support the development of persuasive grant applications and reports through activities such as research, data collection, drafting content and gathering budgets and images

•       Assist in tracking and stewarding a portfolio of grant funders, with opportunities to manage new and existing funders

•       Collaborate with staff in Development and across the Gallery to advance the goals of the grants team

•       Maintain accurate records in the donor database and ensure grant-related documentation is organized for reporting and auditing

•       Ensure confirmed grant funders are noted in internal documents and properly recognized on marketing collateral, exhibition title walls and more

•       Assist with various writing tasks, including drafting letters and briefs related to grants

•       Compile grant funders for event invitation lists

•       Uphold the Gallery’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenous ways of being in all aspects of work

•       Support the Gallery’s overall goals towards a cohesive brand voice and identity 

•       Complete additional tasks as assigned

This role contributes to the overall success of the Development team and ensures contribution to the Gallery’s strategic goals. 

What You Bring to the Role

As a Grant Assistant, you hold a bachelor’s degree in English literature, communications, creative writing or another relevant field. You also bring a minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in the arts sector, preferably in the museum or gallery field. 

In addition, you have:

• A clear understanding of ethical fundraising practices and the vital role that fundraising plays in supporting the Gallery’s operations
• Exceptional writing, editing and research skills, with the ability to persuasively convey the value of both artistic and non-artistic projects
• Strong time management, organizational skills and attention to detail, with demonstrated ability to meet deadlines under pressure
• Professional, discreet and respectful when handling sensitive or confidential information
• Collaborative and patient team player who can also work independently and adapt to various working styles
• Proactive and solution-focused with an entrepreneurial mindset and a resilient attitude
• Familiarity with donor databases—as well as experience using InDesign and Acrobat Pro—would be an asset

COMPENSATION AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Salary: Pay Grade 17:  Step 1: $25.84 per hour.

Schedule: Nine-day fortnight schedule, working 70 hours bi-weekly.

This is a unionized position. This assignment falls under the jurisdiction of CUPE Local 15 – VMECW. 

This is an in-office position at the Gallery’s downtown Vancouver location; however, some flexibility exists for working from home.