Harbourfront Centre is a leading cultural institution in Toronto, celebrated for its vibrant arts, culture, community and recreational programs. As a not-for-profit organization, we are committed to enriching the lives of diverse communities through creativity, innovation, connection and excellence. A multi-faceted campus, Harbourfront Centre includes both community programming across arts, culture, recreation and learning, as well as commercial businesses (marine, parking, restaurants) that generate essential revenue to support operations. 

We are currently seeking a visionary, values-driven Executive Director to provide strategic, operational and organizational leadership to one of Canada’s most dynamic cultural institutions. Reporting to the CEO, the Executive Director plays a central role in defining Harbourfront Centre’s artistic and organizational direction and planning, while also ensuring overall organizational excellence, effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

Position Title: Executive Director

Department: Executive

Reporting To: Chief Executive Officer

Direct Reports: 5

Employment Type: Full-time

Compensation: $200,000+, commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package

Location: Toronto

Position Summary

Reporting to the CEO, the Executive Director provides visionary leadership, shaping and executing a strategic vision and aligned business plans that fulfill the organization’s purpose, fosters artistic excellence, engages diverse audiences, and ensures the long-term sustainability of the organization. The Executive Director will play a critical role in the stewardship of our mission across a diverse range of essential stakeholders and partners. An excellent communicator, the Executive Director will play a critical role in advancing a strong people role in building our culture, and leading team accountability and successes against our mission and strategic goals. 

The Executive Director will oversee the overall campus and organizational plans, including programming across disciplines as well as work with cross-functional teams with the goal of delivering impactful, inclusive and innovative arts, cultural, educational and recreational community experiences. 

This position provides the opportunity to play a central role in the continued transformation of Harbourfront Centre, shaping the organizational strategic direction and plans across all facets of the organization enabling organizational excellence and impact, and financial stability with a focus on succession planning. A fiscal mind-set, rigour and accountability, combined with partner management and revenue generation is essential in strengthening and sustaining Harbourfront Centre. 

Responsibilities

• Define and champion a compelling, inclusive, artistic and campus vision aligned with Harbourfront Centre’s mission, values, and strategic direction. 
• Curate and oversee a multidisciplinary slate of programming – including performing arts, visual arts, craft & design, and learning initiatives – that is bold, community centred and operationally viable. 
• Lead organizational strategic planning, annual planning, and risk management inclusive of programming strategy and budgeting to ensure artistic excellence, financial sustainability and community impact. 
• Serve as Harbourfront Centre’s executive ambassador, spokesperson and lead stakeholder manager – engaging partner relationships across all facets of our organization including arts, media, donors, funders, cultural leaders, commercial business partners, community, and government partners. 
• Serve on the executive leadership team, shaping long-term strategy, planning and organizational evolution. 
• Provide senior oversight of day-to-day operations, staff leadership and internal systems to ensure performance and accountability. 
• Build and steward strong relationships with funders, government agencies, sponsors and donors to support the Centre’s financial health and programming ambitions. 
• Ensure sound financial and risk management practices, including oversight of budgeting, reporting, audit and compliance with charitable, legal and funder obligations. 
• Collaborate with Marketing, Strategic Partnerships, and Event Operations & Guest Experience teams to ensure programming is well-promoted, resourced, and executed. 
• Represent Harbourfront Centre in civic and sectoral forums to advocate for public investment in arts, culture and education. 
• Mentor and develop internal talent to foster a values-driven, sustainable team culture. 
• Work closely with the CEO on institutional priorities and governance. 
• Serve as a leadership voice and ambassador for Harbourfront Centre across internal and external audiences.  

Requirements

• Minimum 7-10 years of senior leadership experience in the cultural, non-profit, for-profit and/or creative sectors – ideally within an organization of comparable scale and complexity. 
• Must have a diverse educational background and pathways to success, including but not limited to bachelor’s degrees, advanced degrees such as MBAs, executive education, relevant industry certifications, or equivalent experiential learning opportunities.  
• Results driven, business minded approach, balanced with collaboration and social impact. 
• Demonstrated success in executive oversight, including programming, fundraising, operations and strategy. 
• Knowledge of and relationships within the Canadian and international arts landscape. 
• Ability to identify emerging trends and opportunities and build partnerships for tangible organizational development and growth. 
• Proven commitment to equity, accessibility and community inclusion in all aspects of leadership and programming. 
• Experience managing diverse, cross-functional teams with clarity and vision. 
• Track record of strategic planning, budget management, risk management and revenue generation through grants, sponsorships, donors and public sector partnerships. 
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• A visionary thinker with the ability to lead and implement bold change while preserving institutional integrity. 
• A strong desire to grow with the organization, with succession planning readiness.  
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Non-Canadian applicants must have a valid employment Visa and proper documentation authorizing their ability to work in Canada on an ongoing basis.

Why Join Harbourfront Centre?

This is a great opportunity to join one of Toronto’s most dynamic cultural institutions. As the Executive Director, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Harbourfront Centre’s mission while shaping the foundation that supports our diverse programs and initiatives. 

At Harbourfront Centre, our values—Open, Brave, Rigorous, and Kind—reflect our commitment to inclusivity, imaginative risk-taking, excellence, and respect, ensuring enriching experiences for all.