Vancouver Police Museum & Archives – Museum Executive Director
Housed in Vancouver’s most intriguing heritage building, the Vancouver Police Museum & Archives
(VPMA) provides a unique lens through which to explore Vancouver’s history.
The VMPA is an independent museum run by the Vancouver Police Historical Society, a registered
charity. Its vision is to foster a community that is dedicated to open dialogue on the topic of law
enforcement and crime in Vancouver’s past and present by:
• Providing a rounded perspective and an open and safe place to discuss topics of law
enforcement and the science of criminal and death investigation
• Engaging visitors with intriguing contextual information that places the choices and
practices of local law enforcement within a wider scope of the city’s history and the changing
needs of Vancouver’s citizens
Job Summary
Reporting to the Vancouver Police Historical Society Board of Directors, the Executive Director is
responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day operations of the VPMA. With a solid
understanding of museum management, they motivate staff to reach high standards of museum and
archival practices. The Executive Director is the spokesperson and public representative of the
museum, whilst also being able to provide assistance in all areas of the business, including education,
curatorial, archival, reception, event management and IT needs. The successful candidate will have
proven relationship management skills and a community-minded approach to all civic engagement
and public exhibit opportunities.
Roles & Responsibilities
Project Management – The Executive Director is the museum’s strategic leader, directing
operations, programs, and activities on a day-to-day basis. They provide forward-thinking ideas
and inspire staff and stakeholders to engage in new programs and exhibits that keep the
museum fresh and relevant. They also set the pace and lay the groundwork for staff
success by ensuring necessary timelines, budgets, and resources are in place.
Financial Management and Fundraising – All aspects of museum finances – daily account
balances, revenue, and expenditures, payables and receivables, special and long-term financial
needs – are the responsibility of the Executive Director. Setting a positive course for financial well-
being by analyzing and maintaining budget performance is an important component of the
position. As a self-funded organization, the Executive Director is required to identify fundraising
needs and best sources of funds, and to write fundraising requests, grants, and develop
sponsorship opportunities and engage stakeholders and community groups for potential donation and
legacy opportunities. The Museum Director will also find ways to actively bring revenue into the
museum, including merchandise and event creation and management.
www.vancouverpolicemuseum.ca
240 East Cordova Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 1L3
Tel: (604) 665-3346 • Fax: (604) 665-3585 • E-mail: [email protected]
Community Engagement – Supporting the growth and development of new audiences on-site
and online through captivating marketing strategies is essential for success of the position. As
the public representative of the museum, it is the Executive Director’s responsibility to develop
strategic plans to encourage and maintain memberships and community relationships. They will also
liaise directly with persons from the executive and operational levels of the Vancouver Police
Department.
Board of Directors Relations – The Executive Director acts as a professional advisor and guide to
the Board of Directors on all aspects of the organization’s activities and works closely with them
to shape and maintain the vision and strategic plan. State-of-the-museum summary reports are
delivered quarterly and comprehensive reports are prepared for the Annual General Meeting:
financial statements, operational and curatorial reports, strategic plans, and financial forecasts.
Human Resources – The Executive Director is a leader and mentor to young professionals in the early
stages of career development. They are responsible for the recruitment and management of staff and
volunteers in a positive, inclusive atmosphere and to lead by example in all roles of the museum. The
Director is also the first point of assistance with IT matters, internal building maintenance, and staff
development and support.
Heritage Building Maintenance – The VPMA is housed in a City of Vancouver owned building
with a designation in the Vancouver Heritage Register. The care and maintenance of the building
falls to the Society and is managed by the Museum Director. It is important to be able to
develop positive relationships with municipal staff to ensure proper care of the building.
Film industry location representative- Drawing on past experience with the film industry the Executive
Director will actively engage local and international production companies and encourage the use of
the museum in film and television. They will act as the museum liaison and site representative and be
available for location events as well as be on-site for the duration of any filming.
Knowledge and Competencies
• University degree in Museum Studies, Education, History, Business/Marketing, or
related field
• Minimum 3 years of experience working in a professional arts & cultural administrative
supervisory role
• Minimum 5 years experience working in the museum/heritage sector
• Minimum 1 years experience working in a police, justice, or law enforcement
museum/heritage site
• A proven record of working effectively with a Board of Directors
• Experience in and knowledge of private fundraising and grant writing
• Experience in planning and managing cash flow forecasts, operating budgets and
www.vancouverpolicemuseum.ca
240 East Cordova Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 1L3
Tel: (604) 665-3346 • Fax: (604) 665-3585 • E-mail: [email protected]
financial reporting
• Skills in building and managing relationships involving a variety of stakeholder groups
• Ability to develop and implement planning processes and marketing strategies
• Proven skills as a clear and dynamic communicator who is passionate about leading
• Critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills with a high level of self-motivation
• Valid driver’s license with access to a car
• Proficient in Microsoft applications, Google Workspace, Wix website development, Linode
collections database, and online meeting platforms
Work Expectations
This position is 80% full-time comprising 30 hours per week over 4 days, between
Wednesday-Sunday. Schedule flexibility is required for seasonal evening and special event
programming. Remuneration is $34.62 an hour, $54,007.20 annually.
Application Deadline
Friday December 27th, 2024 at 5pm
Please submit your resume by email to: [email protected]
No phone calls please
Tagged as: culture, director, museum, policing
To apply for this job email your details to director@vancouverpolicemuseum.ca