Call for Board Member – Treasurer (CPA Required)
The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) is seeking to recruit a Treasurer to its Board of Directors. This position requires a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, or equivalent legacy designation (CMA, CGA, RPA), and demonstrated experience in financial oversight. Experience in the arts, culture, or not-for-profit sector is considered a strong asset.
Our Impact
As Ottawa’s municipal public art gallery, OAG tells the story of our community’s evolution through art and helps to create a positive vision for our city’s future. As a cultural anchor in the downtown core, we are a sustainable and innovative institution that promotes equity, anti-racism and accessibility through art. We are a positive economic contributor to the City of Ottawa and hold a world-class collection of art for the people of the region.
Our Vision
We believe that regional artists offer us a unique vision of our society, and although grounded within a specific geography, play an essential role in addressing and helping us to understand the complex, global challenges of our time. Our exhibitions present regional art within a national and international context, and our programs reach patrons and participants from toddlers to seniors. OAG also “holds space” for our communities and we strongly believe in interdisciplinary collaborations and partnership.
Role Overview: Treasurer
The Treasurer plays a key leadership role on the Board, providing oversight of the Gallery’s financial health and supporting strong governance practices. Working closely with the CEO and Board, the Treasurer helps guide financial strategy, monitors organizational performance, and ensures appropriate financial risk management and accountability.
Board Environment & Benefits
OAG’s Board is committed to creating a supportive environment and providing mentorship opportunities.
Join our team of dedicated and ambitious Board members, staff and volunteers—experience the legacy and shape the future of visual arts and culture in the region. Help us tell the story of our community’s evolution through art and contribute to creating a positive vision for our city’s future. You will be shaping a sustainable and innovative institution that is a positive economic contributor to the national capital region and holds a world-class collection of art in trust and in perpetuity for the people of the region.
You will experience:
• A welcoming engagement with art in a cultural destination that you will want to share with friends and family
• A shared sense of pride in the cultural contributions of artists from our region
• A convivial and professional group of Board colleagues and Gallery management who are passionate about the OAG and its leadership in many aspects of the arts in our region and across the country
Competencies
Required Qualification:
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), or equivalent legacy designation (CMA, CGA, RPA)
Candidates who do not hold one of these recognized accounting designations will not be considered for this recruitment cycle.
While additional competencies are not required, preferred candidates may also bring experience in some of the following:
Arts Leadership
Civic advocacy for the arts
Fundraising & donor development
Previous board / governance
Community profile
Strategic planning
Entrepreneurial outlook
Both official languages
Health & wellness
Risk management
Finance and investments
Legal
Human Resources
Marketing & communications
Hospitality
Term & Commitment
Term: 3 Years with re-election potential of two additional 3-year terms (maximum 9 years)
Yearly Commitment: Five Board meetings a year (three hours each) and one Annual General Meeting, in addition to serving on at least one committee (committee meetings are 1 hour and occur once before each Board meeting or as required).
How to Apply
If you think that you could contribute to the OAG and are inspired by our vision for the arts, we encourage you to apply by submitting:
• An expression of interest (max. 500 words) outlining how your skills and experience can advance the OAG’s mission
• A brief biography (max. 250 words)
Please note that only candidates with a CPA, CMA, CGA, or RPA designation will be considered for this position.
The deadline for applications is Friday May 8th at 5pm and should be submitted as a PDF to ecampbell@oaggao.ca.
Please direct questions to Emma Campbell via email at ecampbell@oaggao.ca with the subject line: OAG Board of Directors.
Learn more about the OAG’s Board of Directors by visiting our website at oaggao.ca/board-directors.
The Ottawa Art Gallery thanks all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
About OAG’s Board and Your Commitment
Our volunteer Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders who believe art and culture are an essential part of belonging and a building block for the society we want.
The Board’s responsibilities include the governance, oversight, and monitoring of:
• Strategic plan and organizational performance
• Annual operating and capital budget and results
• Strategic risk management
• Acting as a sounding board and support to the CEO
Board members will be required to:
• Be members in good standing of the Ottawa Art Gallery when nominated
• Work as part of a team and respect others, raising challenging questions in a manner that encourages open discussion
• Demonstrate high ethical standards and integrity, act on and remain accountable for Board decisions, and meet legal and bylaw obligations
• Provide financial oversight, including review and interpretation of financial statements, budgets, and audit processes
• Support the generation of connections, resources, and capabilities to advance the mission and mandate of the OAG
• Be aware of the impact of organizational issues, policies, and decisions and be sensitive to diverse perspectives
• Provide wise, thoughtful counsel and consider various scenarios in decision-making
• Understand the inherent risks in non-profit organizations and integrate risk management into planning and decision-making
• See the big picture, ask relevant and probing questions, and differentiate between governance and management responsibilities
• Be willing to mentor and/or be mentored by fellow Board members
• Support the vision, mission, and values of the OAG
• Where possible, make a personal financial contribution and support fundraising efforts
• Devote the time and effort necessary to fully participate in governance
• Contribute personal expertise and participate actively on Board committees
Accessibility
The OAG fully supports the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all of its operations. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, the OAG strives to conduct its business in a way that is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.
Should you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact Emma Campbell at ecampbell@oaggao.ca.