We're Hiring | Research & Project Coordinator (Vancouver Metal Arts Hub)

Position Title: Research and Project Coordinator (Vancouver Metal Arts Hub)

Position Type: Contract part-time

Contract Duration: November 2022 through February 2023 (no work in December).

Hours may vary.

Compensation: $25 per hour at 80 working hours ($2000 contract), with potential

for an extension.

Location: Remote/hybrid work, with monthly in-person meetings in the city of Vancouver.

The project work associated with this role will primarily take place on the traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ

(Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Apply by*: October 23, 2022 (11:59PM Pacific Time)

*This position is open until filled. However, qualified applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The project work associated with this role will primarily take place on the traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ

(Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Role Purpose and Project Description

The Vancouver Metal Arts Association is in the first stages of a feasibility study for the creation of a metal arts hub in Vancouver. This project will involve planning, design, administration and coordination of qualitative and quantitative information to gather metal artists’ opinions, attitudes and preferences about the ideal metal arts hub, with special attention to groups underrepresented in the art jewellery space.

This project phase has two objectives:

1. Preliminary community engagement to define the priorities necessary to create a decolonized, inclusive, and accessible arts space for artists;

2. Identifying and exploring potential sites suitable for the creation of a physical space, and the most feasible financial and operating models for long-term operation.

As research and project coordinator, you will primarily be responsible for facilitating communication between external consultants and any VMAA volunteers tasked with project-related duties, and to proactively provide support to keep the project on task (e.g. scheduling regular meetings, maintain project log, etc).

Learn more about the project here.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research and consultation

• Research. Conduct desktop research and analysis on a variety of topics, including identifying potential interviewees, subject matter experts, and focus groups participants

• Routine communication. Query and liaise with experts or contacts from other organizations as part of research project

• Documents organization. Organize findings of research and recommendations by routinely organizing and uploading notes to shared documents, and helping maintain the existing project log.

• Note-taking. Occasional participation in one-on-one interviews or focus group settings as a notetaker

• Partnership development. Identify potential partners in art space in the region and better understand their plans and priorities to identify opportunity for partnership

Project Coordination, Administration, and Partnership Management

• Meetings participation. If hours permit, participate in strategic dialogue with external partners (arts organizations) to identify areas of potential collaboration

• Managing briefings. Synthesize information on the project in briefing emails

• Assistance with invoice management. Manage project-related invoicing communications between VMAA, consultants and artists

• Interview calendar management. Aid in scheduling and coordinating meetings between prospective interviewees

• Meetings coordination. Support scheduling meetings for project steering committees and groups

Desired qualifications, knowledge, and abilities

Success in this position requires well-developed project management, presentation, communication and interpersonal skills. As such, we are hoping for a candidate with:

• At least two years of prior experience in related responsibilities, such as project coordination, program management, research project development, executive assistance, or arts administration support

• Sound knowledge of Vancouver’s metal and jewellery arts community and character

• Technical understanding of art spaces is considered an asset (e.g. participating in setting up private or shared studios and/or operating them, for instance)

• Reliable and clear interpersonal communication habits

• Ability to both take initiative and complete tasks with minimal supervision

• Strong writing skills and prior note-taking experience an asset

• Aptitude for research, analysis, strategic and operational planning, and critical thinking

How to Apply

Please email your resume to president@vancouvermetalarts.com with the subject heading “Job Posting: VMAA Research & Project Coordinator (Firstname Surname)” by Oct 28.

If you require any accommodations during any phase of the hiring process, please notify us as soon as possible. All information received in relation to accommodation requests will be kept confidential.

Additional information

• Some weeks or months will require more project hours than others (e.g. we anticipate higher workloads in November and January, and little to none in December).

• This position is open until filled. However, qualified applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

• Due to the fast-evolving nature of this project, the position may require the ability to work non-traditional hours on short notice

• Qualified applicants who apply after the selection process has started may have their resumes on file over the next 6–12 months OR reviewed for alternative roles in that time frame. We appreciate the time and effort it takes to apply and thank you in advance.

• Any additional questions about the position may be directed to president@vancouvermetalarts.com

About the Vancouver Metal Arts Association

The Vancouver Metal Arts Association (VMAA) is a volunteer artist-run nonprofit society founded in 2013 to advocate for and promote the art jewellery discipline in the Greater Vancouver region. Today, the organization promotes workshops, social events, artist lectures, and exhibitions for the art jewellery and metalsmith communities in Vancouver, BC. VMAA is committed to connecting our members with opportunities and benefits that support their personal jewellery and metalwork practices.

The Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples have evolved and sustained rich artistic, economic and cultural practices in what is colonially known as Vancouver since time immemorial while thriving in balance and stewarding the lands, water and life of this region. Our organization strives to honour these territorial relationships throughout our operations as we continue our journey to decolonize the spaces and practices in which we engage daily.