Vancouver Folk Music Festival Executive Director 

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival Society is hiring an Executive Director! After a challenging few years under outstanding but temporary leadership, we’re looking to hire a longer-term ED to lead the organization into our 50th year and beyond, focused on financial stability and long-term visioning and strategic planning. The successful candidate would lead a stellar team of staff and contractors, and work in collaboration with the Artistic Director, under the general direction of the VFMFS Board of Directors. We are looking for someone who excels in leadership and is passionate about supporting arts and culture.

About Us:

Founded in 1978, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival (VFMF) is a Canadian cultural institution. It is a unique celebration of traditional and contemporary folk and roots music from around the world. Rooted in values of artistic excellence, diversity and inclusiveness, environmental stewardship, social justice, and reconciliation, the festival is dedicated to honouring the transformative power of community and the joy of discovery. Every July, the VFMF takes place at ʔəy̓alməxʷ / Iy̓ál̓mexw Jericho Beach Park, on the unceded and ancestral land of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We honour and respect the sacred connection between Indigenous peoples and the land and we commit to moving forward with the spirit of reconciliation and partnership. 2026 marks the festival’s 49th anniversary.

Hours and Compensation:

Salary – $70,000 to $90,000

Hours – full-time, Monday-Friday

• Averaging 40 hours/week, with fewer hours in the fall and winter and more hours in the leadup to the festival
• Must be available to be on site the third week of July, including the duration of all operating hours over the festival weekend
• Occasional evening and weekend hours outside of the festival week, including outreach events, bi-weekly evening board meetings, etc.

Work location – this position is based out of the VFMF office in Vancouver (1945 McLean Drive). Some remote work is possible depending on timeline and operational needs.

Benefits – health benefits, or additional pay in lieu

Paid time off

• 5 paid sick days
• 2 weeks (10 days) paid vacation to start, with an additional 5 paid days during winter break
• Note that vacation time cannot be taken in close proximity to the festival dates.

The Executive Director works collaboratively with the Board of Directors and Artistic Director to update and implement the vision, values, and strategy of the organization. This role is responsible for managing VFMF operations with a focus on organizational stability, including fiscal management, fund development, and human resources. Key responsibilities include:

Financial planning and management – Building and managing a budget of approximately $2m

• Preparing the annual budget with assistance from the Board Finance Committee
• Working with the Bookkeeper to monitor monthly cash flow and prepare regular financial reports for the Board of Directors
• Preparing ongoing budget revisions for approval (as needed)
• Administering the organization’s funds according to the approved budget, including approving non-artistic expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board of Directors
• Creating structured payment schedules for festival contractors and suppliers
• In collaboration with the Bookkeeper, ensuring sound financial management and record-keeping procedures are adhered to, including an annual audit and filing of CRA T3010

Human resources and people management

• Overseeing the development/updating and implementation of human resources policies, procedures and practices in alignment with BC labour law and VFMF values
• Short- and long-term workforce planning, with support from the Board Personnel Committee
• Direct supervision of staff and contractors, including the volunteer, site, operations, fundraising, marketing, and administration teams

Fund development – overseeing and contributing to sponsorship, grant writing, and donor cultivation and stewardship

Advocacy and community relations – in partnership with the Artistic Director and the Board of Directors

• Developing, strengthening, and maintaining respectful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities
• Collaborating with senior leaders at other arts organizations to advocate for increased funding for the arts at all levels of government
• Staying up to date on issues, trends, events, and opportunities impacting the arts and nonprofit sectors

Festival operations – oversight of planning and execution of key festival operations, including:

• Facilitating timely applications for all permits and licenses
• Coordinating ticketing system and on-site point of sale system

Qualifications:

Experience leading a high-performing team for a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role

Experience working in non-profit organizations, preferably in the arts and culture sector

Experience working or volunteering for live music events is preferred

Knowledge and competency with human resources, financial management, project management, and non-profit organizational structure and legislation

Excellent organizational and communications skills

Experience with fundraising for a non-profits organization including grants, sponsorships, and individual giving

Working knowledge of the following computer applications and programs is an asset:

• Google Suite, Microsoft, Apple OS
• Databases such as Salesforce, Airtable, Filemaker
• Quickbooks Online
• Ticketing and point of sale platforms such as Tickit and Square
• Adobe and Canva

A Diploma or Degree in business management, arts management, human resources, finance, marketing, social work, or other relevant fields is an asset

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment both independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Ability to foster an inclusive and culturally sensitive work environment and approach projects with a JEDI lens

Experience with the demands of a large outdoor event taking place on a temporary site an asset

Application Process:

Submit your resume and cover letter as a single pdf document to operations@thefestival.bc.ca. Applications will be open until the position is filled. The first round of applicants will be assessed on October 9, 2025

The preferred start date for the position is November 15.

The VFMF Society aims to embed our values of Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility into all aspects of our work, including our hiring processes. We strongly encourage candidates from equity-deserving communities to apply.