The Canada Council for the Arts (the Council) is Canada’s national public arts funder, with a mandate “to foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts.”

Through its grants, services, prizes, initiatives, and payments, the Council supports a dynamic and diverse arts and literary scene. These activities generate a meaningful economic, cultural, and social impact for over 2,000 communities in all parts of the country and beyond. Its investments and leadership help advance public engagement in the arts from coast to coast to coast while also contributing to the international recognition of artists and arts organizations from Canada.

The Public Lending Right program makes annual payments to creators whose works are held in Canadian public libraries and the Art Bank provides the broader public with a collection of over 17,000 Canadian contemporary art works to enjoy through its rental, loan, and dissemination programs.

The Council is governed by an 11-member Board. As stewards of the organization, members of the Board are responsible for the ongoing governance of the organization, including oversight of the budgets, programs, policies, grant decisions and strategic planning. Members are responsible for the annual performance evaluation of the Director and Chief Executive Officer and accountable to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture for the stewardship of the Council’s management.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found by following the organization website link above.

Education and Experience

Please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrates how you meet the following requirements:

• • A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study (arts, culture, business, management, public policy, community), or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and / or experience;

• • A professional designation (e.g., accounting, CPA, CFA, legal or other relevant credentials) would be considered an asset;

• • Experience serving as a member of a board of directors or in a senior executive role of a large private or public organization, or arts organization;

• • Experience in financial management and able to understand and oversee financial performance and risk

• • Experience in the arts community or a background in the arts either as an artist, arts professional, arts administrator or volunteer would be considered an asset;

• • Experience in the areas of digital transformation or evolving technology platforms would be considered an asset;

• • Experience in the communications or creative industries sector, including digital innovation, would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The following criteria will be assessed:

• • Knowledge of the legislative framework, mandate and activities of the Canada Council for the Arts, as well as its strategic priorities and public policy issues;

• • Knowledge of the current challenges and opportunities for Canadian artistic and / or cultural institutions;

• • Knowledge of the diversity of cultural practices in Canada, including non-Western and Indigenous forms;

• • Knowledge of the arts and culture sectors of Canada, and their unique regional dimensions;

• • Ability to identify, analyze and define priorities and strategies;

• • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Board members, senior management and key stakeholders;

• • Ability to actively participate in debate and discussions among Board members;

• • Ability to recognize and address emerging issues and trends, to seize opportunities, and to advance ideas and innovation.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages is preferred.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency when assessing applicants. Your online profile must include your proficiency in speaking and understanding your second official language.

Personal Attributes

The following will be verified by references at a later date:

• • Passion and commitment to the arts and cultural sector

• • Sound judgment, integrity and impartiality

• • High ethical standards

• • Superior interpersonal skills

• • Diplomacy, tact and discretion

• • Collegiality

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Government of Canada is committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace, and to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. Appointees will be expected to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.
Candidates who belong to one or more of the designated employment equity groups are encouraged to self-identify when applying. Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women.

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• • All appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout the duration of their appointment.
  • All appointees are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, within 60 days of their appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities.
  • All appointees are subject to the Terms and conditions applying to Governor in Council appointees. They must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values, principles and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles throughout their time in public office.
  • Appointees must also respect the principles of any code of conduct that applies to the organization to which they are appointed.
  • Appointees must commit an average of 12 to 16 days annually.

• • Appointees are expected to prepare for and attend Board meetings four (4) times per year for one and a half days each, in Ottawa or elsewhere in Canada. Appointees must also be available for virtual meetings or calls when required.

• • Appointees must be willing and able to travel across Canada, as required.

• • Appointees must act as an ambassador for the Canada Council for the Arts in their own community.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be considered for other appointment opportunities.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit their application package, including their curriculum vitae and a cover letter addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 9, 2026, via the Governor in Council Appointments website.
To learn more or if you require support or accommodation to submit your online application, please visit the How to apply page on the website. For alternatives to online applications, please visit the Application Assistance page.