Operations Manager – Craft Nova Scotia
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Type: Full-time
Salary Range: $72,500–$82,500, commensurate with experience.
Additional benefits include health and retirement contributions.
Position Summary
Craft Nova Scotia is seeking a detail-oriented, hands-on, and community-minded Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day logistics of the Centre for Craft. This includes managing shared studio spaces, the Mary E. Black Gallery, artist residencies, and member-led initiatives. This role supports high-quality, accessible programming while maintaining safe, welcoming, and well-organized facilities.
As the inward-facing operations lead, the Operations Manager acts as the logistical backbone of the organization. They will thrive in environments that require thoughtful coordination, problem-solving, and collaboration with artists, curators, committees, and other team members.
Key Responsibilities
Centre for Craft Oversight
- Oversee the safe, inclusive, and efficient operations of the Centre’s studios (wood, metal, ceramics, textiles).
- Manage the scheduling and facility support for residencies, workshops, and member access.
- Supervise studio technicians, instructors, and part-time staff or contractors during peak periods.
- Ensure compliance with OH&S standards and studio safety protocols.
Gallery Oversight
- Coordinate daily logistics of the Mary E. Black Gallery, working with artists, curators, and exhibition committees.
- Support exhibition planning, installation, environmental controls, and public engagement events (e.g., artist talks).
- Manage gallery budget in collaboration with the ED, including grant writing and reporting.
Membership & Community Support
- Serve as the first point of contact for member and studio user inquiries, ensuring respectful, timely, and informed support.
- Maintain and update member records, studio access systems, and participation databases.
- Facilitate onboarding of new members, renters, and program participants.
Volunteer & Committee Coordination
- Liaise with volunteer and advisory groups (e.g., exhibitions, jury selection), supporting scheduling, orientation, and workflow.
- Provide documentation and guidance to ensure committees function effectively and inclusively.
Operations & Administration
- Manage internal scheduling tools, safety procedures, inventory, and operational documentation.
- Support grant reporting with data collection, usage metrics, and activity summaries.
- Coordinate part-time admin or contract-based support during peak operational times, such as market prep or gallery turnover.
Team Collaboration
- Participate in weekly cross-functional team meetings with the Executive Director and Commercial Manager.
- Contribute to strategic planning sessions and annual goal-setting.
- Assist with organization-wide initiatives, town halls, or community-facing activities.
- Actively help balance shared leadership with personal accountability to ensure no tasks fall through the cracks.
Required Qualities & Experience
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in operations, facility coordination, or program delivery, preferably in a creative, nonprofit, or cultural setting.
- Strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to coordinate shared spaces involving multiple stakeholders and schedules.
- Familiarity with professional gallery standards (handling, installation, environmental monitoring, packing/shipping).
- Comfortable managing contracts, logistics, volunteers, and technology platforms.
- Familiarity with health and safety standards and accessibility practices in creative environments.
- Technologically fluent in scheduling systems, documentation platforms, and communication tools.
- Passionate about supporting creative communities and craft culture.
- Commitment to equity, regional inclusion, and artist-centered service delivery.
Learn More
Applicants are encouraged to review our website to learn more about our programs, strategic direction, and current initiatives:
www.craftnovascotia.ca
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials in a single PDF document:
- A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and alignment with Craft Nova Scotia’s mission
- A current résumé highlighting relevant experience and accomplishments
- Names and contact information for three professional references (references will not be contacted without your permission)
Please email your application to: board@craftnovascotia.ca
Use the subject line: Executive Director Application – [Your Name]
Deadline to Apply: June 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM Atlantic Time
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Equity Statement
Craft Nova Scotia is committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive, and diverse craft community that reflects our province’s full breadth of experiences. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Mi’kmaq or other Indigenous peoples, African Nova Scotian, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomers, persons with disabilities, and others who experience systemic barriers to opportunity.
We recognize lived experience as a vital form of leadership and insight, and we value non-traditional career paths, community-based experience, and culturally specific knowledge alongside formal education and professional roles.
Accessibility Accommodation Statement
We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process, please contact us at board@craftnovascotia.ca. We will work with you to ensure your full participation and a positive candidate experience.