CALL FOR APPLICANTS: Interim Director and Publisher

About BlackFlash Magazine

BlackFlash Magazine is a nationally recognized, contemporary visual arts magazine celebrating over forty years of continuous publishing. The magazine commissions critical art writing and showcases the work of emerging to established contemporary artists from across Canada, the United States, and abroad. BlackFlash produces three print issues per year with ongoing publishing on BlackFlash.ca. The magazine is operated by Buffalo Berry Press, a non-profit charitable organization based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Position Summary: Interim Director and Publisher
BlackFlash Magazine is seeking a motivated individual for the position of Interim Director and Publisher. The successful candidate will have experience in organizational leadership, managing charitable arts organizations, experience in managing non-profit financials, and familiarity with BlackFlash. A strong candidate will have a passion and understanding of contemporary art and contemporary art discourse, as well as a broad network of professional contacts within Canada. The Interim Director and Publisher is responsible for the day-to-day management of BlackFlash Magazine, and so must have the ability to manage different priorities in a self-directed work environment. The Interim Director and Publisher will work closely with the Guest Editor to manage the production of the magazine. They are responsible to, and report to the Buffalo Berry Press Inc. Board of Directors. A strong candidate will be able to successfully manage staff, board, community, and partner relationships. The Interim Director and Publisher will start in July 2024, and can expect to work 20 hours per week.

Start Date: July 2024

Hours: 20 hours per week
Term: One year

Salary: $28 per hour

Benefits: Full benefits available following a three-month probationary period
Reports to: Buffalo Berry Press Board of Directors

Location: Saskatchewan

Roles and Responsibilities:

Operational and Financial Management

• Carry out day-to-day operations of the organization, including processing payments and invoices, tracking finances and creating budgets 
• Manage operational contracts (including for collaborators and contract workers)
• Maintain the physical and digital archives of BlackFlash, including the website
• Liaise with the printer concerning publication production, timelines and deliverables
• Work with the Guest Editor to oversee the production schedule, budget, and contracts for artists and writers
• Support the magazine’s editorial committee and contributors in facilitating the editorial program, including sourcing images and copyright access
• In collaboration with the board of directors, identify, pursue, and compile reports for fundraising opportunities (new and existing grant programs, sponsorships, etc.) 
• Work with the Board of Directors to identify and apply to available funding opportunities for the magazine
• Prepare and present staff reports on the above tasks to the board of directors at monthly board meetings

Marketing and Advertising

• Develop and coordinate marketing, advertising, and communication strategies
• Oversee advertisements published in the magazine
• Coordinate the promotional events, such as issue launches, alongside Guest Editors
• Manage online presence, including website, social media, and newsletters

Distribution and Circulation

• Manage magazine circulation, including circulation appeals, subscription renewals, and seeking distribution opportunities
• Seek new subscriptions and work to grow the magazine’s impact and circulation

Human Resources

• Foster collegiality and teamwork between the BOD, staff, and collaborators
• Assist in training interns and contract staff when necessary
• Maintain a professional work atmosphere in keeping with the Saskatchewan Employment Standards and the Saskatchewan Employment Act.

• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to maintain the vision and strategic plan of the organization
• Maintain good communication and professional relationships with collaborators, staff, Board Members, community and financial partners
• Demonstrate leadership in the organization and act as a representative of the Magazine

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capacity to communicate thoughtfully and compassionately in all situations;
• Financial literacy related to creating and running budgets for granting purposes;
• Highly organized with the ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities;
• Independently motivated and adept at self directed work;
• Experience working collaboratively and coordinating effectively with diverse audience and stakeholders;
• Relevant experience in a similar position, such as arts administration, publishing, or editorial; 
• Relevant education or equivalent experience, such as a degree in fine art, art history, cultural studies, publishing, or arts administration;
• Experience working in the arts or with a non-profit charitable organization is an asset.
• Experience working with boards and/or in collectives is an asset. 
• Experience working with MS Office and Google Suite is essential. Quickbooks, basic design skills, and/or experience working with Adobe Creative Suite would be considered an asset. 

Human Resources

• Foster collegiality and teamwork between the BOD, staff, and collaborators
• Oversee recruitment, alongside the BOD, and training of interns and contract staff
• Maintain a professional work atmosphere in keeping with the Saskatchewan Employment Standards and the Saskatchewan Employment Act.

• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to maintain the vision and strategic plan of the organization
• Maintain good communication and professional relationships with collaborators, staff, Board Members, community and financial partners
• Demonstrate leadership in the organization and act as a representative of the Magazine

This is a part-time position with a 3-month probationary period. Salary is $28/hour for 20 hours a week. A period of hybrid or remote work could be negotiated if needed. Vacation pay is paid out as per the Saskatchewan Employment Standard Act. 

Buffalo Berry Press is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you require accommodation during the application or selection process, please get in touch at hiring@blackflash.ca. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and will be assessed on their merits. Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. 

Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume, cover letter and three references by email to: hiring@blackflash.ca by Tuesday, July 2, 2024.