Program Officer - Indigenous Arts

The Ontario Arts Council is a publicly funded agency of Ontario's Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. Since 1963, OAC has supported professional artists and arts organizations to benefit all Ontarians. Through grants, services, outreach, and partnerships, OAC fosters a vibrant and diverse arts ecosystem. We are committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion, ensuring the arts remain vital to life, the economy, and community across the province.
Program Officer - Indigenous ArtsDeadline date for submissions:
November 26, 2026
Location : Toronto or an approved Remote location elsewhere in Ontario. The remote option is intended to support outreach, and relationships with Indigenous arts communities across the province.
Contract type : Regular full-time
Affiliation : Unionized
Vacancy : One
Remuneration : $82,148 - $124,434
The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is seeking an accomplished mid to senior level Indigenous arts professional with extensive work experience within the Indigenous arts communities to apply their arts administration skills and broad arts discipline knowledge. The position will work towards the development, oversight and administration of a variety of granting programs and services across OAC disciplines and funds, both those dedicated to Indigenous artists and arts organizations, as well as those serving the general arts communities.
Your leadership skills, combined with an innovative and thoughtful approach to supporting the diverse needs of Ontario's Indigenous arts communities and the wider arts sector enables you to act as a critical link between artists, organizations and the OAC.
In accordance with OAC's hiring mandate for this designated program area and section 24 of the Ontario Human Rights Code, only Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) applicants will be considered. Applicants must self-identify in their application and identify their Indigenous Nation(s) - First Nation, Inuit or Métis—and the community or communities they are from.
Key Responsibilities
Identify needs of Indigenous artists and arts organizations, provide input into related strategies and policies, and support the implementation of programs and services in response to those needs
Responsible for applicant granting support, feedback and consultation;
communicate program goals, priorities, principles and strategies;
provide information andadvice on programs and the application process in a safe and respectful manner
Manage, develop and provide administrative oversight of the assigned granting programs, including input on program eligibility criteria and priorities
Guide the granting process, includes reviewing applications, selecting assessors, facilitating assessment meetings, making oral presentations and written grant recommendations and reports, and communicating results
Analyze, manage and administer program budgets and program workflow
Conduct outreach and development for the arts communities represented by the assigned granting programs
Supervise and support associated staff, ensuring program administration is timely and accurate
Handle in conjunction with the manager any issues and concerns
Develop and maintain relationships with arts communities, organizations, funders and partners
Engage in consultation around the assigned grant programs to determine continued relevance to identified needs
Provide support as needed when other Program Officers require additional assistance
Work occasional overtime, attend events on evenings and weekends and travel to different regions in Ontario to meet with artists and arts organizations to build awareness of OAC programs, and provide hands-on training on the granting process
Key Qualifications
Direct working knowledge of the history, current status and trends and key issues in Indigenous arts and experience working in support of Indigenous artists and arts organizations
A minimum of 5 years’ mid-to-senior level arts leadership experience in arts and culture management
Proven ability to provide leadership in the implementation of arts development strategies, programs and initiatives
A post-secondary education in the arts or an equivalent combination of professional experience and education related to the responsibilities is required
Experience and knowledge in grant writing and public funding systems
Knowledge of Indigenous philosophies, ways of working, and policy development working within and in support of diverse Indigenous arts communities in the province
Experience facilitating group decision making processes
Experience managing stakeholder relationships
Successful experience in program delivery or project management, with supervision of project plans and the workflow of staff
Practical financial knowledge and direct experience managing project and organization operating budgets
Excellent and effective oral and written communication and presentation skills in English;
with proficiency in an Indigenous language, French, or ASL is an asset
Solid organizational and administrative practices with problem solving and multi-tasking abilities
Excellent interpersonal, teambuilding, and consultative skills
Sound judgement, initiative and flexibility
Known to work collaboratively with and in support of individuals and groups with diverse identities, lived experiences, and perspectives
Advanced computer proficiency in Microsoft 365 Office Suite, and familiarity with grants management software solutions an asset
Willingness and ability to occasionally work overtime and travel within Ontario
A valid driver’s license is preferred
OAC is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce. OAC values a diversity of perspectives, ideas and lived experiences as an asset in serving Ontario's communities.
OAC does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess or select applicants during the hiring process.
Please contact us at View email address on ca.hrm.tc if you are unable to apply on-line and/or require accommodations during the recruitment process due to a disability.
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