Program & Operations Coordinator

ABOUT THE 525

The 525 is expanding into Vancouver in August 2026, part of a growing multi-city cultural corridor. We don't have deep roots in Vancouver yet. This role is about building them — through the show and beyond it.

We believe art should not be reserved for people who already know how to enter the room. We make exhibitions in places people might not expect, and we look for work and voices that might otherwise be overlooked, trusting that when art transforms a space, it can also shift how people see themselves, each other, and the communities around them.

THE ROLE

The Vancouver-based Program & Operations Coordinator supports with the immediate August 2026 exhibition and starts building the community relationships that make future shows possible. That means venue logistics, install coordination, and event-day operations — and it also means knowing the local arts scene well enough to bring the right people in. The operational and the relational are both the job.

SCOPE OF WORK

• Finance tracking — track and reconcile expenses across organiational programming; maintain accurate records throughout the production cycle and report to Principal Director
• Admin — contact management, supplier communications, post-show reporting, grant application/reporting support
• Community outreach — identify and build relationships with Vancouver arts organizations, community groups, and cultural networks; lay the groundwork for The 525's long-term presence in the city
• Call for artists — support distribution and administration of the open call
• Install coordination — manage practical logistics of installation week
• Community programming — identify and coordinate local partners for programming around the exhibition
• Logistics — shipping, equipment rentals, venue permits, supplier coordination, event-day operations
• Venue management — support contact for exhibition venue; coordinate access, installation scheduling, and technical requirements
• Documentation — exhibition documentation, partner communications, post-show reporting
• Corridor development — Support ongoing Vancouver corridor relationships as the org grows

WHAT YOU'RE WALKING INTO

• Vancouver Exhibition — group exhibition. August 2026.
• Mid-Autumn & Chinatown Partnership — multi-year cultural activation, Riversdale. Summer–Fall 2026.
• CDMX × Toronto — international corridor exhibition. February 2027.
• Bangkok Corridor — international corridor, exhibition and residency. Winter 2027.

COMPENSATION / TIMELINE

Contract rate to be discussed. Independent & fractional contractor.

This role is structured as a fractional contract and is expected to begin at approximately 2 to 5 hours per week, averaging roughly 20 hours per month. Hours will increase during exhibition setup, receptions, public programming, and takedown periods.

Anticipated start time for June 1st, with some flexibility. 1-year term with

3-month review This contract includes a check-in at the three-month mark to assess scope, working relationship, and organizational fit. No changes are assumed — this is a structured moment to reflect and adjust if needed.

Option to increase hours The scope of this contract may expand over time based on organizational need, grant procurement, and mutual agreement. Any increase in hours or responsibilities will be discussed and confirmed in writing before taking effect.

1-year review At the close of the first contract year, both parties will have the opportunity to review the relationship, compensation, and scope. Renewal and any changes are contingent on grant procurement, organizational capacity, and continued fit.

HOW TO APPLY — VIDEO QUESTIONS (3 TO 5 MINUTES)

APPLICATIONS Due April 30th:

• Application will be accepted on a rolling basis!
• Interviews will be held on rolling basis

1. Describe a project you had to make work with less than you needed. What did you cut, and what did you protect?
2. You're coordinating an exhibition in a city where you know some of the scene but not all of it. How do you build trust with people who don't know you yet?

WHAT TO SUBMIT

• CV or résumé — Standard format, any length.
• OPTIONAL Portfolio link — URL. Website, PDF, or files.
• Video response — 3–5 minutes. Answer both questions. No self-introduction. Phone camera is fine.

Please send any questions to: [email protected]! The 525 is committed to equitable access. If any part of this process creates a barrier, reach out and we'll figure it out together.