Position Description: Saint John Community Arts Board

Time commitment: The Board shall meet at least nine (9) times per year.

Authority:Individual board members have no authority to approve actions by the Board, to direct staff, or to speak on behalf for the Board, unless given such authority by the board.

Term:Members of the board are appointed by Common Council for three year terms to a maximum of two terms.

Remuneration:Members may be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses incurred as a result of Board business, but are not to be otherwise remunerated for their services.

Reports to: Members report to the Board and Chair

Accountability: The Board is collectively accountable to the community, City of Saint John and other stakeholders. They are accountable for the Board’s performance in relation to its mission and strategic objectives and for the effective stewardship of financial resources.

Responsibility:The Board is to actively support the development and growth of arts and culture within the Saint John community by:

  • Formulating and recommending policies to Common Council of The City of Saint John with respect to artistic and cultural matters;
  • To act as a resource for the community, municipal councilors and municipal departments in conjunction with The City of Saint John’s Cultural Affairs Office in artistic and cultural matters;
  • To be included in the development process and evaluation of plans, policies, events, programs, projects and facilities relating to artistic and cultural initiatives in the greater Saint John area;
  • To facilitate and encourage communication, cooperation, and coordination among arts and culture organizations in the greater Saint John area;
  • To provide advisory support to the arts and culture sector in the greater Saint John area;
  • To encourage, celebrate and reward initiative and excellence in artistic and cultural pursuits;
  • To encourage community awareness, appreciation, partnerships and support of artistic and cultural activities; and
  • To report to Common Council at least once per year on the Board’s activities and the state of the arts in the greater Saint John area.

General Duties:Every member of the Board is expected to do the following:

  • Allboard members are expected to be fully informed on Saint John Community Arts Board matters and participate in discussions and decisions in matters of policy, finance, programs, personnel, and advocacy.
  • Prepare for and attend board meetings
  • Work as a team member and support Board decisions
  • Participate in the review of the Saint John Community Arts Board’s mission and objectives and the development of a strategic plan
  • Demonstrate loyalty, commitment, and fiduciary responsibility.
  • Monitor the performance of the organization in relation to objectives and core values
  • Be assured that reports properly reflect the operating results and financial condition of the Saint John Community Arts Board
  • Make certain there are proper internal controls within Saint John Community Arts Board
  • Approve the budget and monitor financial performance in relation to it
  • Abide by the by-laws, code of conduct, and other policies that apply to the board
  • Establish, review, and monitor policies that guide core operational practices (eg. financial management, human resource management)
  • Participate in the recruitment of new board members
  • Participate in the evaluation of the board itself
  • Participate in committee work
  • Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting
  • Keep informed about community issues relevant to the mission and objectives of the Saint John Community Arts Board

Qualifications: All appointments to the Board will be selected on the basis of their potential to contribute to the development of arts and culture. Consideration will be given to Board representation from the following areas: arts and culture, education, business, youth, and the diverse ethnic community.

The following are considered key job qualifications:

  • Knowledge of the community
  • Commitment to organization’s mission and strategic directions
  • A commitment of time
  • Openness to learning

Removal of a

Board Member: A board member may be removed by majority vote of the appointing authority for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance of office.

Role of

Board Members:

  • Members should willingly contribute their expertise (e.g. marketing, lobbying, accounting, legal, etc.) to further the aims of the Board.
  • Advocate on behalf of the Saint John Community Arts Board – board members must be prepared to promote the views of the organization in order to secure funding, legislation, and other support for its programs and services. This requires an informed board member.
  • Ensure compliance with the board’s terms of reference and all City By-Laws, policies, and regulations
  • Approve the budget
  • Report to the Chair of the board. Individual agendas must be subordinate to the aims of the organization. Acting out of self-interest is to be discouraged.
  • Keep closed session discussions and reports confidential.
  • Provide input into the strategic plan and monitor the Saint John Community Arts Board’s progress towards achieving established goals.
  • Participate in any way that is helpful to the advancement of the Saint John Community Arts Board.