Para Site

We are hiring a Deputy Director!

Photo: Felix S.C. Wong｜攝影：黃思聰

Para Site is Hong Kong’s leading contemporary art space and one of the oldest and most active independent art centres in Asia. Our pioneering institution has continuously adapted and strived to make a difference in the arts by responding to the complex challenges of the world today. As Para Site embarks on an exciting new chapter of growth, the Deputy Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and overseeing business management, contributing directly to the institution’s long-term development. Para Site continues to be at the forefront of vital connections between Hong Kong and the global art community through its ground-breaking programme of exhibitions, publications, seminars, residencies, community projects, and education initiatives.

The Deputy Director is responsible for implementing improvements in all areas of the organisation. This includes operational oversight such as managing staff and delegating work on a day-to-day basis, financial reporting and strategic financial management, fundraising, external communications, and developing strategic partnerships. This role will be crucial towards expanding on the institution’s strategy of philanthropic engagement efforts, including high-profile prestigious events such as the Annual Gala and Fundraising Auction, the conception of new fundraising initiatives, and ensuring a robust and inspiring connection to individual donors, trusts and grant-making bodies, and corporate partnerships.

This role will be at the forefront of the organisation’s pursuit of innovative ideas about institution building in response to the urgent challenges we face. This includes efforts to commission new education initiatives, improve the organisation’s accessibility and outreach to various communities, and amplify its public engagement efforts. Furthermore, they will contribute to developing a vision for establishing interdisciplinary connections between cultural producers and diverse audiences locally, regionally, and internationally.

Responsibilities:

  • With Executive Director/Curator, oversees and guides the goals of the organisation, establishing future objectives by identifying critical issues and opportunities, and developing strategic recommendations
  • Oversees all aspects of Para Site’s fundraising, including establishing goals, objectives, and procedures. This includes: running the annual patrons programme, communicating with individual patrons, and developing and implementing programme patron events; managing corporate funding programmes as well as identifying and cultivating new potential sponsors; directing the large-scale annual fundraising auction; leading the completion and submission of government and foundation grants
  • Supervises overall communications strategy to promote the organisation and its activities locally, regionally, and internationally
  • Supports the Executive Director/Curator as a lead representative of the organisation to external constituents and the general public
  • Attends meetings of the Board of Directors as well as lead specific committees
  • Develops and monitors the organisation’s budget
  • Oversees day-to-day activities of Para Site, developing and implementing internal policies, and provide leadership to maintain an efficient and satisfying working environment

The ideal candidate should have:

  • An advanced degree in art history, curatorial studies, museum studies, arts administration or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a senior arts management position, ideally in a museum, gallery or cultural organisation 
  • A keen interest in and good understanding of Hong Kong and international arts and culture and the key figures
  • Motivated by issues of sustainability related to non-profit institutions.
  • Demonstrable senior management experience, ideally in the cultural or charitable sector
  • Significant experience of financial management, including experience of setting, monitoring and controlling an annual budget and project budgets, producing management accounts and cash flow forecasts, liaising with an accountant on year-end accounts
  • Demonstrable knowledge of public and private sector fundraising
  • Excellent managerial skills and experience leading teams and working with a wide range of collaborators
  • Strong negotiation skills that can inspire trust through demonstrating sensitivity, discretion, and tact.
  • High proficiency in spoken and written English is essential, additional Cantonese or Mandarin is a strong bonus.
  • Proficiency in computer software including iOS, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.
  • Knowledge of data management systems such as eTapestry, Raiser’s Edge (RE), or Salesforce a plus.

Applications (including a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and available start date) should be submitted through the Google form (https://forms.gle/xVqEUFVAz8iPcVSz6) by Thursday 15 May 2024 HK Time. Only selected applicants will be contacted. Submissions must be made in English.