Harbourfront Centre plays a vital role in the cultural fabric of Canada. Situated on a 10-acre site at the heart of Toronto’s central waterfront, Harbourfront delivers internationally renowned programming across arts, culture, education, and recreation. A registered charitable, not-for-profit organization, Harbourfront Centre animates one of the city’s most dynamic public spaces through a collection of distinctive indoor and outdoor venues, welcoming more than 6.3 million visitors each year as both a cultural and recreational hub.

Harbourfront has achieved a remarkable turnaround and is now on a strong path of stability and growth. Following a period of renewal, the organization has achieved record attendance, expanded and diversified community programming, strengthened public and media engagement, renewed key partnerships, and materially improved its financial health. With this momentum in place, the Board of Directors is seeking a strategic, visionary, and a publicly minded Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to build on this foundation – deepening artistic excellence, strengthening organizational resilience, and reinforcing Harbourfront Centre’s role as one of Canada’s most important cultural and civic institutions.

The CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership, setting and executing a clear vision aligned with the organization’s purpose. They will advance artistic and cultural impact, engage diverse audiences and communities, and ensure long-term financial sustainability. As Harbourfront Centre’s principal ambassador and advocate, the CEO will build strong relationships with artists, funders, government, donors, partners, and the public, while fostering a high-performing, inclusive, and values-driven organizational culture. At Harbourfront, the values of Open, Brave, Rigorous, and Kind guide the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, imaginative risk-taking, excellence, and respect, ensuring enriching experiences for all.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned, values-driven executive with a strong record of leadership in complex, public-facing organizations, ideally within arts, culture, or mission-driven environments. They will bring strategic acumen, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style, combined with the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder groups and public accountability. Comfortable operating at both a strategic and highly visible level, the successful candidate will set direction, inspire teams, engage funders and governments, and represent Harbourfront Centre with credibility and confidence.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally significant, high-profile cultural organization at a moment of confidence and possibility, shaping its future while stewarding a landmark public space at the heart of Toronto’s waterfront.

Odgers does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.

Reason for Posting: Existing Vacancy