The Hnatyshyn Foundation is hiring: Program Assistant (PT)
February 19, 2026
The Hnatyshyn Foundation is seeking to hire a part-time Program Assistant. This position is ideal for a full-time artist who is seeking to supplement their income and contribute to the Canadian arts community through meaningful program administration work, or for a freelance or emerging arts administrator seeking professional experience in the field.
Schedule: 6.5 hours/week, ongoing
Start date: spring 2026
Work location: the candidate must be able to work on-site in downtown Ottawa. Remote work might be a possibility some weeks.
Compensation: $25-$28/hour, commensurate with experience
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Job description
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Program Assistant helps to administer grants and awards for Canadian artists.
Skills and Knowledge
Familiarity with the Canadian contemporary arts landscape (visual and/or performing arts).
Discretion and sound judgment.
Strong attention to detail and a conscientious attitude.
A working knowledge of current communications technologies and office software (Adobe, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, social media, Canva).
Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
Communication skills in French are an asset but are not essential.
Background
A bachelor’s degree or college degree in administration, art history, fine arts, performing arts, or a related field or equivalent work experience.
Reporting and Working Relationships
Reports to the Executive Director for the day-to-day operations of the Foundation.
The Program Assistant may occasionally be asked to provide general support to the Board and its committees, in particular the Program Committee.
The Program Assistant will be required to communicate with candidates, jurors, and laureates by email.
Duties
The duties of the Program Assistant are summarized below but may include additional duties, to be agreed upon by the Employee and the Employer.
Program administration
Receiving and processing nominations and candidate submissions in accordance with the Foundation’s guidelines.
Preparing reports on candidates for consideration by jurors and selection committees.
Compiling lists of desirable jurors.
Assisting the Executive Director in the preparation and publication of newsletters, social media content, and website content.
Maintaining up-to-date mailing lists of Canadian arts organizations, publications and universities.
Communicating with laureates, jurors, candidates, and other stakeholders.
Entering and analyzing data about nominees and candidates into the Foundation’s database to track the popularity of the Foundation’s programs across provinces, schools, and groups to help improve outreach.
Helping to maintain the filing system for program-related documents.
Recording nominations and applicant data in spreadsheets.
Assisting the Executive Director with the preparation of the Annual Report.
Office administration
The Program Assistant may occasionally be asked to assist with drafting meeting minutes, preparing documents and mailings, conducting annual updates to the donor list on the website, digitizing documents, and other administrative tasks as required.
Compensation
The rate of pay for this position is $25-$28 per hour, commensurate with experience. Pay will be issued semi-monthly. All payments will be subject to normal statutory deductions by the Employer.
Work Schedule
The Program Assistant will typically be required to work one 6.5-hour day per week. The workday must fall between Monday and Thursday. The work hours may vary seasonally depending on the needs of the Foundation. From time to time, the Executive Director may ask the Program Assistant to work additional hours, with appropriate notice, or the Program Assistant may not work for some weeks. The Foundation is typically busiest in the winter and spring and typically closes for one month in the summer and from December 25th to January 1st.
How to apply
To apply for this position, please send a letter of interest and CV by email to director@rjhf.com.
