SAD MAG Board Members

About SAD Mag

Established in 2009, SAD Mag is an independent Vancouver publication featuring stories, art and design. The magazine is committed to publishing the best of contemporary and emerging alternative artists with a focus on inclusivity of voices and views, exceptional design, and film photography. SAD Mag publishes two issues per year in print, and through our website SADmag.ca publishes a variety of original reviews, arts coverage, essays, and features.

SAD Mag founders Deanne Beattie and Brandon Gaukel identified a need for a Vancouver-based magazine that would support and celebrate local young and emerging writers, and illustrate their work with outstanding photography and art direction. Over the past 13 years and 32 issues, SAD Mag has provided a platform for hundreds of contributors, and hosted thousands of community members at inclusive events, exhibitions and issue launches. Today, SAD Mag continues to nurture a growing creative community through mentorship, outreach, and collaboration. 

SAD Mag is a completely volunteer-run organization with a team of 18 staff, and overseen by a board of eight directors. We are proud that women and non-binary folks, people of colour, Indigenous people, and members of the queer community are represented across our board and staff. 

We are currently seeking new board directors.

Board members set the strategic goals and priorities of the organization, and ensure SAD Mag continues to be a sustainable and effective member of Vancouver’s creative community. 

Terms are two years and begin in October 2023.

The board meets monthly, in Vancouver or online through Zoom. Members are expected to:

• Maintain a current subscription to SAD Mag.

• Attend or volunteer at events, including issue launches and exhibitions.

• Contribute to at least one committee (e.g. fundraising, governance & HR, editorial). 

• Join the SAD Mag Slack channel and participate in regular communications with the board and staff. 

Our Board is a working board and provides operational support by working closely with the staff throughout the year. This includes regular activities such as reviewing grants, supporting event planning, and developing new partnerships. It can also include as-needed support for responding to critical issues.

SAD Mag strategic priorities (2022-2024)

1. Increase financial sustainability through diversifying our revenue streams.

   1. Relatedly: developing values-aligned partnerships with advertisers, sponsors and benefactors to support our growth.

2. Expanding our honorariums to include staff, in recognition of their labour. (SAD Mag provides honorariums to print contributors, web contributors, and event performers.) 

3. Increase our readership by reaching new audiences and re-engage lapsed subscribers.

4. Support publishing team in succession planning and recruitment for editorial roles.

5. Strengthening community ties through engagement and outreach to potential readers, contributors and partners. 

6. Produce inclusive and accessible community events, as in-person programming resumes.

Responsibilities of the board

• Represents SAD Mag, and is responsible to, the community

• Provides leadership by setting goals, objectives, and priorities for SAD Mag

• Establishes and oversees the policies of SAD Mag

• Follows the Constitution and By-laws which govern SAD Mag’s organization and activities

• Ensures SAD Mag has the funds and facilities to operate

• Ensures SAD Mag is operating according to BC Societies Act

• Informs the community about SAD Mag and our work

Responsibilities of individual board members

• Uphold SAD Mag’s commitments to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in their personal and professional conduct. 

• Actively represent SAD Mag in the community as ambassadors by sharing upcoming events, supporting the print publication, and representing SAD Mag to prospective organizational or community partners

• Maintain an active subscription to SAD Mag.

• Commit and be accountable to playing a role in new fundraising activities.

• Attend the majority of Board meetings. Board members who are unable to attend a minimum of 80% of meetings may be asked to resign. 

• Supporting SAD Mag events through attendance and volunteering.  Board members are expected to attend 80% of events (e.g., launches, art shows, readings).

• Recruit Board and Committee members, and amplify opportunities within the organization to their personal and professional networks. 

Skills & experiences sought by the SAD Mag board

• Non-profit/charity governance

• Strategic planning

• Fund and sponsorship development

• Business management

• Event production and promotion

• Marketing and community outreach

• Web development

Prior experience on a non-profit board is not required. Familiarity with SAD Mag, and with the Vancouver arts and culture community, is an asset. 

To express your interest, email hello@sadmag.ca with an introduction and a link to your resume, personal website, or LinkedIn. We look forward to meeting you!