Opportunities

Executive Director (Permanent Position)

Craft Nova Scotia is the provincially recognized service organization for craft and is a Registered Canadian Charity under the name of Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council. Our mandate is to encourage and promote both the craft movement in Mi’kma’ki -Nova Scotia and the public awareness and appreciation of craft products and activities. Craft Nova Scotia manages and operates the Mary E Black Gallery and the Centre for Craft facilities and coordinates a variety of programs and services to support the development of craftspeople throughout the province. Programs include the Craft Nova Scotia Designer Craft Show, pop-up events, training and development workshops, residency programs, exhibitions, and a wide variety of instructional programs engaging the community in craft practices

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to join our Craft Nova Scotia team as Executive Director. The Executive Director is the key strategic leadership position with Craft Nova Scotia, supporting and implementing the governance and strategic direction of the organization in alignment with the Board of Directors. The Executive Director provides transformational leadership, empowering a dynamic Craft Nova Scotia Team to serve the provincial craft community. The Executive Director will bring a comprehensive knowledge, understanding and experience in not-for-profit leadership and governance, combined with a commitment to developing craft and creative businesses, and continuing to enhance Craft Nova Scotia as an inclusive and equitable organization that fully reflects the diversity of the greater craft community.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and ensures the policies and directives of the Board are implemented to achieve results and advance the aims of the organization. It is the incumbent’s responsibility to inform and advise the Board on matters pertaining to the operation of the organization and to lead the delivery of programs and services to its members.

Craft Nova Scotia manages and operates the Mary E Black Gallery and the Centre for Craft facilities. The organization also coordinates a variety of programs and services to support artisans and craftspeople throughout the province including the Craft Nova Scotia Designer Craft Shows, pop-up events, training and development workshops, residency programs, exhibitions, and a wide variety of instructional programs engaging the community in craft practices.

The Executive Director will bring the skills and experience to advocate and promote the craft and cultural sector in Nova Scotia. The Executive Director is responsible for developing partnerships with arts organizations, artists, the business community and the provincial government to facilitate support for a healthy and sustainable craft sector in Nova Scotia.

The Executive Director represents Craft Nova Scotia to its members, outside agencies, government departments, and the public. As the champion for craft in the province, they advocate and communicate the vital role of craft in Mi’kma’ki - Nova Scotia, including the creative and economic value of Nova Scotia’s craft community and the work of Craft Nova Scotia.

Responsibilities include:

Governance, Board Administration and Support

Lead the development and implementation of the strategic direction and continued evolution of governance practices, development and operations of the organization.
Apply the mission, vision, values, goals and strategic targets set by the Board as a guide for all Craft Nova Scotia programs and actions.
Develop operational protocols based on the strategic plan and develop key performance indicators.
Develop, lead and model policies and practices to create an inclusive, supportive, and equitable organization that fully reflects the diversity of the greater craft community.
Work under the direction and in collaboration with the Board with latitude to manage the organization’s operations including staff and facilities management and all programs within an approved budget.

Leadership

Provide forward-thinking direction and guidance to support and develop the Craft Nova Scotia Team and Board of Directors.
Guide, motivate, coach and mentor team members and provide staff training and development opportunities.
Demonstrate effective staff development and organizational skills in areas such as program development, financial accountability, committee development, collaboration, problem-solving and goal setting.
Establish and model policies and practices for a respectful work environment based on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.
Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment and empower staff to think, act and plan in a collaborative manner.
Support the Board and Committees in developing and maintaining a collaborative environment and welcoming and inclusive practices to advance the organization's work.
Review and evolve the organizational structure to enable the organization to work proactively to achieve the strategic goals and address the evolving needs of the craft community.
Review and update policies and procedures and operational protocols to align with leading and evolving industry practices.
Review and evolve work practices to support a healthy and safe work environment, and wellbeing of employees.

Fiscal Management

Overseeing the overall financial management, and reporting for the organization within the approved budget.
Oversee the planning and preparation of an annual organizational operating and capital budget. Oversee the management of all funds, consistent with the organization’s accounting policies.
Oversee the development and implementation of a fund development and sponsorship strategy for the organization.
Seek out alternative revenue streams to diversify funding sources to ensure financial sustainability of the organization.
Work in collaboration with the Finance Committee, to develop, maintain, and manage forward thinking financial investments and strategies for the organization.

Public Relations, Communication and Advocacy

Position, promote and represent Craft Nova Scotia as the provincial arts service organization for craft.
Exhibit a passion for craft, the arts, and Nova Scotia as the spokesperson for Craft Nova Scotia to articulate and promote the value and positive impact of craft in Nova Scotia and to bolster community support of the organization’s programs, services and facilities.
Actively advocate for the craft community with external stakeholders.
Maintain active involvement with various arts and culture boards and committees to ensure Craft is represented in the local, regional and national arts and culture community. Provide leadership and support the development of the craft community.

Government & Sector Relations

Build and maintain good working relationships with key stakeholders including members of federal, provincial and municipal governments.
Represent Craft Nova Scotia to national, regional, provincial and municipal organizations and agencies.
The Executive Director serves as a board member with Craft Alliance Atlantic Association and the Cultural Federations of Nova Scotia.

Fund Development

Oversee the development of a comprehensive fund development strategy for the organization, including fundraising opportunities, grant funding, sponsorship and philanthropic opportunities.
Pursue and incorporate additional alternative revenue sources through various mechanisms consistent with the organization's mission.

Facility Management and Operations

Oversee the management and operations of Craft Nova Scotia facilities and assets.
Develop a long-term infrastructure plan, and oversee the development of a lifecycle and maintenance plan for all Craft Nova Scotia facilities and assets.

Program Development and Management

Ensure the programs and services offered by Craft Nova Scotia are aligned with the mission and reflect the priorities and approved budget of the Board.
Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation and ongoing review process of the Craft Nova Scotia’s programs and services.
Develop a programming strategy to facilitate the ongoing development of craft in Nova Scotia.
Oversee the development of and implementation of a comprehensive customer service program to ensure that participants, clients and patrons receive extraordinary service.

Occupational Health and Safety

Ensure the ongoing review, maintenance and implementation of Craft Nova Scotia’s Emergency Preparedness Plan.
Ensure Occupational health and safety policies, procedures and protocols developed and implemented throughout the organization.
Ensure Craft Nova Scotia is compliant with workplace health and safety practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in Fine Arts or Arts and Cultural Management preferred, with a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience, or a Bachelor's Degree in a related field with 7 plus years of progressive experience in a related field.

5-7 years of professional experience in a senior leadership role in the non-profit sector, preferably with a charitable organization.

Training and experience in governance, leadership practices, human resources and organizational development is required for this position.

Skills/Knowledge:

Strong knowledge and understanding of evolving governance and leadership practices.
Knowledge and experience in strategic planning, change management, business development, and project management practices.
Experience in human resources management including staff supervision with multiple direct reports, coaching, mentoring, skill development, performance planning, and fostering a positive and diverse environment.
Strong interpersonal communication skills with a high level of emotional intelligence, including conflict resolution, problem solving, and collaborative practices.
Excellent research and report writing, public speaking and presentation skills, community engagement practices, and ability to handle situations with tact and diplomacy.
Knowledge and experience in fund development, and financial management practices.
Experience in facility management and operations including lifecycle planning.
Knowledge and experience in event and program management.
Knowledge and experience with exhibition, jury processes, and practices. Experience working in the arts, fine craft and culture sector.

HOURS OF WORK

35 hours per week. The typical hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

This position is identified as a hybrid position including a combination of on-site in the Craft Nova Scotia Halifax office and remote work. The incumbent must be within driving distance to the Halifax offices/facilities. This position does require some weekend and evening work to support programs and events as necessary.

COMPENSATION

$65,000- $80,000 per annum, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefit package, including the option of cost shared pension and health coverage, as per Craft Nova Scotia’s Human Resources Policy. In addition to vacation benefits, an additional 5 days off is provided for an office closure during the holiday period.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume (in one PDF Document) via email to:

recruitment@hrocore.com

Please include “Executive Director” in subject line.

Craft Nova Scotia strives to foster a culture that is grounded in diversity and inclusiveness.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including IBOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, new Canadians, and people living with disabilities.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Craft Nova Scotia is located within Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship of 1726. We acknowledge and honour the Mi’kmaq people who have cared for and continue to care for this land. As Treaty People, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, we share the mutual responsibilities for stewardship and sustainability of our cultures and community within this beautiful land. Craft Nova Scotia is committed to deepening our learning and strive to honour and uphold these Treaties through the preservation and celebration of cultural traditions and contemporary craft practices.