LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
POSITION DETAILS: Full time, Permanent
REPORTS TO: Chair and Board of Directors
THE ORGANIZATION
Established in 1973, Magazines Canada is the national trade association and the lead advocate for Canada’s magazine media. The organization represents Canadian-owned, Canadian content magazines in print and multiple digital platforms. This includes consumer, cultural, specialty, professional and business media magazines. French and English member titles offer a wide range of topics including business, professional, news, politics, sports, arts and culture, leisure, lifestyle, women and youth.
Magazines Canada is a service organization, member-driven, volunteer-oriented, and not-for-profit. It is incorporated federally and operates within a set of bylaws. It believes in the inter-connected cultural and economic value of Canada’s magazine media. The organization works to foster an environment where new magazines are nurtured, established magazines are supported, skills are developed and excellence is recognized. Its originating and continuing purpose is to promote the value of the magazine sector in the creation and dissemination in multi media of original Canadian content.
Magazines Canada places a premium on its relationship with Ottawa. In addition to focusing on government affairs, the organization provides meaningful services to the advertising trade as well as circulation marketing. It contributes to the development of career skills for, and the recognition of excellence among, the people who work in Canada’s magazine media. Its activities are determined by member needs. Its success is judged by its members.
The association is committed to taking a leadership role in identifying and acting upon public policy issues and trends as they affect members. It is the institutional memory for the industry.
THE POSITION
Magazines Canada is seeking a vigorous, visionary, inspirational, and forward-thinking Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The person assuming the role will actively work with the Board to set and implement the strategic vision of the organization for the present and the long-term. The CEO is a leader and administrator who has demonstrated exceptional skills and strengths in key areas including government relations and lobbying; building and maintaining client relationships; advocacy; marketing; organizational governance; and public policy. The CEO must manage, mentor and motivate staff to accomplish the organization’s objectives while servicing member needs and maintaining fiscal responsibility.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Government and External Relations
- As the public face and voice, the CEO is the primary advocate for the organization. This involves lobbying key members of government and regulatory agencies
- Acts as a liaison on behalf of Magazines Canada, working to cultivate, maintain and assure executive level relationships and public policy development with the federal and, where applicable, provincial governments. Relationships include politicians at Cabinet level and bureaucrats at the Deputy Minister level
- Manages relationships with related senior executive contacts at national and regional agencies and associations
- Provides executive level representation on external national and international bodies and/or ongoing communications with organizations which may include in no particular order: FIPP, MPA, Access Copyright Board, OMDC advisory, Canada Council, Ontario Arts Council, Coalition for Cultural Diversity (director), Canadian Arts Coalition, various multi-industry task forces
Organizational Leadership
- Directs the development and implementation of all activity relating to policy governance within the organization
- Advises and participates with the Board chair and members in developing and delivering a strategic plan and vision
- Heads and/or participates in more than 20 distinct volunteer committees
- Leads business planning and development
- Accountable overall for association initiatives and special projects
Administration and Operations
- Responsible for organization’s budget and financial stability
- Ensures the effective day-to-day operations of the Magazines Canada office
- Determines staffing requirements and provides proper resources for professional staff to run the organization
- Oversees human resources, mentorship and staff development
- Ensures a safe, healthy and positive work environment that meets all legislative and regulatory requirements
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
- Exceptional leadership and management skills at both strategic and operational levels
- A minimum of ten years in senior level leadership and management roles
- Experience inside government or in dealing with government bodies/political savvy
- Experience in association management related to servicing members and/or the non-profit sector
- Fluency in French (spoken/understanding) an important asset
- Strong business acumen with a proven track record as a business leader
- Experience with budget development and financial planning
- Proven ability to raise the visibility of the organization, develop projects and partnerships
- Solid background / knowledge of the North American cultural industries sector
- Understanding of the complex copyright environment is an asset
- Knowledge of the changing media and technology landscape and their impact
- Experience in public relations and dealing with the media
- Record of working successfully with volunteers, boards or committees, and staff as a team, implementing the stated goals and strategic plans of an association
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- At a minimum, a relevant university degree in areas such as government/public affairs and policy, business and marketing, or communications
CANDIDATE CHARACTERISTICS
- A passion for and commitment to the magazine industry
- A strategic thinker who can put plans into action
- Inclusive leader who encourages contributions from all levels of the organization and board.
- Diplomatic; a collaborative team player
- Inspires organization members to share common vision and goals
- Accountable with a strong sense of professionalism, ethics and integrity
- A proven leader who takes initiative
- Works well independently and is self-regulating
- A visionary who is diplomatic, analytical, and decisive
- Ability to build trust and engender confidence internally and externally
- Service oriented with the understanding of the needs of a membership
- An innovator with a high level of energy
- At ease with today’s technology, digital and social media environment
COMPENSATION
A competitive compensation package including base salary, health and dental benefits, vehicle and cellular phone allowance will be provided.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application no later than August 15, 2015 by emailing your cover letter and resume to: magazines@searchlightcanada.com.
We thank applicants for their interest, however, only those advancing in the process will be contacted.
