The Halifax Pop Explosion Association is seeking a new Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible to ensure the effective operation of the Halifax Pop Explosion Association in its pursuit of its vision and mission. The Association exists to present our annual festival, and any other projects or events that may from time to time be staged. The Executive Director is responsible for resource development, financial management, sponsorship and government investment acquisition, promotion, and relationships between volunteers and staff.

The Executive Director is responsible to ensure the effective operation of the Halifax Pop Explosion Association in its pursuit of its vision and mission. The Association exists to present our annual festival, and any other projects or events that may from time to time be staged. The Executive Director is therefore responsible for resource development, financial management, sponsorship and government investment acquisition, promotion, and relationships between volunteers and staff. 

This Executive Director is the figurehead of the Halifax Pop Explosion so the right personality is important. In general terms, the successful candidate for this position would typically have a post secondary credential in some related field, although this is not strictly required. Related work and management experience in the non-profit and/or cultural sector and/or event promotion are critical assets. 

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and assets: 

• Highly developed leadership skills; 
• A dynamic, outgoing personality, someone who thrives on public speaking and on developing and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships (e.g. with Halifax Pop Explosion’s sponsors, partners, staff and volunteers); 
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills; 
• Proven financial and operations management skills; 
• Event planning and delivery skills; 
• Proven ability to devise and execute successful fundraising initiatives; 
• The ability to plan quickly and effectively, coupled with a willingness to adapt to changes; 
• Excellent time and personal management skills; 
• Highly developed computer and internet literacy; 
• An intimate understanding of the local music, digital, and culture sectors in Halifax and Canada. 

 Specific areas of responsibility include: 

           1. The Board of Directors 

• Reports to Board of Directors, implements all policies established by the Board, recommends policy to the Board of Directors. 
• Has direct responsibility to Board for overall integrity of the organization. 
• Encourages & Supports the Board of Directors to conduct long-term strategic planning for the organization and participates fully in that process. 
• Develops the Business Plan with staff input and Board approval, and assists the Board in staging periodic strategic planning sessions to revise the Strategic Plan. 
• Keeps Board regularly informed of Festival progress toward goals and in general.

           2. Operations 

• Develops the multi-year Business Plan with staff input and Board approval, and assists the Board in staging. 
• Creates the budget, after consulting with the various departments and appropriate staff. 
• Recommends final budget to the Finance/Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. 
• Works closely with Treasurer and staff to ensure that financial procedures are developed and carried out correctly under policies established by the Board, that the budget is monitored and that there is adequate cash flow. 
• Creates an overall “Operational Plan” for the Festival that includes timelines and responsibility assignments for each major activity; ensures timelines are adhered to as closely as possible. 
• In conjunction with marketing staff, plans overall marketing effort and ensures its timely execution. 
• Oversees staff regarding contracting procedures for Festival artists, production staff, 

           3. Staff, Volunteers and Stakeholders

• Oversees full time and contract staff, coordinators, and volunteers. 
• Hires/Terminates/ evaluates staff, both employees and contract workers. 
• In support of the Board’s Human Resource Committee, ensures that personnel procedures are developed, including evaluation procedures. 
• Develops and revises job descriptions for all staff and volunteers. 
• Continually recruits new volunteers, encourages local committees to recruit others, and encourages a spirit of cooperation, enthusiasm, and a vision for the future. 
• Works to involve related artistic organizations, performers, creators and businesses in the Festival. 
• Ensures that staff and volunteers receive training necessary to carry out duties.

         4. Sponsorship & Government 

• Serves as chief development officer and ensures that all fund raising to businesses and individuals is completed effectively and coordinated to avoid double asks and maximize effectiveness. 
• Serves as grant writer and ensures that appropriate grant applications are made to Federal, Provincial and Municipal agencies and private foundations in timely manner and those subsequent reports are prepared and submitted accordingly. 
• Sponsorship development and pitches to appropriate brands. 
• Acts as main point of contact for sponsors, and ensures that their activation is what they signed off on. 

Salary commensurate with experience, and is sector competitive.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter and brief essay to jobs@halifaxpopexplosion.com. Your essay should address the following questions and be no more than 1.5 pages: 

1. What does the Halifax Pop Explosion mean to you?
2. What do you see as the future of the Halifax Pop Explosion? 
3. Provide specific examples of how you could enhance the Halifax Pop Explosion.