Ottawa Festivals Executive Director

Function: The executive director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the not-for-profit organization, according to the strategic direction set by the board of directors.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

• Acts as a spokesperson for the organization, alongside the president
• Works with the board of directors to develop and implementOttawa Festivals’ vision and strategic plan
• Identifies, assesses and informs the board of directors of internal and external issues that affect the organization
• Acts as advisor to the board of directors on all aspects of the organization’s activities
• Fosters effective teamwork between the board, the executive director and staff
• Conducts official correspondence on behalf of the board, as appropriate, and jointly with the board, when appropriate
• Represents the organization at activities to enhance the organization’s community profile
• Communicates with stakeholders/members to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization
• Establishes good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization

Operational planning and management

• Develops and implements an operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work toward the strategic direction of the organization
• Ensures that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its members, board and funders
• Oversees the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization
• Drafts, implements and makes recommendations for the organization’s policies
• Provides support to the board by preparing meeting agendas and supporting materials
• Acts as principle contact for media

Program planning and management

• Oversees all of the organization’s programs and services
• Ensures that programs and services reflect the mission and priorities of the board
• Monitors the day-to-day delivery of the organization’s programs and services
• Oversees the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of special projects

Human resource planning and management

• Determines staffing requirements for the organization, with the board
• Ensures and implements human resource policy, interviews and undertakes the selection, performance review and mentorship of staff

Financial planning and management

• Develops an annual budget and business cases for service upgrades or additions for board approval
• Approves all expenditures in accordance with budget guidelines, and manages cash flow
• Ensures that all scheduled payments and transfers required for the effective administration of the Sustainability and Emergency Fund loan and investment portfolio are completed and recorded in an accurate and timely manner
• Reviews monthly financial statements, prepared by an independent bookkeeper, for accuracy and completeness
• Provides complete financial reports to the board in advance of regularly scheduled board meetings and for each month, no later than the 20th of the following month, to the executive committee
• Ensures adequacy of all insurance coverage through regular review processes
• Ensures that all required financial reporting and remittances are submitted on a timely basis
• Ensures that the internal control procedures are sufficient to safeguard the assets of the organization and that the by-laws of the organization are followed

Risk management

• Identifies and evaluates the risks to the organization’s members, staff, board, volunteers, property, finances, goodwill and image, and implements measures to control risks

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

• Proven leadership skills, with five to seven years of management experience in a not-for-profit sector, reporting to a board of directors
• Ability to think strategically, build and foster relationships, and make sound decisions in the best interest of the organization
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral, communication skills
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit/voluntary organizations
• Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization
• Holds a university degree in a related field
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Bilingual (French and English), both written and oral

Salary and Benefits

• Salary will be commensurate with experience ($60,000 to $70,000 range)
• Works a standard work week; however, additional evenings, weekends and overtime hours are required to accommodate activities such as board meetings and representing the organization at public events
• A comprehensive health benefits program is provided (medical, dental, long-term disability and life insurance)

Applications will be accepted until December 15, 2013. Please forward your resume and cover letter to ottawafestivalsjobs@gmail.com. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.