New Job Executive Director In Nova Scotia

We are seeking a creative, skilled, and innovative leader to oversee the fundraising, strategic, programming, and operational activities of the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia. A demonstrated passion for the arts, in particular the literary arts, is a must for this senior leadership role. This is a full-time, permanent position with the option of working between 32 and 40 hours per week and with a salary range of $52,000 – $65,000 (compensation commensurate with experience and weekly hours). The position is based in Halifax, NS, and will begin late July to mid August. Your cover letter must indicate when you would be available to start in the position.

The Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia is a Halifax-headquartered, membership-based, registered not-for-profit organization with charitable status. We serve the professional needs of some 700+ members engaged in a diverse range of writing activities. Our activities include organizing workshops and holding professional development programming, connecting members to resources, promoting member events, and advocating on behalf of writers. We also coordinate a variety of other programs, including literary awards, a mentorship program, Writers in the Schools, and contests, including the Nova Writes competition for unpublished manuscripts. Recently, WFNS acquired a property outside Halifax called Jampolis Cottage, which will be used for self-directed and subsidized retreats, along with other programming.

Our mission is to foster creative writing and the profession of writing in Nova Scotia, provide advice and assistance to writers at all stages of their careers, encourage greater public recognition of Nova Scotian writers and their achievements, and enhance the literary arts in our regional and national culture.

The job: The Executive Director is the senior staff person, leading and managing WFNS by overseeing day-to-day operations, crafting grant applications and leading fundraising activities, developing and executing strategic and operational plans, and building relationships to support continued growth. The job requires experience in not-for-profit organizational management, knowledge of the provincial, regional, and national cultural sectors, and familiarity with the writing and arts communities in Nova Scotia. Familiarity with writing communities in the broader Atlantic region would be an asset.

The successful candidate possesses a proven ability to work with initiative and independence, as a leader within a positive and productive team environment.

Your priorities will include the following:

• Collaborate with the volunteer board, as you lead WFNS in its day-to-day activities, while developing and executing a strategic plan geared to fostering creative writing and the profession of writing in Nova Scotia.
• Innovate in the development of funding opportunities for the Federation, including writing grant applications and taking the lead on fundraising.
• Cultivate, steward and grow relationships internally and externally, including collaboration with the board, members, government, funders and the broader cultural community.
• Lead, build and manage WFNS staff to successfully execute the organization’s strategy, offering ongoing support, and conducting annual performance reviews.
• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the WFNS and the planning, implementation and evaluation of its program and services.
• Administer and manage WFNS expenditures, and ensure that spending conforms to the budget, as developed by the treasurers and approved by the Board.
• Act as a public spokesperson for the WFNS.

Your qualifications:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive management experience in private, public, and/or not-for-profit organization(s). Experience as a manager in a charity or not-for-profit is an asset.
• Experience working with not-for-profit cultural organizations and an understanding of the governance, programming and financial framework required for such organizations to operate. Experience working with a policy governance organization an asset.
• Proven track record in fundraising such as grant-based funding and other fundraising activities.
• Background and experience in the writing and publishing sector.
• Post-secondary graduation from a recognized educational institution in the humanities or public administration, or equivalency in experience and training.
• Although not required, any of the following skills are considered assets for the position: interest in advocacy and cultural policy; experience coordinating volunteers and events; experience with various communications platforms, including social media; public speaking and media relations.

The workplace: This position is based in our Halifax office. We are committed to maintaining a working environment that is collegial, collaborative, and supportive. While we are open to hybrid options, the position does require being in the office in person on a regular basis.

How to apply: Please submit a CV and a cover letter (as a single document), using the form at https://writers.ns.ca/jobs/executive-director/ by 5pm (Atlantic) on June 30, 2023. We are committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted for an interview, please advise us of accommodations which would enable you to be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information related to accommodation measures will be treated in confidence.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $52,000.00-$65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Paid time off

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Halifax, NS B3H 4P7: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2023-06-30