Destination Louisbourg is a collaborative partnership between The Fortress Louisbourg Association and Synergy Louisbourg Development Society designed to deliver on Louisbourg’s overarching goal of reaching our potential as Nova Scotia’s number one heritage destination within the context of the One Nova Scotia Commission’s Now or Never Report and the Strategic plans of the Fortress Louisbourg Association and the Synergy Louisbourg Development Society
Destination Louisbourg is seeking an Executive Director who is excited about the opportunity to lead the implementation of The Louisbourg in a New Light Strategic Plan. With a focus on community collaboration, and on providing a unified voice for tourism and tourism development in Louisbourg, the Executive Director embodies an essential balance between the private, not-for-profit and public sector perspectives and interests.
The Executive Director is responsible for the success of Destination Louisbourg: dedicated to ensuring that Louisbourg is a sustainable tourism community which provides outstanding visitor experiences, improves the quality of life for area residents and enhances economic conditions for businesses. This is accomplished through the successful leadership and management of the organization according to the strategic direction established by the Board of Directors and in collaboration with strategic partners including Destination Cape Breton Association, Atlantic Canada’s Opportunity Agency, Nova Scotia Tourism, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, and Parks Canada.
The successful applicant will be a proven executive, with strong marketing, business and communications acumen, experience with public and private sector accountability, and a working knowledge of best practices in tourism and community development. You are innovative, creative and bold. You foster collaboration amongst stakeholders, excellence and innovation among your team and remain focused on the vision!
Salary and benefits are negotiable and based upon qualifications, experience and performance.
Job Purpose
The Executive Director is responsible for the success of Destination Louisbourg (The Fortress Louisbourg Association and Synergy Louisbourg Development Society): dedicated to ensuring that Louisbourg is a sustainable tourism community which provides outstanding visitor experiences, improves the quality of life for area residents and enhances economic conditions for businesses. This is accomplished through the successful leadership and management of the organization according to the strategic direction established by the Board of Directors.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The Executive Director performs the following:
Leadership
Participate with the Board of Directors in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization;
Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organizations;
Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects of the organizations’ activities;
Foster effective team work between the Board and the Executive Director and between the Executive Director and staff;
In addition to the Chair of the Board, act as a spokesperson for the organizations;
Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate and jointly with the Board when appropriate;
Represent the organizations at community activities to enhance the organizations’ community profile;
Cultivate community awareness of the importance of attracting visitors to the area; and
Promote enhancements in the quality of visitor experience to the general public, the private sector, the public sector and the media.
Operational planning and management
Develop and execute operational plans which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organizations for activities within the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site and those within the community of Louisbourg;
Ensure that the operation of the organizations meets the expectations of their clients, Boards and Funders;
Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization(s);
Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate; and
Provide support to the Board by preparing meeting agendas and supporting materials.
Program planning and management
Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organizations’ programs and services;
Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organizations contribute to the organizations’ missions and reflect the priorities of the Board;
Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the organizations to maintain or improve quality; and
Oversee the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of special projects.
Human resources planning and management
Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery;
Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of job descriptions for all staff;
Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations;
Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organizations’ missions;
Ensure that all staff receives an orientation to the organizations and that appropriate training is provided;
Implement, for all staff, a performance management process which includes monitoring their performance on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review;
Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance; and
Discipline staff when necessary using appropriate techniques; release staff when necessary using appropriate and legally defensible procedures.
Financial planning and management
Work with staff and the Board to prepare a comprehensive budget;
Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization;
Research funding sources, oversee the development of fund raising plans and write funding proposals to increase the funds of the organization(s);
Participate in fundraising activities as appropriate;
Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board;
Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed
Administer the funds of the organizations according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization(s);
Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organization(s); and
Ensure that the organizations complies with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments.
Community relations/advocacy
Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization; and
Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, businesses, funders, all levels of government (politicians and staff) and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization.
Risk management
Identify and evaluate the risks to the organizations’ objectives , people, property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks; and
Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organizations carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage.
Qualifications
Education
Graduation with a degree from a recognized university in an area related to the position, or an acceptable combination of education, experience and training.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the tourism industry, in particular the principles and practices related to Destination Management and the delivery of experiences for visitors;
Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit organizations particularly in the field of heritage management;
Knowledge of all federal and provincial legislation applicable to voluntary sector organizations including: employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, charities, taxation, CPP, EI, health coverage etc…;
Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities relating to the objectives of Destination Louisbourg;
Knowledge of human resources management;
Knowledge of financial management; and
Knowledge of project management;
Proficiency in the use of computers.
Personal characteristics
The Executive Director should demonstrate competence in some or all of the following:
Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency;
Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices, and ensure that own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization(s);
Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization;
Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques;
Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organizations and to create new opportunities;
Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters;
Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness;
Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization;
Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization;
Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities;
Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results;
Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem; and
Think Strategically: Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and values of the organization.
Experience
5 or more years of progressive management experience in a voluntary sector organization preferably in a field related to tourism and heritage management.
Working Conditions
The work is generally performed in an office environment, but the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to non standard workplaces.
The work is generally performed during a standard work week, but additionally will often be required to work evening, weekends, and overtime hours to accommodate activities such as Board meetings and representing the organization at public events.
Ongoing access to reliable transportation is required.
Benchmark NOC: 0014 Adapted from HR Council for the Nonprofit Sector (Now the Community Foundations of Canada (CFC))
If this is you, please send your résumé by February 2, 2016 to: jobs@louisbourg.ca
or by mail to: Fortress Louisbourg Association, 265 Park Service Road, Louisbourg, NS B1C 2L2
Please quote competition number ED0113-CB when applying.
Website: www.louisbourg.ca Facebook: Destination Louisbourg