Executive Director – Governor General Performing Arts Awards Foundation

Company Overview

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards are administered by the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Foundation, an Ottawa-based, not-for-profit charitable organization governed by a Board of Directors and administered by a small professional staff. The GGPAAF enjoys a dynamic partnership with the National Arts Centre (NAC) which has responsibility for the production of the annual gala performance and the event's fundraising activities.

The Foundation was created and incorporated in 1992 under the patronage of the late Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn (1934-2002).
Its mandate is:
• To honour and celebrate the lifetime artistic achievement of Canada’s outstanding performing artists
• To foster cross-cultural awareness of Anglophone artists in French Canada and of Francophone artists in English Canada
• To foster awareness of Canada’s diverse linguistic and cultural groups
• To foster awareness of indigenous performing artists
• To raise profile among Canadians of the achievements and contributions of Canadian performing artists at home and abroad
• To inspire future performing artists
In over three decades since their inception, the GGPAA have grown in stature and developed into preeminent national awards. They celebrate the talent of our artists and the richness of our culture, underline Canada’s important role as an Arts Nation, and foster a sense of national unity and pride.

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The GGPAA is Canada's foremost distinction for excellence in the performing arts.
Each year, the awards are presented for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in the categories of classical music, dance, popular music, screens & voices, and stages. These awards recognize artists who have made an indelible contribution to Canada's cultural life. The Awards also includes two companion honours, the National Arts Centre Award and the Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts and a Mentorship program.

Reporting to the Chair and CEO of the GGPAA Foundation, the Executive Director is responsible for coordinating the nomination and jury process for the selection of the recipients for the GGPAA. The ED will work with partners from the House of Commons, Rideau Hall, the National Arts Centre, the Canada Council for the Arts and the National Film Board of Canada in designing and organizing special events to honour the selected recipients in a manner befitting the highest standard associated with an important Canadian cultural event.
The incumbent will be fluent in both French and English, passionate and knowledgeable about the performing arts in Canada, experienced with nomination and jury processes, as well as possess significant experience with event planning at a national level.

Summary of Responsibilities
• Manage the nomination and jury process including jury selection, preparation and distribution of jury materials; chair the selection committee, evaluate and select the nominee short list; present short list to the Board for final laureate selection.
• Oversee the recipient announcement including contacting the recipients, managing stakeholder input and writing the press release, which is then issued by the NAC.
• Successfully deliver a series of events befitting a high-profile national celebration that honours important Canadian artists and welcomes public office holders and high-profile guests.
• Manage the affairs of the Foundation including working with the Treasurer to prepare the annual budget and oversee audit; assume the full administrative burden of the office including paying and coding invoices, preparing letters of agreement, collaborate with the bank of record, the Canada Revenue Agency and legal representative (when required), collaborate with contractors such as the translator, writer/editor, filmmaker/editor, collaborate with fellow Awards representatives, attend meetings with partners, track office supplies Act as the Secretary of the Board of Directors and the Foundation; coordinate meetings; issue meeting notifications, record minutes.
• Provide counsel and guidance to GGPAA Board and committees.
• Conduct post event evaluations to assess successes and challenges and ultimately refine the planning for future events.
• Cultivate and nurture relationships with external partners to enhance communication.
• Oversee one (1) full time employee.

Qualifications
• Proven track record in managing project and logistics planning of large-scale high-profile events.
• Demonstrated success in managing relationships with external stakeholders including private and public agencies, high profile national public figures and artists, and members of the donor and sponsor community.
• Ability to resolve urgent, confidential and sensitive issues as they arise and manage multiple and changing priorities and demands from recipients, partners, donors and sponsors.
• Ability to tackle high profile duties as well as trivial, ongoing, administrative responsibilities in a seamless manner.
• Talent for innovation and developing new ideas.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Knowledge of fundraising and stewardship practices.
• Extensive experience with achieving results in large-scale, high-profile event planning in a multi-stakeholder / not for profit environment.
• Leadership skills in building and managing teams.
• Fluency in French and English.
• High level of tact and diplomacy.

Compensation
This opportunity will of interest to candidates interested in a salary range from $80,000 to $100,000 and four (4) weeks of annual leave. There are no medical benefits or pension provisions available with this position.