The Nova Scotia Talent Trust (NSTT) is seeking an Executive Director, enthusiastic about the arts and keen to help the NSTT grow. Benefit from our inclusive culture that supports your work while also respecting conversation and debate. We appreciate self-learners with strong interpersonal skills. We will work together to develop a shared culture of inclusivity, loyalty and trust.
The pandemic has shown us even more how important the arts are for our well-being and health. The NSTT was fortunate to support 55 pre-professional artists in 2021. Help us secure the future of a diverse cultural legacy. Over the last two years, we gave out 35 Special Awards and 155 scholarships! Applications have been solid and plentiful, which means MORE fundraising and donations are needed to help these talented individuals achieve their dreams.
Since 1944, the Talent Trust has provided more than $2.5 million to over 1,000 Nova Scotians, primarily young people, who have demonstrated talent and potential to become professional artists in theatre, dance, fine craft and design, music, circus arts, media, film, literary, and visual arts. There is no other comparable organization in the country. In 2019, the Talent Trust celebrated its 75th anniversary year featuring former scholarship recipients with a travelling art exhibition, pop-up events in theatre, music, dance, film screenings and more.
The Nova Scotia Talent Trust is a Registered Canadian Charity. The NSTT's Executive Director, reporting to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, is the most senior administrative position. The Executive Director directs and administers all programs and operations and coordinates the activities of the NSTT volunteers.
The Executive Director will represent the organization and advocate for the creative and economic value of the arts in Nova Scotia by supporting pre-professional art students through scholarships and special awards. The Executive Director shall ensure that the directives of the Board are carried out effectively, including health protocols in regards to COVID-19. The Executive Director brings a commitment to elevating the Nova Scotia Talent Trust forward as an inclusive and equitable organization that fully reflects the diversity of the greater arts community.
The Executive Director of the NSTT is responsible for the implementation, advocacy and communication of the vital role of art scholarships in Mi'kma'ki - Nova Scotia. In addition, the Executive Director develops partnerships with arts organizations, art students, individual donors, artists, the business community and government.
The work of the NSTT is led by a Board of Directors whose voting members are volunteers. In addition, the Executive Director is a non-voting, ex-officio member of the Board and all standing committees established by the Board to attend to the activities essential to attaining the Nova Scotia Talent Trust's goals.
It is the incumbent's responsibility to provide the Board information and advice on matters about the operation of the NSTT and coordinate the delivery of the scholarship and special awards program. In addition, the incumbent represents the NSTT to its volunteer members, outside agencies, government departments, and the public.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have a university degree or equivalent, with 5 -7 years experience in a senior leadership role in the non-profit sector, preferably with the Arts and or a Charitable organization. Fundraising, networking and administrative abilities are essential. Intimate knowledge of and sensitivity to the Nova Scotia arts community is an asset. Openness to mentor scholarship applicants is desirable. In addition, they have demonstrated financial management and accounting skills with direct budgetary responsibility of over $300K per annum, skilled in digital literacy (WordPress, Canva, Zoom, social media platforms, Mailchimp, etc.) and willing to adopt new technologies as required. Must know QuickBooks accounting software, Microsoft Word, SUMAC (or other CRM), and a strong knowledge of Excel fundamentals are essential.
The candidate must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident and eligible to work in Canada.
Compensation Package
Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000 per annum, dependent on qualifications
NS Talent Trust has an extensive benefits package that includes: Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Medical & Dental coverage. The Cultural Federation of Nova Scotia administers the benefits package. The workweek is based on 40 hours/week. Some evening and weekend work may be required. Self-assigned and working from home is possible. 3 weeks of vacation.
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a single PDF file containing a cover letter and a curriculum vitae in confidence to Talent Trust Hiring Committee at director@nstalenttrust.ns.ca
The deadline for applications is 4:00 pm, November 5, 2021
A complete job description is available here
We thank everyone for their interest; the Hiring Committee will only be contacting those candidates shortlisted for an interview. We will ask candidates to bring three references to the interview. Interviews will be held in person or via Zoom, depending on public health guidelines at that time.
The Nova Scotia Talent Trust is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace. It welcomes applications from Indigenous persons, African Canadians, persons with disabilities, racially visible minorities, women, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Consistent with the principles of employment equity, the primary criterion for appointment to this position is Ability, Qualifications and Performance. Candidates who identify as members of one of the groups mentioned above and who wish to self-identify are invited to do so in the cover letter.
Expected Start Date: Monday, January 3, 2022, or sooner
