The Association of Nova Scotia Museums (ANSM) is a vibrant not-for-profit organization led by its members. ANSM is currently recruiting an Executive Director (ED), to lead and grow the organization as a national leader in the museum community that collaborates with many and diverse partners to provide relevant and engaging services that strengthen museums. The ED will lead and develop all programs and the funding streams needed to make those programs possible. A strong background in not-for -profit or member-driven organizations is a requirement for the position. A good working knowledge of museums and government relations, along with vision and direction are key attributes to succeed in this position.

About ANSM:

ANSM is registered non-profit society governed by a Board of Directors elected from the membership. The Board of Directors employs an ED to manage the implementation of strategy and operations of the Society.  ANSM’s purpose is to nurture excellence in and champion on behalf of museums in Nova Scotia. The values that underpin what we do and how we work are:

• Service – meet the needs of member museums so that we can together meet the needs of communities.
• Advocacy – act as a champion on behalf of and raise awareness about museums in Nova Scotia.
• Collaboration – engage in activities with local, provincial, national, and international partners that benefit our members and the museum sector as a whole.
• Inclusivity – recognize historical and systemic practices in museums, decolonize these practices, and work with museums and equity-deserving groups to find appropriate solutions.
• Sustainability – operate in environmentally responsible ways and work to ensure that ANSM and member museums have the resources they need to serve their communities.

Job Purpose:

The ED will lead ANSM in empowering the museum community to continue to make a meaningful difference with vibrant, educational, and exemplary public services. ANSM is a members-based organization that offers a variety of programs and services.  As the key figure in the implementation of ANSM’s strategic goals, the ED reports directly to, and is accountable to, the Board of Directors. The scope of work includes direct contribution to the development and implementational approaches to strategy, overall responsibility for the operation of the ANSM office, finances, and staff, ANSM working groups (TRACK, NovaMuse Co-op, Training and Education, Advocacy, and various sub-working groups), representation of ANSM to all levels of government as well as to our colleagues in other provincial and federal museum associations, and promotion and marketing of ANSM.

The ED works in close partnership with the Board of Directors to pursue and clarify ANSM’s purpose and strategic direction as outlined in the Strategic Plan, to grow membership and provide programs that address member needs and trends in the museum field.  Likewise, the ED works closely with all other stakeholders in the museum world, representing ANSM’s priorities and responding to needs as ANSM’s primary delegated spokesperson. The ED ensures ANSM’s commitment to EDIA is reflected in all ANSM offerings and operations.  The ED will “make things happen” to fulfill the goals outlined in the Strategic Plan and will ensure these efforts produce the intended result consistent with ANSM’s membership’s expectations and Board policies.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: The ED provides leadership and works closely with the ANSM Board to ensure the Strategic Plan is developed and implemented in a way that ensure meets membership needs, responds to changes as needed, and is reflective of trends in the museum and not-for-profit sector. The ED communicates regularly with the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs.
• Facility and Staff Management: The ED is the primary Human Resources reference for core ANSM staff, including the Program Manager and coordinators (funding dependant). Additionally, the ED leads all facility-related management for the ANSM office, within the context of being a member of the Cultural Federations of Nova Scotia (CFNS).

• Administration and Finances: The ED is responsible for the operational health of the Society – ensuring that strategic goals are realistic and that operational goals are met in a timely fashion. As well, the ED is responsible for following sound financial practices in order to ensure that budgets are realistic and kept on track, that funding needs are identified and that all necessary budget information is available to the Board for approval. The ED will work with funders and sponsors to identify, apply for, process, and complete reports for operating funding, grants, and sponsorships.

• Outreach, Advocacy & External Communication: The ED acts as the primary delegated spokesperson for the Association, taking on a significant role as the public face of ANSM. The ED works with the stakeholder network to further the mission of the Association, raise awareness regarding ANSM and its goals, lead advocacy work for members with all levels of government, and engage in national projects.

• NovaMuse Co-op: The ED oversees the strategic direction, maintenance, and improvement of the NovaMuse Co-op, led by the Program Manager.

• TRACK Program: The ED oversees the strategic direction, government relations, maintenance, and improvement of the TRACK Program, led by the Program Manager.

• Training & Resources: The ED oversees the strategic direction, government relations, maintenance, and improvement of ANSM’s professional development offerings, including leading the development and organization of an annual conference/symposium.

• Accreditation: The ED oversees the strategic direction, government relations, maintenance, and improvement of ANSM’s Accreditation Program.

Full job description is available upon request (katie@nsshf.com).

Qualifications

Knowledge, skills and abilities – Required

• Experience in a senior management or leadership position in a non-profit organization or other similar institution – public or private, preferably with emphasis on two or more of the following: Human Resources management, budget development and control, stakeholder management and strategic partnerships, strategic planning, strategic marketing, project management, fundraising.
• Experience dealing with the public and multiple public networks, including government and government programs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. English is required.
• Proficiency in the use of computer programs in a professional environment: Google tools, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive and MS equivalents.
• Experience incorporating EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) into organizational practices.
• Familiarity with the museum and heritage sectors, and Nova Scotia museum community.

Knowledge, skills and abilities – Assets

• Experience working in a museum in a variety of museum functions (governance, management, community engagement, facility, collections, interpretation, communication/marketing, revenue generation).
• Experience with member-based organizations.
• Working knowledge of French. Other languages also an asset.
• Experience in grant, report writing, press releases and other forms of public writing.
• A valid Nova Scotia driver’s license.

Personal characteristics

The ED will demonstrate competence in the following areas:

• Teamwork: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems and make decisions to enhance organizational effectiveness. Creates an empowering and supportive environment for staff, volunteers, and members.
• Communication: Provides clear communication to members and ANSM staff and board. Shows leadership in being able to provide clear answers and responses and yet also able to communicate when information is not yet available. Comfortable reporting and presenting to a wide variety of stakeholders including government officers at all levels, other cultural associations, interest groups, the press and the general public.
• Initiative: Takes initiative in the creation of tools and approaches necessary to achieving ANSM’s strategic objectives and operational goals while working with the Board and staff on such initiatives. Provides solutions that are reflective of ANSM’s and member museums’ operational realities.
• Relationship Building: Maintains positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally. Works to build relationships with stakeholders in a strategic and appropriate manner. Appreciates the diversity of cultures, issues and needs represented in Nova Scotia’s society and through its museums. Is actively interested in furthering the role of museums in the pursuit of EDIA goals.
• Needs Assessment: Anticipates, understands and responds to the needs of members and other clients in order to meet or exceed their expectations. Creates the operational approaches necessary to respond to those needs and possible changes.
• Organization: Excellent time management skills; attention to detail; the capacity to prioritize by assessing situations to determine urgency; ability to develop a work schedule, set goals, create/implement action plans and monitor progress towards goals; and ability to make clear, timely decisions at both the strategic and operational levels.
• Adaptability: Has the ability to be flexible and adapt programs and services to reflect the changing realities facing museums. Supports members in good museum practices while finding new ways to sustainability explore possibilities, especially concerning EDIA, climate change, and community-led services.

Working Conditions

Hours and Location of Work

• Work location is at the ANSM offices at 1113 Marginal Road, Halifax, NS. Travel will be required, especially in summer months.
• The standard working week is 35 hours, Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm with a one hour lunch break.
• Travel requirements will necessitate some flexibility in work hours. Occasional adjustment to working hours may be necessary. The Board is to be informed of scheduling or travel pressures. Staff is to be informed of travel and scheduling commitments.
• Remote and hybrid (office and remote) work arrangements will be available based on public health protocols and operational requirements.

Compensation

• $75,000-$78,000 per annum (with applicable deductions) commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Benefit package is available as per ANSM’s Human Resource Policy. Vacation leave will start at 1.25 days/month with an additional vacation allowance (up to two weeks) for non-statutory time off during the annual holiday closure of the CFNS offices.

Application:

Please submit your resume and cover letter clearly demonstrating how you meet the qualifications and quoting the position you are applying for by email to ANSM President Katie Tanner at katie@nsshf.com. Please include references.

ANSM is an equal opportunity employer serving our diverse communities. We thank applicants for their interest, however, only those advancing in the process will be contacted.

ANSM reserves the right to not hire at the end of this present competition if a suitable candidate is not found.

Applications are due by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, May 23.