Executive Director

The Canadian Bar Association – Nova Scotia Branch (“CBA Nova Scotia”) is hiring a new Executive Director. 

ABOUT THE CBA NOVA SCOTIA 

CBA Nova Scotia is a non-profit organization registered under the Societies Act representing 1,400+ lawyers, judges, and law students throughout the province. It is a branch of the Canadian Bar Association (“CBA”), which is the largest professional association of lawyers in Canada. The CBA has a national membership of 37,000 and prides itself on being the voice of Canada’s legal profession.  

The goals of CBA Nova Scotia include to: 

• represent and promote the interests of the legal profession in Nova Scotia provincially and nationally; 

• improve and promote the well-being, knowledge, and skills of members of the legal profession; 

• provide relevant and quality services and benefits to CBA Nova Scotia members; 

• advance and improve the law and the administration of justice; and 

• improve and promote access to justice. 

LOOKING FOR AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

The Executive Director is the chief operating officer of CBA Nova Scotia. The Executive Director reports to, and works closely with, the CBA Nova Scotia Board, and manages a staff of two.  

The Executive Director has a multi-faceted role. For example, the Executive Director: 

• manages the general affairs of CBA Nova Scotia; 

• attends CBA Nova Scotia Board, Council and members meetings, and acts as meeting secretary; 

• participates in strategic planning and policy development; 

• ensures compliance with governance requirements; 

• manages and oversees the annual budget and the association’s finances; 

• builds and maintains relationships with other professional legal organizations; 

• works with the CBA at a national level (as described below); 

• is responsible for membership recruitment and retention; 

• ensures that a high level of service is provided to CBA members and volunteers; 

• develops, manages, coordinates, and otherwise assists with CBA Nova Scotia projects and initiatives; 

• advises and assists CBA Nova Scotia Committees and Sections; 

• supports the Professional Development Committee to plan CBA Nova Scotia conferences; 

• works with the Communications Committee to prepare and edit the CBA Nova Scotia in-house magazine, Nova Voce;  

• promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and assists the Equity Committee to develop relevant events, training, and resources; and 

• supports the Advocacy Committee in representing the interests of the legal profession in Nova Scotia and advocating for access to justice. 

The Executive Director is supported in this work by CBA Nova Scotia staff and 80+ volunteers. CBA Nova Scotia has developed a strong reputation for member engagement, innovation, and community service.   

The Executive Director is also a member of the CBA National Management Team. Participation in virtual and in-person meetings is a requirement for all Executive Directors of CBA branches across the country. In addition to the in-person meetings of the CBA National Management Team, the Executive Director will attend an annual national Leadership Forum meeting, the Annual General meeting, and other meetings if the Executive Director is on a national sub-team or working group. Unless conducted virtually, travel to Ottawa or other designated city may be required approximately 4 times per year.  

REQUIRED SKILLS 

The new Executive Director will have most (or all) of the following experiences, skills, and qualifications: 

• post-secondary education; 

• a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in a management or supervisory role (or equivalent experience); 

• experience working in a non-profit setting and/or with a membership-based organization, including working with a Board of Directors; 

• leadership, project management and human resource management experience; 

• knowledge of governance requirements and policy-making processes; 

• ability to prepare the organization’s annual budget and oversee the organization’s finances; 

• knowledge of legal working environments and the legal community in Nova Scotia; 

• excellent written and oral communication skills; 

• ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; 

• ability to work both independently and as a member of teams / committees, with demonstrated ability to bring together people with possibly disparate interests; 

• tact, judgment, and political acumen; 

• excellent analytical and interpersonal skills; 

• demonstrated cultural competence and experience working with diverse communities; and 

• availability for weekend and evening meetings and ability to travel. 

CBA Nova Scotia strives to have a diverse staff and membership. We welcome applications from Indigenous people, African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, 2SLGBTQ and persons with disabilities. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you may self-identify in your cover letter. 

HOW TO APPLY 

To apply, please forward your cover letter and a curriculum vitae to Terry Sheppard, incoming CBA Nova Scotia President, via email at tsheppard@boyneclarke.ca. Please mark your email as “CBA-NS Executive Director – Job Application”. 

For fullest consideration, please apply before August 18, 2021. The exact start date is flexible, but it is hoped that the successful candidate will be in place by mid-September 2021.  

CBA Nova Scotia appreciates your interest in this position. However, only applicants considered for an interview will be contacted. References may be required upon request. Offer of employment is conditional upon the satisfactory completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.