Executive Director

THE ORGANIZATION

Established in 1973, Magazines Canada is the national association representing the majority of Canadian-owned, Canadian-content consumer, cultural, specialty, professional and business magazines. French and English member titles cover a wide range of interests across multiple platforms, including arts and culture, business and professional, lifestyle and food, news and politics, sports and leisure, women and youth. The association focuses on government affairs, professional development, coordinating national marketing campaigns, and delivering services that meet the needs of the magazine industry.

Its current five-year Strategic Plan will see Magazines Canada’s 50th anniversary, and continue the association’s tradition of advocating and serving the Canadian magazine industry that goes back over 100 years, to the original founding of the Canadian Business Press in 1920. 

Magazines Canada is a service organization, member-driven, volunteer-oriented, and not-for- profit. It is incorporated federally and operates within a set of bylaws. It believes in the inter- connected cultural and economic value of Canada’s magazine media. The organization works to foster an environment where new magazines are nurtured, established magazines are supported, skills are developed and excellence is recognized. Its purpose is to promote the value of the magazine sector—across all platforms, and as it continues to evolve—in the creation and dissemination of original Canadian content, at home and abroad.

Magazines Canada places a premium on its relationship with Ottawa. Magazines Canada is the big-tent association that its diverse members turn to for policy insight and leadership, for professional development and skill training, for collective promotions and market development, and for research and data to base their strategic business decisions upon. The association is committed to taking a leadership role in identifying and acting upon public policy issues and trends as they affect members. It is the institutional memory for the industry.

 

THE POSITION

Magazines Canada is seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Director who brings energy and entrepreneurship to the position, inspiring the team around them. The person assuming the role will actively work with the Board to set and implement the strategic vision of the organization for the present and the long-term. The ED is a leader and administrator who has demonstrated exceptional skills and strengths in key areas including leading member-based organizations; building and maintaining client relationships; government relations and advocacy; organizational governance; grant-writing and project management. The ED must manage, mentor and motivate staff to accomplish the organization’s objectives while servicing member needs and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Government and External Relations

  • As the public face and voice, the ED is the primary advocate for the organization. This involves lobbying key members of government and regulatory agencies 
  • Acts as a liaison on behalf of Magazines Canada, working to cultivate, maintain and assure executive level relationships and public policy development with the federal and, where applicable, provincial governments. Relationships include politicians at Cabinet level and bureaucrats at the Deputy Minister level 
  • Manages relationships with related senior executive contacts at national and regional agencies and associations 
  • Provides executive level representation on external national and international bodies and/or ongoing communications with organizations which may include in no particular order: FIPP, MPA, Access Copyright, OMDC advisory, Canada Council, Ontario Arts Council, Canadian Arts Coalition, various multi-industry task forces 

 

Organizational Leadership 

  • Directs the development and implementation of all activity relating to policy governance within the organization 
  • Advises and participates with the Board chair and members in developing and delivering a strategic plan and vision 
  • Heads and/or participates in multiple volunteer committees 
  • Leads business planning and development 
  • Accountable overall for association initiatives and special projects

 

Administration and Operations

  • Responsible for organization’s budget and financial stability 
  • Ensures the effective day-to-day operations of the Magazines Canada office 
  • Determines staffing requirements and provides proper resources for professional staff to run the organization 
  • Leads and motivates staff to deliver on the organization's offerings of member services and programming
  • Oversees human resources, mentorship and staff development; manges staff performance
  • Ensures a safe, healthy and positive work environment that meets all legislative and regulatory requirements 
     

 

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Though prior experience in the magazine, media, or the broader creative industries is an asset, strong leadership experience and familiarity with member-based organizations are essential, including the below qualifications:
  • Exceptional leadership and management skills at both strategic and operational levels 
  • Ten years in senior level leadership and management roles 
  • Experience inside government or in dealing with government bodies/political savvy 
  • Experience in association management related to servicing members and/or the non-profit sector 
  • Fluency in French (spoken/understanding) an important asset
  • Strong business acumen with a proven track record as a business leader 
  • Experience with budget development and financial planning 
  • Proven ability to raise the visibility of the organization, develop projects and partnerships 
  • Solid background / knowledge of the North American cultural industries sector 
  • Knowledge of the changing media and technology landscape and their impact 
  • Experience in public relations and dealing with the media 
  • Record of working successfully with volunteers, boards or committees, and staff as a team, implementing the stated goals and strategic plans of an association 
  • Strong written and oral communication skills 
  • At a minimum, a relevant university degree in areas such as government/public affairs and policy, business and marketing, or communications 

CANDIDATE CHARACTERISTICS

  • Entrepreneurial: able to present a shared vision and build broad value for multiple stakeholders and funders
  • A passion for and commitment to the broad magazine industry 
  • A strategic thinker who can put plans into action 
  • Inclusive leader who encourages contributions from all levels of the organization and board 
  • Committed to continuous improvement and measureable results in internalizing Magazine’s Canada’s commitment to reflecting the full diversity of Canadian communities served by our diverse members
  • Diplomatic; a collaborative team player 
  • Inspires and motivates staff, the Board, and membersto share a common vision and goals
  • Accountable with a strong sense of professionalism, ethics and integrity 
  • A proven leader who takes initiative 
  • Works well independently and is self-regulating 
  • A visionary who is diplomatic, analytical, and decisive 
  • Ability to build trust and engender confidence internally and externally
  • Service oriented with the understanding of the needs of a membership
  • An innovator with a high level of energy
  • At ease with today’s technology, digital and social media environment