AFRICAN NOVA SCOTIAN MUSIC ASSOCIATION (ANSMA) Looking for EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR at Cherry Brook, NS Full Time

Statement of Intention

We recognize the systemic discrimination that Black, African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, Persons of Colour, 2SLGBTQA+ and many other groups have historically experienced and continue to face in our society. The African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA) strives to create a diverse and inclusive workforce, reflective of the community it serves.

We encourage applications from Black, racialized and Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers to Canada, and People with Disabilities. Preference for this role will be given to applicants who identify as members of the African Nova Scotian community (those who extend from a rich history spanning back more than 400 years in this province). If you are African Nova Scotian, or identify with a group that has been historically excluded from opportunities, we encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter or resume and to share your pronouns. We are committed to accommodating those with disabilities at any stage of the hiring process.

About ANSMA

The African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the development, promotion and enhancement of African Nova Scotians in the music industry. ANSMA provides crucial services and resources that foster lasting partnership benefits, artistic development and economic success.

Since its inception in May 1998, ANSMA has attracted more than 300 local musicians and music industry professionals as active association members. The association creates workshops, showcases, award shows and opportunities for African Nova Scotian musicians – proving to be an essential ingredient in their success locally, nationally and internationally.

The Province of Nova Scotia has identified the music industry as a critical component of overall cultural industries, tourism and the provincial economic growth strategy. Over time, the Nova Scotian music sector has become an honorable poster child for Nova Scotian culture and identity. ANSMA has played a tremendous role in contributing to the richness of this cultural mosaic.

This Moment, This Position

ANSMA is excited to announce they are seeking a new and motivated Executive Director to lead the growth and continued success of the association.

As the senior leader in a people and culture-centric environment, the Executive Director will provide leadership and direction to ensure development and implementation of innovative strategies and projects in line with the new ANSMA strategic plan. They will have responsibility for strategic oversight of day-to-day affairs while maintaining and improving established policies, processes and procedures. As the leader of a fast-paced team, the Executive Director is comfortable organizing and prioritizing a variety of exciting projects and activities.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, this person is eager to collaborate with the community and deepen ANSMA’s position as a leading contributor to Nova Scotia’s music and culture industry.

Position Responsibilities

STRATEGY & PLANNING

• Collaborate with the board and staff to refine and roll-out the new ANSMA Strategic Plan, Governance Model, Communications Plan and Operations Plan developed in 2022.
• Oversee implementation of the plan and develop feedback and monitoring mechanisms to report on progress to stakeholders.
• Recommend changes to the plan as necessary.

PEOPLE LEADERSHIP

• Provide leadership and direction to employees of the ANSMA
• Promote and support staff professional and career development.
• Recruit and hire qualified staff and volunteers and ensure proper screening.
• Oversee and direct the implementation of HR policies and procedures.
• Ensure all new staff and volunteers are oriented and trained to perform their duties.
• Establish clear patterns of accountability responsibility, supervision and communication with staff and volunteers.
• Establish a positive, inclusive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Liaise with the general public, membership and music industry associations, such as: ADVANCE, SOCAN, CARAS, ECMA, MNS, other east coast and national music associations, funders, sponsors and government officials.
• Ensure the organization builds and sustains relationships with communities, volunteers, donors, funders, government representatives, politicians, and other community based agencies to help achieve the ANSMA’s mission and goals.
• Explore and where feasible, build strategic partnerships that will advance the interests of the organization.

FINANCIAL PLANNING & MANAGEMENT

• Oversee a computerized financial and management information system.
• Develop financial policies and procedures in accordance with accepted accounting principles for not-for-profit organizations in collaboration with the organizations’ accounting firm and finance chair.
• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements and reports for presentation to the board, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee the creation of a budget development process and the development and management of the annual budget.
• Coordinate the Annual External Financial Audit with the appointed auditor
• Research funding sources and write funding proposals for submission to private and public funders.
• Oversee the development of a fundraising strategy and participate in fundraising activities as appropriate.

BOARD RELATIONS

• Work with the board and related committees to organize and follow up on all meetings
• Provide reports to the board that ensure compliance with all of their legal and fiduciary duties.
• Act as a professional advisor to the board on all aspects of the organization’s activities.
• Identify and assess risks, and inform the board of internal and external issues and industry trends that may affect the organization.
• Prepare and present proposals and plans to the board for review, discussion and approval with respect to any potential, new initiative that would help the organization achieve its mission.
• Act as liaison between staff and board, fostering positive relations and clear understanding of the respective roles and responsibilities.

Education and Experience

• 3 years + management and supervisory experience or a combination of education and experience. (Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application).
• Must know the intricate ins and outs of non-profit finance policies.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and a track record promoting a safe and healthy workplace.
• Experience, education and knowledge that focuses on Anti-Black Racism; advocacy of Afrocentric principles; and initiatives that aim to dismantle systemic and institutional discrimination.
• Experience networking with local, national and international music industry organizations and associations (as well as national and international Black music organizations and associations).
• Experience with managing and preparing for resource constraints.
• Experience with creating systems and processes, while leveraging technology.
• Have a desire to work in a non-profit culture – understanding that success isn’t just measured financially, but also in serving the organization’s mission.
• Post-secondary level education in business, management, administration, marketing, leadership, entrepreneurship, music, fine arts or a related field.
• A bachelor’s level degree or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in a not-for-profit setting is considered an asset.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a socially conscious and confident people leader who is driven to create impact and connection in the music industry. They hold deep appreciation and knowledge of African Nova Scotia history, in particular relating to arts, culture and music. They are a visionary who sees what this organization can be.

They share the organization’s values of respect, integrity, diversity, accountability and public good. They are able to demonstrate these values through their behavior and actions, and influence others to do the same.

They actively strive for service excellence and influence creative solutions for evolving needs. They actively promote and encourage a people-first culture that respects diversity and fosters an environment of belonging for everyone.

The Package

SALARY: starting at $70,000 / year

Location: Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia (Hybrid Option)

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the Board of Directors.

Application Details

Applications will be accepted until 12 p.m. on February 1, 2023.

Please be sure to include a cover letter that speaks to your experience, but we also want to get a glimpse of your personality.

Don’t be generic, be yourself.

What to Expect

• We closely review all applications and read each cover letter (we promise).
• If you are selected as a top candidate, expect an invitation to chat with a Lead Placemaker from P4G. This is someone who treats the recruitment process non-traditionally. We want to get to know what inspires you.
• Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with the Lead P4G Placemaker and 2-3 organization representatives.
• Finalists may participate in a second round interview or skills activity (virtual or in person).
• P4G will check employment references and assist in presenting an offer to the successful candidate.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $70,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cherry Brook, NS