Propelled by a visionary network of donors, private and public organizations, staff and board, the National Screen Institute supports diverse creators from across Canada to tell unforgettable stories.
Headquartered in Winnipeg, our vision is that storytellers create a culturally equitable world; they allow us to enter unfamiliar lives and landscapes, create understanding and show us how our world can be better.
We work relentlessly to remove barriers so underrepresented creators from anywhere in Canada can access our film and television training.
Through industry-informed training and mentoring in film, television and digital media, our students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world.
The position
We are seeking a leader with a demonstrable passion for film, television and emerging forms of interactive and immersive storytelling. You are a proven and influential communicator with the ability to conceive and articulate both a vision and a strategy for the future success of the National Screen Institute. You possess the skill and passion to inspire and motivate all those connected with our organization including staff, students, the board, private and public partners and other stakeholders.
The executive director is responsible for leading the direction of the organization and its overall management. They are a public ambassador for the National Screen Institute and its role in training and developing new creators and storytellers. Reporting to the board, the executive director leads the implementation of internal and external goals that reflect the organization’s vision, mission and business plan.
As the ideal candidate, you are passionate about storytelling and storytellers; and you value equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and are knowledgeable about these issues. You are a supporter of the values which guide the work of the National Screen Institute, have experience working cross-culturally and are committed to serving storytellers from underrepresented communities.
Responsibilities
General
Responsible and accountable for the day-to-day management of the organization’s financial, operational, personnel, programming and communications matters.
Ensure the organization maintains its strong and relevant brand as the leading training institution of screen-based professionals in Canada.
Develop relationships with a broad spectrum of relevant industry professionals on a local, national and international basis to build partnerships, raise funding, and elevate the profile for programming and operations.
Oversee public communications on the National Screen Institute’s programs and projects.
Represent the National Screen Institute as the key spokesperson at public functions.
Travel to meetings, conferences, markets, festivals or other industry events as approved by the board or executive committee.
Strategic planning
Working with the board, staff and key stakeholders, develop and implement the strategic plan.
Ensure the short- and long-range goals of the strategic plan are achieved.
Programming
Oversee research and development of new programs and curricula for board approval in line with the strategic plan.
Develop new opportunities to create relevant curricula that meet the needs of program participants and the film and television industry.
Direct the preparation of proposals for public and private partners, sponsors and supporters. Advise on and approve proposed funding, budgets and program content and delivery.
Oversee program managers to ensure that all aspects of program delivery meet established guidelines and contract agreements with sponsors and funders.
Develop ongoing evaluation mechanisms to ensure quality control and the maintenance of standards in administration and program delivery.
Financial management
Work with the controller to oversee the preparation of the annual budget.
Ensure that financial planning, budgeting and control of salaries and compensation, contract payments, operating, overhead and program dollars are within the board-approved annual budget.
Ensure internal financial monitoring systems are in compliance with budgets, policies, procedures and guidelines.
Ensure prudent financial and operational management by overseeing adherence to budgets and spending guidelines; identifying and implementing operational efficiencies; and identifying new revenue streams.
Human resources
Ensure all employees and contract personnel are hired, trained, managed and evaluated in accordance with the organization’s employment and compensation policies.
Bring a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusivity and accessibility.
Create an equitable team environment that empowers and treats all staff equitably working in compliance with established human resources policies and practices.
Maximize staff performance by communicating clear expectations, giving regular formal and informal performance feedback and recognition, and providing coaching or training when required to improve performance.
Lead a fair and inclusive hiring process that includes structured interviews, reference checking and professional treatment and selection of all applicants.
Operations
Ensure sufficient and appropriate management of operations is implemented.
Provide regular status reports on projects to the board executive committee to ensure ongoing financial and project monitoring in accordance with established monitoring requirements.
Board relations
Communicate and consult with the board and/or executive committee on significant decisions relating to staffing and compensation, policy creation, financial and risk management, approval of annual budgets, new program development or changes to existing programs, and matters that may affect relationships with funders, including the Government of Manitoba.
Attend all meetings of the NSI Board of Directors. Provide operational and financial reports and strategic plan implementation activities.
Ensure the board is informed of all significant decisions, operational activities and industry trends that may affect the organization’s viability, reputation and relationship with its stakeholders.
Obtain board and/or executive committee approval for National Screen Institute matters in accordance with the bylaws, policies and directions set by the NSI Board of Directors or executive committee.
Qualifications
Demonstrated track record of strategic visionary leadership in film and television, not-for-profit, or other relevant experience.
An understanding of Canada’s constantly evolving film, television and digital media landscape, with a passion for elevating talent and a commitment to storytelling in Canada.
Track record of constituency-building and inclusiveness especially towards underrepresented communities.
Brings a vision for the future of the National Screen Institute.
Experienced fundraiser who stewards sponsors, donors, and funders from private and public sectors.
Strong administrative and management skills, able to foster a collaborative and open-door culture with staff and board.
Excellent relationship-builder who communicates the organization’s mission with authenticity and passion, who can inspire the staff, board, alumni, donors and industry professionals.
Proven grant-writing skills and fundraising expertise in attracting foundation, government, corporate and individual donors.
Entrepreneurial; possesses strong business acumen and financial management skills.
Experience in dealing with budgets and financial planning.
An understanding of the trends in multiplatform content creation.
The National Screen Institute is a national organization; fluency in both official languages is an asset.
Applicants outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba will be required to re-locate.
Compensation
A competitive compensation package including base salary (range between $125,000 to $145,000) and benefits will be provided, commensurate with experience.
The National Screen Institute prioritizes the well-being and flexibility of our employees by offering a remote work/hybrid policy, empowering them to work from their homes. While this role includes partial hours at our downtown Winnipeg location every week, the executive director will have the flexibility to work remotely for the remaining hours. In addition, to provide a good work/life balance the board has approved a four-day work week for all staff, including the executive director.
How to apply
Please apply by email to NS*@se**********************.com with your cover letter and resume no later than January 28, 2024. Note that all enquiries about this position should be directed to this email address.
We are committed to contributing to reconciliation in all our work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being. As an employment equity employer, we actively seek Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, women, people with disabilities and additional diverse identities for our workforce. We will provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please contact us at the email address above.
We thank all applicants for their interest however, only those advancing in the process will be contacted.
The National Screen Institute office is located on Treaty One Territory – we acknowledge and honour the lands we occupy and their traditional keepers: the Anishnaabe, Cree, Dakota and Métis. We acknowledge the ancestors of this land and commit to honour their vision and uphold our Treaty responsibilities as a settler organization occupying these lands.
