Director (CEO) 

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Job Description

The Canadian Museum of History is a federal Crown corporation. It welcomes over 1.2 million visitors each year to its celebrated complex in the heart of the National Capital Region, making it the country's most-visited museum. With roots stretching back to 1856, it is one of Canada's oldest public institutions and a respected centre of museological excellence, sharing its expertise in history, archaeology, ethnology and cultural studies both within Canada and abroad. The Canadian War Museum is also an affiliate of the Canadian Museum of History.

The mandate of the Museum is to enhance Canadians' knowledge and understanding of events, experiences, people and objects that reflect Canada's history and identities, and also to enhance their awareness of world history and cultures. The Corporation is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Director is the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible, under the direction of the Board of Trustees, for providing corporate leadership for the management of the Museum’s resources and assets and for the effectiveness and efficiency of its operations in meeting its mandated objectives. As of 2020-2021, the Museum has a total budget of $105.25 million and more than 450 full and part-time staff.

Education and Experience:

• An advanced degree from a recognized university in History or a relevant field of study, or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;
• Corporate leadership experience at the Chief Executive Officer or senior executive level;
• Leadership experience in national and international outreach initiatives;
• Experience in revenue generation and establishing collaborative relationships;
• Experience in establishing and implementing strategic vision and change management at senior levels;
• Experience in reporting to and/or serving a board;
• Experience in dealing with government, preferably with senior government officials;
• Experience in implementing digital/virtual access to heritage programs and artifacts would be considered an asset; and
• Experience in the management or administration of a cultural institution would be considered an asset.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Canadian Museum of History mandate, of the Museums Act and other relevant federal legislation;
• Knowledge of the current challenges and opportunities for Canadian cultural institutions;
• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board, and the Chief Executive Officer of a Crown corporation, including the fundamental accountabilities to all Canadians;
• Financial literacy and knowledge of sound governance and management of principles and practices;
• Knowledge of the cultural, heritage and/or recreational tourism sectors, or of the evolving public expectations regarding Museums;
• Knowledge of the transformation to digital culture would be considered an asset;
• Ability to provide corporate vision, leadership and strategic direction needed to ensure the Canadian Museum of History is able to carry out its mandate and achieve its objectives;
• Ability to identify, analyze and define priorities and strategies;
• Ability to spearhead national outreach initiatives and actively market and promote the Museum’s brand to audiences across Canada and abroad;
• Ability to focus the energies and talents of the employees of the Museum and motivate them to achieve corporate objectives;
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with the Board of Trustees, the Museum’s management, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and his Office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Museum’s key stakeholders and partners; and
• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders.

Language Requirements:

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to confirm that you meet the above selection criteria and that you possess the following Personal Attributes:

• Innovative and strategic leader
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Tact and diplomacy
• Sound judgment
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Collegiality

We strongly encourage those interested to submit their application at appointments.gc.ca before December 1^st, 2020. Applicants who submit their application thereafter will also be considered until early January.

CMH is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers Berndtson and CMH throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.