Executive Director

STATEMENT OF INTENTION

Preference for this role will be given to applicants who identify as Black, Black Canadian, African Canadian, African Nova Scotian, of Black Loyalist descent or of African descent – particularly those who have ancestral ties to, or relationships within Birchtown, Shelburne or surrounding Black communities.

We encourage applications for this position from Black, racialized and Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers to Canada and People with Disabilities. If you are a member of 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 treating all applicants fairly and accommodating those with disabilities at any stage of the hiring process.

ABOUT

Nova Scotia’s Black Loyalist Heritage Society (The Society) was once an idea that started around a kitchen table in Birchtown over 30 years ago. From a humble, grassroots beginning, and strengthened by the passion and vision of these descendants who dedicated themselves to the preservation of the history of their forefathers, this multimillion dollar site and icon in the provincial museum family stands proudly in Birchtown, the landing site of the Black Loyalists in 1783.

Today, when you come through the doors of the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre (The Centre) in the very same community, you realize this is about so much more than a museum. It is a place for deep connections and growth to take place. It is designed to thrive as a community hub centering the wellness and union of Black Loyalists and their descendants. The Centre has been and continues to be a source of pride for the community.

The Centre is nestled on a stunning two-acre property which lies in Birchtown Bay overlooking Shelburne Harbour, and tells the story of the world’s largest, free African population outside of Africa to exist in the late 18th century.

When people visit, they tend to experience a range of emotions in knowing they are walking in the footsteps of our ancestors, the Black Loyalists.

Bringing forth the opportunity to explore and discover the depths of one’s own Black history and heritage is vital to the work of the Centre, as well as educating all Nova Scotians on how our histories are interconnected with the African Nova Scotian experience.

A gem in the Nova Scotia museum family and a not-for-profit organization, the Society was officially established in 1990, and is governed by a committed volunteer board, whose members have strong ties to the Black Loyalists who have paved a road for not just for African Nova Scotian communities, but for communities of people of Black Loyalist descent everywhere. For over thirty years, the Society has worked to ensure the contributions of the Black Loyalists take their place within the communities that shape Canada’s cultural mosaic.

In addition to the Centre itself, anyone can visit the historic buildings and the National Monument commemorating the Black Loyalist Landing in Birchtown in 1783.

VISION

To promote universal recognition of the ancestry of the Black Loyalist as a nascent Canadian heritage community, having been among the original settlers of Canada.
To cultivate and contribute to the economic prosperity of the Black Loyalist community through participation in community development initiatives.

THIS MOMENT, THIS POSITION

The Centre is on the cusp of becoming what it was designed and destined to be.

There is a powerful desire for community builders to come together, for people to feel seen and heard, for collective healing to take place, for the futures of younger generations to unfold and thrive, all in a place that reflects and honours the legacy and heritage of Black Loyalists.

The Board of Directors at Black Loyalist Heritage Society are seeking a dedicated community builder to join the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre as its Executive Director, and bring the Centre into its next chapter.

This opportunity is for someone who is driven to represent and ensure that Birchtown’s Black Loyalist story is acknowledged and embraced as an integral part Black heritage, and Black lives, and continues to be represented in the history, present and future for all Black communities.

This is someone who understands the identity of the community, and the Centre’s role in safeguarding and promoting the narrative for future generations. This person embodies integrity and humility. This is a strong interpersonal communicator who is motivated to work with the Centre’s talented team as well as the wider community, to build new programs and partnerships. This is someone who embodies a socially- conscious lens while leading an organization into its full potential – a multi-purpose, cultural landscape that brings a truly immersive and collective experience to the community.

The Executive Director will report to the President of the Society, and express a mindset of advocacy, care and dignity.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Board and its committees to achieve the Society’s objectives.
• Own the overall responsibilities for the development and management of the Society’s human, physical and financial resources.
• Lead, motivate, and develop healthy team dynamics while clearly articulating a vision to others.
• Build strong interpersonal relationships with varying communities and stakeholders.
• Operate as the official spokesperson for the Society when communicating with media, government, partners, public, community, educational institutions, and funding partners.
• Attend events and promote the Society and its activities to build awareness of the Black Loyalist and its place in history, interjurisdictionally with all relevant stakeholders.
• Lead the Society’s fundraising and promotional marketing efforts with oversight of the programming and collection development activities.
• Manage the organizational budget and general finances.
• Manage the responsibilities for enhancing and maintaining the Black Loyalist site.
• Work collaboratively with volunteer boards and perform other duties as directed by the Board.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent form of training or experience.
• Approximately 2-5 years experience managing teams in a professional environment.
• Experience working with the African Nova Scotia communities and/or Black organizations will be considered an asset.
• Access to a vehicle for necessary travel, will be considered an asset.

THE PACKAGE

Salary: $66,000 – $72,000

Medical, Life Insurance, and Pension Options are offered.

The Executive Director works in an office with frequent trips for meetings within the province. There will also be occasional evening and weekend meetings.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

A leader who knows how to step forward and unlock the potential of others, empowering a team and a community to contribute to a shared vision. They possess strong emotional intelligence and a creative, thoughtful knack for engaging people across their differences, and advocating for the needs of the community. Sustaining a transparent and inclusive workplace culture is integral to the work of the Executive Director.

This is someone who knows the importance of building trust and a sense of connection and unity where it is needed most. The ideal candidate is motivated to actively apply an anti-racist lens in all areas of their work.

The ideal candidate can demonstrate the ability to:

Work independently and organize priorities
Communicate deeply
Embody cross-cultural work
Demonstrate enthusiasm and passion for the work of the Society.
Express sound judgement in uncertain situations
Analyze and creatively solve problems

APPLICATION DETAILS

Applications will be accepted until 12pm April 13, 2022. Please be sure to include a cover letter that speaks to your experience, but we also want to get a glimpse of your personality. Apply here. 

Don’t be generic, be yourself.