Executive Director - Festivals and Events Ontario

Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) has been representing the festivals and events industry in Ontario for over 25 years, making sure communities continue to produce unique, quality festivals in all corners of the province. Providing education, professional development and networking while fostering a community of passionate people invested in the festival and event industry; FEO works hard to deliver membership benefits that help support the growth of the industry.

Our membership includes festivals, events, suppliers, municipalities, schools, Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), students, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), and everyone in between! Each member contributes to our growing community of people who know what it’s like to run successful festivals and events. Together with FEO, our members have an active role in the growth of the festival and event industry in Ontario. FEO continues to serve the industry through a number of projects throughout the year.

THE POSITION

Festival & Events Ontario is seeking a visionary Executive Director (ED) to lead this dynamic and unique organization and raise its profile across the province and beyond. The successful candidate will demonstrate strengths in marketing, lobbying, advocacy, governance, and building and maintaining relationships. FEO’s members contribute significantly to the cultural fabric of local communities while enriching the lives of Ontarians. Currently, the Executive Director oversees a staff of four and operates out of the Association’s head office in Woodstock, Ontario.

REPORTS TO:    Board of Directors

DIRECT REPORT:   Four staff

RESPONSIBILITIES

Board & Volunteer Management

• Report directly to the Board of Directors, with day-to-day reporting to the elected President in conjunction with the Executive Committee of the Board to direct the activities of the staff to achieve Association goals and objectives as defined by the Board of Directors.

• Responsible for Board elections and volunteer development related to board positions.

• Support and assist the Board in their strategic planning initiatives.

• Participate in FEO Board, committee and other meetings as directed by the Board and ensure that accurate minutes are recorded and properly archived. 

Staff Management

• Mentor, direct and counsel staff in the execution of their various responsibilities.

• Lead staff in the development of marketing plans, strategic plans, budgets and other planning initiatives as assigned by the Board.

• Provide leadership and direction and complete the administration and program implementation of all aspects of the Association.

• Promote staff professional development to ensure that FEO staff remain motivated, highly effective and capable.

• Address confidential human resource related matters in conjunction with the Executive Committee. 

Financial Management

• Ensure the financial well-being of the Association and its many and varied programs, annual conference and advocacy initiatives.

• Manage all levels of sponsorship/partnerships for FEO, plus any specific strategies aimed at prospective or existing senior-level FEO members that operate at annual budgets in excess of $1 million dollars.

• Develop and implement strategies that focus on membership recruitment and retention.

• Develop revenues through the products and services of the Association, seek out government grants and apply accordingly for staff and project funding through government partnerships.

• Develop the budget process; do initial preparation of financial statements and manage the financial affairs of the Association.

• Oversee the development of timely reports that accurately and effectively represent historical and future activity, including but not limited to:

-income and balance sheet statements for FEO business

-membership sales and retention

-funding partner activity

-grant / sponsorship funding

Association & Industry Leadership

• Grow the organization by providing leadership enabling moves into new areas and ensuring that proven existing Association products/services and deliverables remain timely and relevant.

• Develop, deliver and evaluate the annual Association action plan as approved by the Board of Directors.

• Provide organizational and planning functions that require a broad knowledge of the Association’s purpose, its governing body, bylaws, policies and procedures.

• Manage the development and execution of an annual conference/trade show.

• Take an active role on the advocacy front, establishing and/or growing partnerships with applicable government and tourism bodies.

• Initiate and sustain mutually beneficial public and private sector partnerships and networks.

• Develop and maintain an annual calendar for the Association based upon the program of work, which may include public policy issues.

• Develop and implement new programs and/or initiatives as directed by the Board of Directors.

• Sit on various standing Committees of the Association as staff liaison.

• Sit on various ad hoc committees of the Association, often as Chair.

• Report on industry trends, provide recommendations on required industry research.

• Willingness to travel as required.