President & CEO, Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA)

Through transparency, trust and integrity, CIMA will be an adovocacy leader, representing the national interests of the Canadian owned independent music industry, while providing targeted services for the economic benefit of its membership.

THE ORGANIZATION

CIMA is the not-for-profit national trade association representing Canada’s English-language, independent music sector which comprises approximately 38% of the Canadian recorded music market.

CIMA’s membership consists of Canadian-owned companies and representatives involved in every aspect of the music, sound recording and music-related industries. CIMA’s diverse membership base is comprised of record producers, record labels, recording studios, managers, agents, licensors, music video producers and directors, creative content owners, artists and others professionally involved in the sound recording and music video industries.

CIMA’s mandate is to develop and advocate policies and services that serve to support a strong and economically stable Canadian independent music and sound recording industry, ensuring the long-term development of the sector and to raise the profile of Canadian independent music both in Canada and around the world.

CIMA continues to take a leadership role in improving the economic viability and well-being of the independent music and sound recording sector in important areas such as cultural industry policies and programs; intellectual property and copyright law; tax laws and tariffs; international export and trade development programs; and professional development.

THE POSITION

CIMA is seeking a vigorous, visionary, inspirational, and forward-thinking President. The person assuming the role will actively work with the Board to set and implement the strategic vision of the organization for the present and the long-term.

The President is a leader and administrator who has demonstrated exceptional skills and strengths in key areas including government relations and lobbying; building and maintaining client relationships; advocacy; marketing; organizational governance; and public policy.

The President must manage, mentor and motivate staff to accomplish the organization’s objectives while servicing member needs and maintaining fiscal responsibility. They will represent, maintain, protect, enhance, and defend the rights and interests of CIMA’s members. The President will embrace the increasing diversity and inclusion of the organization and its membership

This Position represents an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to step into a position at a time of significant influence by CIMA and its members to help shape the broader Canadian music sector. Despite various economic and regulatory pressures, it is a unique time for Canada’s independent music sector as recent and ongoing market-shifts represent an opportunity for Canadian music companies to build and expand capabilities to truly compete and be successful on a global scale. The challenge is to balance that against pressures on existing and future private and public sector financial and operational support. The CEO will be a key player in leading the conversation and framing a global vision.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership

• Advises and participates with the Board Chair and members in developing and delivering a strategic plan and vision.
• The CEO will actively develop and improve the delivery of membership benefits to meet the needs and expectations of members against a mandate to grow traction and profile within Canada’s music industry.
• Responsible for the successful implementation of the strategic plan, taking into account long-term direction of the Board and government priorities.
• Direct the development and implementation of all activity relating to policy governance within the organization.
• Lead business planning and development.

Government & External Relations

• Have a keen understanding of where independent companies sit in the ecosystem of the global music industry, and how global issues affect domestic government policy.
• Understand how market concentration affects independent companies, and defend the need for a level playing field, with an open and competitive market across the industry’s entire value-chain.
• Advocate for the interests of CIMA’s membership with representatives of government and regulatory agencies on existing and proposed copyright, broadcast and telecommunications legislation, cultural and international trade policies.
• Act as a liaison on behalf of CIMA, working to cultivate, maintain and assure executive level relationships and public policy development with the federal and, where applicable, provincial governments.

Administration & Operations

• Manage financial resources, including annual budget preparation and regular financial and risk management reports for approval by the Board; establishes priorities and allocates budgets for each department and activity.
• Ensure the efficient and cost-effective administration of CIMA operations, including all facets of granting, communications, finance and administration, and human resources.
• Develop organizational structures and reporting relationships; recruits, selects, manages, coaches and mentor senior staff; and maintains and assesses the effectiveness of the organization in meeting CIMA’s goals.
• Ensure a safe, healthy, and positive work environment that meets all legislative and regulatory requirements.