Executive Director, Craft Nova Scotia

Position Details: Full-Time permanent: 35 hours/week

Some weekend and late evening work during gallery events and craft markets.

Reports to: Board of Directors

Application deadline: July 8, 2026, at 11:59p.m.

Process: Zoom interviews between July 15-22

Website: craftnovascotia.ca

About Craft Nova Scotia:

Craft Nova Scotia is a non-profit charitable organization that has supported and advanced the craft sector across Nova Scotia for more than 50 years. Through advocacy, exhibitions, markets, education, and community partnerships, we help ensure craft remains a vibrant cultural and economic force throughout the province.

Executive Director Role:

Craft Nova Scotia is seeking an experienced, innovative, and collaborative Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of stability, growth, and long-term sustainability.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides overall strategic leadership and organizational oversight. The ED works in close partnership with staff, members, funders, partners, and the broader craft community to advance Craft Nova Scotia’s mission while ensuring strong governance, financial sustainability, and sector leadership.

Craft Nova Scotia is supported by a small and experienced staff team, including an Operations Manager, Bookkeeper, Studio Technicians, Communications Manager, and Volunteers who lead day-to-day delivery within their respective areas. The Executive Director provides strategic direction, cross-organizational leadership, and external representation, ensuring alignment across all areas of work.

The Executive Director leads the team as the primary ambassador for the organization, strengthening relationships across Nova Scotia and championing the value of craft in Nova Scotia’s cultural and economic landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of organizational strategy in partnership with the Board and staff team.
• Strengthen organizational sustainability, impact, and long-term resilience.
• Ensure alignment between mission, programs, operations, and strategic priorities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Governance & Board Relations

• Work in partnership with the Board of Directors to support strong governance and strategic oversight.
• Provide regular reporting on organizational performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Support Board committees and implementation of Board-approved initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, funder requirements, and organizational policies.

Financial Management & Resource Development

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, cash flow oversight, and financial reporting in collaboration with the Bookkeeper and Finance/Executive Committee.
• Support the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.
• Lead or support fundraising, grant applications, sponsorship development, and revenue diversification initiatives.
• Strengthen earned and contributed revenue opportunities in alignment with organizational capacity.

Leadership & Human Resources

• Provide supportive, collaborative, and strategic leadership to staff and contractors.
• Work closely with the Operations Manager, Communications Manager, and Bookkeeper to ensure coordinated delivery of organizational priorities.
• Foster a healthy, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture.
• Support performance development and organizational capacity building.

Sector Leadership & Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for Craft Nova Scotia.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with members, funders, government agencies, cultural organizations, and sector partners.
• Advocate for the craft sector across Nova Scotia and beyond.
• Represent the organization at key events, forums, and sector gatherings.

Programs, Services & Organizational Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight and input to programs, exhibitions, markets, and member services.
• Support staff in evaluating and improving program effectiveness and sustainability.
• Ensure programs align with mission, strategic priorities, and available resources.

First-Year Priorities

• Building and deepening relationships with members, funders, and strategic partners.
• Strengthening financial sustainability and revenue diversification.
• Supporting alignment and coordination across staff roles and operational systems.
• Reviewing and strengthening organizational strategy and priorities.
• Enhancing visibility and advocacy for the craft sector across Nova Scotia.
• Supporting a healthy, stable, and collaborative organizational culture.
• Championing visibility of the Mary E. Black Gallery, Craft Nova Scotia markets, programs and the work of members.

Technical & Operational Competencies

• Strong financial literacy, including ability to interpret financial statements, manage budgets, cash forecast, and oversee financial planning.
• Familiarity with accounting systems such as QuickBooks Online or equivalent.
• Experience working with cloud-based productivity tools (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or similar).
• Familiarity with CRM, membership, or database management systems.
• Understanding of digital communications tools, including websites, email marketing platforms, and social media.
• Strong project management and organizational planning skills.
• Significant expertise in gallery operations and craft retail.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum five years of leadership experience in the nonprofit, cultural, arts, or creative sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in financial management, budgeting, and organizational oversight.
• Proven track record in fundraising, sponsorship development, or revenue generation.
• Strong understanding of governance and experience working with Boards of Directors.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency with media relations.
• Experience working with staff in a collaborative and values-based environment.
• Knowledge of the craft or broader cultural sector.
• Significant expertise in gallery operations and craft retail.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about supporting craft, makers, and creative communities across Nova Scotia.
• Strategic, forward-thinking, and solutions-oriented.
• Collaborative and relationship-focused leadership style.
• Financially literate and grounded in organizational sustainability.
• Strong communicator and public representative.
• Committed to equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Equity Statement

Craft Nova Scotia is committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive, and diverse craft community that reflects the full breadth of experiences across the province.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Mi’kmaq or other Indigenous peoples, African Nova Scotian, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomers, persons with disabilities, and others who experience systemic barriers to opportunity.

We recognize lived experience as a vital form of leadership and insight and value non-traditional career paths, community-based experience, and culturally specific knowledge alongside formal education and professional roles.

Accessibility Statement

We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process, we will work with you to ensure your full participation and a positive candidate experience.

How to Apply:

Application Deadline: July 8, 2026, at 11:59p.m.

Application Requirements: Letter of interest, Resume/CV