Executive Director

Gaelic Business Initiative; Nova Scotia; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gaelic Business Initiative is seeking an Executive Director to lead operations, promote Gaelic culture, and manage partnerships. The ideal candidate will have experience in business management, strong communication skills, and a passion for Gaelic heritage. This contract position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in managing a business or nonprofit organization.
• Understanding of Gaelic culture and language is a key asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of GBI and collaborate with the Executive Committee.
• Promote GBI membership and develop program initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Self-Starter

Education

Degree in Business Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google GSuite

CRM/ERP Planning Software

Job description

Executive Director

Gaelic Business Initiative

Submission Deadline: Friday, May 23, 2025

Address to: [e-mail]

Introduction:

The Gaelic Business Initiative (GBI) is a nonprofit, volunteer project hosted by the GaelsConnect.com Business Association (the Association). Gaelic Culture and language represent a unique cultural asset in Nova Scotia. It is estimated that more than one third of the province’s population has Gaelic heritage. GBI’s main objective is to encourage the celebration and use of Gaelic culture and language by Nova Scotia companies to enhance the growth and success of businesses and help support the survival and growth of Gaelic culture in Nova Scotia. GBI is managed by a small team of volunteers, the “Executive Committee”. A representative group of community and industry volunteers, “the Advisory Committee” are available, on a regular basis, by invitation, to provide advice and input on GBI programs and objectives. GBI operations will be led by the Executive Director (ED) who will be the “public face” of the initiative. THe ED’s primary focus will be membership and member project development. GBI currently has one part-time position, the Manager of Marketing and Communications (MMC). GBI is currently funded by an annual grant from the Provincial Government. Other possible sources of funding/revenue are being explored.

The Position:

The GBI Executive Director (ED) will be responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of the GBI operating mandate and objectives on a day-to-day basis under the direction and with the general support of the GBI Executive Committee (EC). The ED will report to the GBI Executive Committee (EC) and receive general assignments and directions from the EC. The ED will work closely with the EC and participate in regular EC meetings. The ED will attend monthly meetings of the GBI Advisory Committee.

The ED will have general and specific responsibilities related to the activities of the GBI program including coordination and liaison with companies and partners participating in GBI’s various initiatives. The ED will work in collaboration with the MMC to deliver the overall marketing strategy. The MMC will have responsibility for proposing and delivering marketing and social media communications strategies.

Specific responsibilities and duties for the ED fall within the following activity areas:

a) Promotion and sales,

b) Program development and member support,

c) Partnerships, and

d) Management and Executive Committee liaison.

Responsibilities and Duties:

a) Promotion and Sales

• Actively promote GBI membership and the related benefits to businesses.
• Plan, create, coordinate, and participate in local and regional presentations to promote and publicize the GBI Program in locations across the province in consultation with the EC. This may involve some travel.
• Develop and execute strategies to grow GBI membership with specific quarterly objectives for new members.
• Collaborate with the MCC on the development of GBI marketing materials and promotional items and strategies.

b) Program Development and Support

• The ED will promote, market, facilitate and coordinate the initiation, implementation, funding and successful execution of GBI member projects and related program initiatives.
• The ED, with the assistance of the EC and in collaboration with other partner, public and private, tourism organizations, will facilitate the development of the GBI Gaelic front-line tourism training program “a Taste of Gaelic” and the GBI experiential tourism business startup program, “Gaelic Adventures”.
• The ED will manage and promote the GBI Passport App.
• In support of specific GBI programs and GBI general operations the ED willresearch, cultivate and confirm sources of government and private sector funding.
• The ED will maintain ongoing liaison with Member companies and GBI Partners to provide support and identify any issues or requirements that need to be addressed to ensure a positive and successful delivery of the objectives of the GBI program. In this regard the ED may, and is encouraged to, propose program changes, addition or adjustments seen as necessary for consideration by the EC.
• The ED will, with the EC, assist with information gathering and assessment of the impact of the GBI program over the year. This may involve virtual and in-person focus groups, company site visits and online surveys.

c) Partnerships

• The ED will engage in business and industry sector outreach and explore opportunities for strategic partnerships.
• The ED will engage in community outreach to learn from and share with Mi’kmaq, Acadian and African Nova Scotians specific to cultural and linguistic expression in businesses and tourism operators.
• The ED will develop and enhance relationships and partnerships with Gaelic regions nationally and internationally.

d) Management and Administration

• The ED will generally oversee the day to day operations of the GBI in collaboration with the Marketing & Communications Manager (MCM) to ensure the efficient implementation of the GBI program.
• The ED will insure the coordination and management of financial accounts payable and receivables with the Association representative.

e) Other

• As the GBI program is implemented and evolves there may be some changes or additions to the assigned duties. These will be discussed in collaboration with the ED in advance.

Minimum qualifications required:

• Professional experience in managing all aspects of a business or a not-for-profit organization.
• A degree in business and office management or equivalent experience.
• A proven self-starter with the ability to work productively with a team and individually.
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding and appreciation of Gaelic language and cultural heritage and identity in the Nova Scotia context and internationally are considered key assets and the successful candidate must be open and willing to learn more and expand knowledge of the Gaelic language and culture.
• Knowledge and experience of basic accounting and record keeping.
• Proficient in computer skills and business software, including but not limited to accounting systems, Microsoft Office, Google GSuite, CRM/ERP Planning Software.
• Basic skills and experience with traditional and social media including social media management, graphic design principles, social media advertising and writing/editing for traditional media and social media posts.
• Must be a resident of Nova Scotia with a valid driver’s license.

Note: This is a contract position with terms & duration to be negotiated.

Submissions:

To express interest in this opportunity please submit a CV and cover letter to [e-mail].

Any questions may also be addressed to [e-mail].

All submissions must be received on or before Friday, May 23, 2025 at 5pm.