June 14, 2006 -

Canada Gazette
Notice of Vacancy

National Arts Centre
Chairperson (Part-time Position)

The National Arts Centre was established as a federal Crown corporation in 1966 under the National Arts Centre Act, as part of the 1967 Centennial celebrations. The National Arts Centre opened its doors in 1969. As a national institution and member of the Canadian Heritage Portfolio, the corporation is responsible for operating and maintaining the National Arts Centre, developing the performing arts in the National Capital Region, and assisting the Canada Council for the Arts in the development of performing arts elsewhere in Canada. The corporation is also dedicated to showcasing Canadian artists on its stages and on stages across the country.

The Board of Trustees has a responsibility under the law to act in the best interests of the corporation and to exercise care and due diligence. The board is expected to provide strategic guidance to management and oversee the activities of the corporation. The Chairperson provides leadership and guidance to the board in the formulation of strategic direction of the corporation. The Chairperson ensures the proper conduct of the board meetings in such a way that the corporation carries out its mandate and objectives effectively, ensures good value for the funding provided by taxpayers, remains viable and holds management accountable for its performance. Through the Chairperson, the Centre is accountable to the Minister of Canada Heritage and Status of Women who represents the government and acts as a link between the corporation and Parliament.

The successful candidate must have a degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and experience.

Significant managerial experience at the senior executive level is essential. The preferred candidate must possess business experience and significant board experience, preferably as Chairperson. Experience in the development of strategies, objectives and plans, corporate governance and best business practices are necessary. In addition, experience in the field of performing arts, as well as fund-raising and sponsoring activities, would be an asset.

The selected candidate must be financially literate and possess extensive knowledge of the NAC’s mandate. Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board of Directors and the President and CEO is important. The qualified candidate will possess significant knowledge and interest in the arts and familiarity with a range of artistic disciplines. In order to achieve the corporation's objectives and carry out its mandate, the Chairperson must be a person of sound judgement and integrity and must have tact, diplomacy, and superior interpersonal skills.

The successful candidate must be able to develop effective working relationships with the Minister and her Office, the Deputy Minister, and the Crown Corporation’s partners and stakeholders. Superior communications skills, both orally and in writing, are required.

The ability to foster debate and discussions among board members, and facilitate consensus as well as manage conflicts is crucial.

Proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages is essential; knowledge of both would be an asset.

The Government is committed to ensuring that its appointments are representative of Canada's regions and official languages, as well as of women, Aboriginal peoples, disabled persons and visible minorities.

The Board of Trustees usually meets five times per year: four times in Ottawa and an additional time in a different Canadian city. The successful candidate must be prepared to travel occasionally.

The selected candidate will be subject to the principles set out in Part I of the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders. To obtain copies of the Code, visit the Office of the Ethics Commissioner's web site at:
www.parl.gc.ca/oec/en/public_office_holders/conflict_of_interest/.

This notice has been placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates for this position. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment. Applications forwarded through the Internet will not be considered for reasons of confidentiality.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Bilingual notices of vacancies will be produced in alternative format (audio cassette, diskette, braille, large print, etc.) upon request. For further information, please contact Canadian Government Publishing, Public Works and Government Services Canada, Ottawa, Canada K1A 0S5, (613) 941-5995 or 1-800-635-7943.

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NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE
CHAIRPERSON

Selection Criteria

Education

A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and experience.

Experience

• Significant board experience (procedures and practices), preferably as Chairperson;
• Significant managerial experience at the senior executive level;
• Experience with corporate governance and best practices;
• Experience in the development of strategies, objectives and plans;
• Experience in the field of the performing arts, as well as fundraising and sponsoring activities, would be an asset.

Knowledge:

• Financial literacy;
• Extensive knowledge of the National Arts Centre’s mandate;
• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board of Directors and the President and CEO;
• Knowledge of public policy;
• Significant knowledge and interest in the arts and familiarity with a range of artistic disciplines;
• Knowledge of the federal government’s priorities required to set the strategic goals for the National Arts Centre.

Abilities

• Ability to lead and develop effective working relationship with the Minister and Minister’s Office, the Deputy Minister, and the Crown corporation’s partners and stakeholders;
• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the board to seize opportunities or resolve problems;
• Ability to foster debate and discussions among board members, and facilitate consensus;
• Ability to manage conflicts should they arise;
• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and ability to act as a spokesperson in dealing with the media, public institutions, governments and other organizations.

Personal Suitability

• Sound judgement
• Strong ethical standards and integrity
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Initiative
• Tact and diplomacy
• Strategic thinker

Language requirements

Proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages is essential; knowledge of both would be an asset

Time commitment

The Chairperson should expect to commit an average of 25 days annually for meetings, travel, preparation for meetings and other Board-related business