OHS Messages - OHS Seeking
New Executive Director
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The
Ontario Historical Society is seeking a new Executive Director, a
unique and exciting opportunity to work with the diverse peoples of
Ontario and make a significant contribution to the heritage sector in
Canada.
What
is the Ontario Historical Society?
Founded
in 1888, The Ontario Historical Society (OHS) is a not-for-profit
corporation and registered charity; a non-government group bringing
together people of all ages, all walks of life and all cultural
backgrounds interested in preserving some aspect of Ontario’s
history.
The
OHS is unique in its provincial mandate and very different to other
provincial organizations. In 1899, the Legislative Assembly of
Ontario granted OHS the legal power and responsibility to incorporate
not-for-profit historical organizations. The Society is the only
not-for-profit in North America with this legal tool to establish and
incorporate other not-for-profit historical corporations.
The
OHS is an inclusive, extensive membership-based organization,
dedicated to working with all cultures, all religions and with
Indigenous peoples. It is the largest organization of its kind in
Canada that is growing through grassroots community engagement
focused on the protection and promotion of Ontario’s history.
The
OHS headquarters is located at the historic John McKenzie House
(built 1913) in Willowdale (Toronto), Ontario. John McKenzie House
and its adjacent stables and milk-house are all designated under
the Ontario
Heritage Act (1993). All buildings and adjacent
properties (including Parkview Neighbourhood Garden) are subject to a
heritage conservation easement (2013).
The
OHS is governed by an all-volunteer board of directors. The Society
is supported by and supports over 525 member organizations and
institutions located in communities across Ontario.
What
does the OHS do?
- Provides
advice on all matters relating to good governance for historical
not-for-profit corporations, including reviewing and revising
constitutions and by-laws, surrendering charters, facilitating
corporate name changes, consulting on the dissolution of assets,
and supporting member applications for federal charitable tax
status;
- Oversees
an insurance program at reduced cost to members in good
standing;
- Maintains
corporate archives of all affiliated societies, which number
over 335 not-for-profit organizations and growing;
- Publishes
in print and online the widely-read peer-reviewed scholarly
journal Ontario
History (established 1899);
- Provides
consultations and other services to its affiliated societies and
member organizations which includes, but is not limited to:
examining strategic directions, providing references for grant
applications, consulting on heritage designations and
conservation easements, and providing webinars and workshops on
topics of heritage matters to both members and the broader
heritage community;
- Acts as
an advocate in partnership with our member organizations,
supporting the preservation and designation of heritage assets
in local communities across the province;
- Is the
guardian of the public
interest in regards to cemetery preservation in the
province as it relates to The
Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002
(FBCSA), formerly Cemeteries
Act (Revised 1990). Compiles a detailed list of all
unregistered cemeteries in Ontario as requested by the
Government of Ontario; and
- Maintains
a reference library of over 5,600 books reflecting Ontario’s
historical and cultural diversity.
Position
Description:
The
Executive Director reports to the Society’s board of directors and is
charged with management roles, strategic leadership, and public
advocacy that are needed to fulfill the unique mission and vision of
the Society. In working to preserve, protect, and promote Ontario’s
history and heritage, the Executive Director collaborates with the
board of directors, with the Society membership, and with the
affiliated societies, staff, and sector partners. The Executive
Director is an effective leader, a trusted advisor and resource
person, and a mentor to historical organizations throughout the
province. In order to fulfill and advance the Society’s mission,
willingness to travel throughout Ontario is part of the role.
Role
and Responsibilities:
- Oversees
the unique legal responsibilities of the Society and represents
the interests of historical organizations throughout the
province.
- Responsible
for the overall administration and financial management of the
Society.
- Cultivates
productive working relationships with all levels of government
and embraces public visibility and advocacy roles and
responsibilities.
- Serves
as the Society spokesperson to address the public, policy
makers, partners, and the media.
- Collaborates
with members and stakeholders to enhance public support and
financial resources for OHS and its affiliates.
- Leads
and facilitates philanthropic activities, donor relations, and
funding opportunities.
- Oversees
the maintenance and operation of the historic John McKenzie
House property.
- Guides,
supervises, and evaluates organizational operations and
personnel, delegating authority as is deemed appropriate to
other staff.
- Mentors
staff and volunteers, maintaining a positive, productive, and
collaborative working environment.
- Oversees
strategic planning and evaluation (including the effectiveness
of programs, services and communications), and central office
operations.
- Ensures
adherence to policies, procedures, and performance standards;
ensuring the Society is fully compliant, accountable, and
transparent in regard to federal, provincial, and municipal laws
and regulations.
- Supports
the work of the Editor and Book Editor of the Society’s
scholarly journal Ontario
History
Required
Qualifications:
Qualified
applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, with a master’s degree
strongly preferred, and a minimum of eight (8) years of leadership
experience in the not-for-profit sector. Experience in public policy
development and a successful advocacy track record at the federal,
provincial, or municipal level is required. A broad knowledge of the
public benefits and roles that government and philanthropic support
play in advancing positive impacts provincially is fundamental. A
comprehensive understanding and sensitivity of the mandates, values,
and environments in which the Society, its affiliates and members
function.
Compensation:
The
Ontario Historical Society offers a salary for this position ranging
from $75,000 to $85,000 commensurate with experience. The
compensation package also includes a comprehensive benefits package.
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How
to Apply:
Qualified
candidates should apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to
the President of the Society, Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu, at [log in to unmask] no
later than 11:59 pm EST on Monday, 14 November. Interviews will be
scheduled soon after. We thank everyone for their interest, but only
those selected for an interview will be contacted. References will be
requested at the time of the interview.
The
Ontario Historical Society is committed to creating a diverse and
inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified
individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people,
persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All
qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian
citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in
accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.
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