Job Description

Reports to:

Board of Directors, Ship Hector Society

Position Overview

The Executive Director is the chief administrative officer of the Ship Hector Society. They are responsible for overall leadership, strategic direction, and long-term sustainability of the organization. This includes overseeing all site operations (including the restoration of the Ship Hector), securing funding, driving business development, and ensuring the Society fulfills its mandate as a cultural and tourism leader.

The Executive Director is accountable for measurable outcomes in visitor experience, financial health, community impact, and organizational capacity.

The Executive Director will manage the Tourism Manager (seasonal) and other staff/contractors, ensuring alignment between operational delivery and the Society's broader strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

Develop and lead multi-year strategic and annual operating plans with clear KPIs and reporting timelines. Translate strategy into budgets, staffing plans, timelines, and risk registers.

Operations and Site Management

Oversee site operations, including restoration of the Ship Hector and related infrastructure, ensuring schedules, budgets, quality and regulatory safety standards are met. Implement visitor services standards, ticketing, retail, facility maintenance, and seasonal operating plans. Establish and monitor policies for accessibility, inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

Restoration & Capital Project Oversight

Support capital projects; oversee scope, schedule, procurement, consultant and contractor contracts. Ensure compliance with marine and heritage requirements and applicable regulation

Revenue, Funding, and Partnerships

Lead fundraising and grant applications; cultivate donor, government, and partner relationships. Grow earned revenue streams including admissions, retail, programs, special events, and group sales. Develop tourism partnerships with municipal, regional, and provincial agencies, and tour operators.

Finance

Manage budgets, cash flow, financial reporting, and controls in collaboration with the Treasurer. Maintain organizational policies for procurement, signing authority, and reserve planning.

Marketing and Communications

Oversee and implement brand, marketing, media relations, digital channels, and audience development, aligned to revenue and visitation targets. Oversee promotions and events that drive visitation and revenue. Lead issues and crisis communications planning. Serve as primary spokesperson and advocate for the Society.

People and Culture

Supervise staff; set goals and conduct performance reviews. Foster a strong volunteer program with roles, screening, and recognition.
Ensure HR compliance, onboarding, training, and a safe, respectful workplace.

Compliance, Health and Safety

Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, privacy requirements, and Transport Canada or other marine regulations as applicable. Maintain emergency preparedness and risk plans.

Board Support and Governance

Organize and manage board and committee meetings, including agendas, reports, and materials. Provide timely information and recommendations for governance decisions; ensure following up on board directives. Support board recruitment and orientation.

Qualifications

Proven leadership in nonprofit, cultural heritage, museums, or tourism, and a track record of developing and executing strategy for a visitor-serving or tourism organization. Proven leadership experience in nonprofit, cultural heritage, museums, or tourism management. Proven experience leading strategy and execution for a visitor-serving or tourism organization Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, and business development. Strong financial management, budgeting and reporting organizational skills. Experience managing capital or complex projects with multiple stakeholders. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and community engagement abilities. Experience managing staff and volunteers, and fostering inclusive workplace.. Knowledge of heritage preservation and ship restoration (asset) tourism AND marketing A passion for Scottish, Mi'kmaq, and Acadian cultural history (strong asset).

Working Conditions

Full-time, year-round position based in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Evening and weekend work during peak seasons and events. Occasional travel for meetings, conferences, and partner relations. Successful candidates may be required to complete a criminal record check.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $100,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-12-02