Archived Opportunities
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Trustees, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21,
Appointment Opportunities
We know that our country is stronger and our government more effective when decision-makers reflect Canada’s diversity. Moving forward, the Government of Canada will use an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and ensures that Indigenous Canadians and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership. We will continue to search for Canadians who reflect the values that we all embrace: inclusion, honesty, fiscal prudence, and generosity of spirit. Together, we will build a government as diverse as Canada.
The overarching goal of the Minister of Canadian Heritage is to implement the government’s plan to strengthen our cultural and creative industries.
The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country who are interested in the following positions:
Trustees (part-time positions)
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Canada has been profoundly shaped by immigration. Pier 21 is a National Historic Site which was the gateway to Canada for one million immigrants between 1928 and 1971. It also served as the departure point for 368,000 Canadian Military personnel during the Second World War. Today, Pier 21 hosts the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 - Atlantic Canada’s only national museum, in Halifax. The Museum is responsible for exploring the theme of immigration to Canada in order to enhance public understanding of the experiences of immigrants as they arrived in Canada, of the vital role immigration has played in the building of Canada and of the contributions of immigrants to Canada’s culture, economy and way of life. As a member of the Canadian Heritage Portfolio, the Corporation is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and nine other trustees. The Board has the overall responsibility for stewardship of the Corporation and is expected to provide strategic guidance to management and to oversee the activities of the institution. It has a duty to act in the best interests of the Corporation and to exercise care and due diligence. The Board is also responsible to evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive Officer on an annual basis.
Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21's website.
Candidates must apply online by January 24, 2017 via the Governor in Council website. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Senior Personnel), Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the on-line application.
Per Diem: $275 - $325
Annual Retainer: $3,600 - $4,200
Official Languages and Diversity
The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for these positions. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Preference may be given to candidates who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.
To be considered for one of these positions, please provide examples from your career that clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements in your application:
Education and Experience
- A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;
- A professional accounting designation (CPA), or a degree in law, business, museology or social sciences, would be considered an asset;
- Experience on a board of directors/trustees of a public, private or not-for-profit sector organization;
- Experience in the development of strategies, objectives, plans, best business practices or in corporate governance would be considered an asset;
- Experience in the oversight of large financial portfolios, including endowment funds, would be considered an asset (experience in endowment funds is required for one of the positions);
- Experience in the communications, social media, and media sector, such as the distribution of creative and digital content, would be considered an asset;
- Experience in fundraising activities within cultural institutions and developing self-generated revenues would also be considered an asset; and
- Experience in dealing with cultural institutions would be considered an asset.
If you are selected for an interview, the following criteria will be assessed:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of the legislative framework, mandate and activities of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21;
- Knowledge of the current challenges and opportunities for Canadian cultural institutions or of the evolving public expectations regarding Museums;
- Knowledge in one or more of the following areas may be required:
- information technology;
- technological evolution related to digital;
- the supporting environment of national creative content;
- government relations;
- human resources, financial and risk management; and
- promotion and marketing.
- Knowledge of immigration experience acquired through academic study or personal experience would be considered an asset;
- Knowledge of philanthropy and experience in major gift solicitation would be considered an asset;
- Superior communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders;
- Ability to identify, analyse and define priorities and strategies;
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Board members and the Board’s partners and stakeholders; and
- Ability to recognize and address emerging issues and trends, to seize opportunities, and to advance ideas and innovation.
Language Requirements
Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.
If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to verify how you have demonstrated the Experience requirements and the following Personal Attributes in your current and recently held positions:
- A passion and commitment to exploring the themes and history of Canadian immigration
- High ethical standards and integrity
- Tact and diplomacy
- Sound judgment
- Superior interpersonal skills
- Collegiality
Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment
In your application, it will be important that you confirm you meet the following requirements:
- A person is not eligible to be appointed as a member of the Board if that person is not a Canadian citizen (statutory).
- The Board meets approximately four times per year, twice in person (usually in Halifax) and twice via teleconference.
- Committee members also participate in two to six additional conference calls per year.
- The successful candidate should expect to commit to the position an average of 15 days annually.
If you are appointed to one of these positions:
You must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout your appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website, under Forms and Reference Material.
You will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website.
A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates for these positions. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.
A roster of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.