Telling Tales Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) has overall responsibility for overseeing the successful development, administration, execution, and analysis of Telling Tale's strategic operations including fundraising, sponsorship and stakeholder engagement in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan. Of significant importance is the ability of the ED to provide the artistic direction for programming of both the annual festival and year‑round literary programming. The ED reports directly to the Telling Tales Board of Directors' Chair.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop, implement and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan including sponsorships, individual and planned giving and targeted campaigns.
• Lead efforts to develop strategic plans with the Board of Directors that guide the organization to sustainable growth with a creative and compelling vision that inspires and motivates the entire organization.
• Work with the Board and staff to ensure the Telling Tales mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning and community outreach and engagement.
• Responsible for leading Telling Tales in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
• Communicate effectively with the Board and provide, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
• Responsible for the development and execution of the fundraising, sponsorship and grant plans with support from the General Manager.
• In collaboration with the Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee, implement and update the EDI strategy and plan.
• Serve as Telling Tales' primary spokesperson for constituents, the media and the general public.
• Attend high‑level meetings and events on behalf of Telling Tales (e.g., liaising with government/ministry officials, promotional opportunity events, networking with industry sector professionals).
• Work collaboratively with the Board regarding policy decisions and fundraising to increase the overall visibility of Telling Tales throughout the region, province and beyond.

Operational Leadership Responsibilities

• Set and oversee all operational targets in collaboration with the General Manager to ensure effective and efficient operation of the organization.
• Develop and ensure successful implementation of operational policies and administrative structure.
• Signatory for all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into on behalf of the organization.
• Responsible for the fiscal integrity of Telling Tales, including submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget and, in conjunction with the Treasurer, delivering quarterly financial statements which accurately reflect the organization’s financial condition.
• Overall responsibility for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensuring maximum resource utilization and maintaining the organization’s positive financial position.
• Seek legal opinion/assistance when required.
• Oversee the organization of board and committee meetings.
• Approve service contracts reviewed by the General Manager.
• Provide visionary direction for the annual Telling Tales Festival as well as year‑round programming.

Partner & Stakeholder Engagement

• Responsible for enhancing Telling Tales' image by being active and visible in the community and working closely with other professionals and civic and private organizations.
• Share the artistic vision for Telling Tales with stakeholders, partners and donors.
• Determine the strategic direction for fundraising and sponsorships.
• Establish and maintain relationships with various organizations throughout the region, province, and country and leverage those relationships to strategically enhance Telling Tales' mission.

Skills, Experience & Attributes

• Three (3) plus years of management experience at a senior level preferably within a not‑for‑profit grants and/or fundraising based organization. Experience in the publishing/book business, children’s literary scene and/or arts organization considered a strong asset.
• Proven experience in the creation of comprehensive fundraising and sponsorship plans, grant writing and community engagement.
• Experience developing strategic plans and organizational visions in a collaborative manner.
• Strong written, oral and digital communication skills, including public speaking.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with multiple stakeholder groups: sponsors, donors, audiences, volunteers, staff and vendors.
• Experience curating and collaborating in the development of artistic programming.
• A passionate advocate of EDI policy, lens/understanding.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills – Change Management and calm problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience in budget and financial reporting.
• Enthusiastic and collaborative visionary.
• Respected community leader preferably within the GTHA.
• Comprehensive understanding of fundraising practices.
• Working knowledge of governance procedures, bylaws and reporting to a board.
• Appreciation of the importance of marketing and brand building.
• Highest level of integrity, honesty and transparency.

EDI Statement

Telling Tales chooses to nurture an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment for everyone who attends, presents at, and or works for/with our organization. We have a responsibility as lovers of storytelling to uplift marginalized voices and stories within our community. We commit to integrating equity principles into our decision‑making regarding policies, practices, programs, partnerships and services and will continue to address systemic barriers and historical challenges. Equity and diversity informs organizational governance practices including strategic planning discussions, AGM and conference planning and all other planning and activities. We recognize that committing to these values involves ongoing work, and every individual within the organization is expected to strive toward building a more equitable future for the entire community.

Compensation & Position Information

• Status: Permanent Full‑Time (35 hours per week) with flex and lieu time provisions.
• Vacation: Recognized statutory holidays and 20 paid vacation days per calendar year.
• Benefits: Group benefits package after three (3) months of employment.
• Location: Remote/home‑based with meetings in the Hamilton and Halton area.
• Development: Professional development opportunities available.
• Salary: $40.41 per hour.
• Please note that while this position has been posted as a full‑time role, consideration will be given to a 28 hour work week (0.8 FTE).

Diversity & Accessibility Commitment

Telling Tales is committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons, women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, S2LGBTQIA+ persons, and others who may contribute further to the organization and its programming. Telling Tales is also committed to providing an accessible, barrier‑free recruitment and selection process.