Executive Director

The Executive Director of Hot Docs is an inspiring, purpose-driven leader who will shape Hot Docs’ future while ensuring its relevance and impact in the Canadian and global documentary landscape. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this role merges creativity with business acumen to drive the organization’s growth and maintain its leadership in the documentary sector. We’re looking for someone with a strong entrepreneurial spirit who thrives in dynamic environments and is ready to drive innovation and change. With exceptional communication skills, the Executive Director builds authentic connections with internal and external stakeholders.

As a leader with strong business abilities, you will appreciate the value of the Hot Docs brand and oversee all operations, including fundraising, partnership development, and cutting-edge program initiatives. Your passion for storytelling aligns with a commitment to equity, diversity,inclusion, fostering a workplace culture that empowers all individuals to grow and succeed.

The ideal candidate is prepared to lead with energy, vision, a collaborative spirit in addressing organizational challenges and opportunities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning & Decision Making

• Provide visionary executive leadership to guide the organization’s growth and ongoing relevance to the documentary film community.
• Lead and inspire teams through change, developing high-performing groups.
• Responsible for setting and driving the organization’s strategic vision, including overseeing the execution of long-term goals including establishing KPIs.
• Strategically assess and address internal and external challenges affecting the organization, keeping the Board informed.

General Management

• Responsible for oversight and direction of all organizational functions including but not limited to financial management, budget preparation, facility management, human resources, theatre bookings, client services, technical operations, ticket sales, technology, marketing and customer service.
• Balances utilization of the Cinema to ensure a broad range of arts and entertainment opportunities for the community.
• Supports the succession planning process to effectively identify, develop and deploy leadership capacity across the organization.
• Oversees comprehensive marketing and communication strategies to enhance the organization’s visibility and promote its initiatives with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Fosters a positive, healthy,safe work environment with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ensures management of capital and real-estate matters such as equipment and facility upgrades, insurance and mortgage obligations.
• Ensures Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema strategy aligns with organisational objectives (i.e revenue, programming, budgeting).
• Ensures the organization remains at the forefront of documentary trends, providing thought leadership on relevant issues within the documentary and arts & culture industry.

Finance& Fundraising

• Oversees financial operations, working with department heads and the Finance Committee to prepare and manage the annual budget, approve expenditures and monitor cash flow.
• Supports diverse revenue-generating streams and activities, ensuring coordination and advancement of sources of earned revenue (box office, memberships, industry passes, etc.) and contributed revenue (sponsorship, grants, donations).
• Actively engages in fundraising, particularly the cultivation and stewardship of major corporate and public sector funders and partners.
• Ensures compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including taxes, withholding payments, charity regulations, and insurance requirements.

Community & Stakeholder Relations

• Serves as the primary spokesperson for the organization, communicating with the media, the public and major donors.
• Publicly represents Hot Docs in media interviews and other public forums to promote the organization’s mission.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with arts sector groups, corporate sponsors, public sector partners, elected representatives, and other key stakeholders to advance Hot Docs’ mission and objectives.
• Stays apprised of the current state of the industry, related events and festivals and uses this knowledge to ensure Hot Docs maintains leadership and relevance.
• Serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, supporting its governance functions and strategic priorities.
• Builds relationships with key political staff and civil servants to advance Hot Docs’ objectives and gain insights on policy, legislative and regulatory developments.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10 + years of relevant progressive management and leadership experience in performing arts organizations including facility management and financial management.
• Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, theatre, business administration or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A deep understanding and passion for the art and business of documentary filmmaking, along with experience leading a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and socially driven organization.
• Proven experience in strategic oversight of senior leadership, project management, financial forecasting, and relationship-building with diverse stakeholders, especially in the Canadian landscape.
• A proven track record of successful fundraising, financial oversight and personnel management.
• A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholders, particularly in the philanthropic, corporate, and public sectors.
• Knowledge of strategic planning process and the ability to lead in the development of strategic plans and initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage change effectively and navigate organizational challenges using change management frameworks.
• Prior experience in an entrepreneurial leadership role in a non-profit organization is an asset.
• Bilingual in French is a plus.
• Experience in a unionized environment is an asset.

EQUITY STATEMENT
Hot Docs is a forum to share stories and perspectives on the people, issues and events that shape our world, and we encourage respectful discussion and debate to foster greater understanding and empathy.

An integral component of this is Hot Docs’ commitment to fostering an organizational culture that brings together people with different races, identities, abilities, experiences and skills. Hot Docs is committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve in the stories we present and also in our workforce. We encourage applications from diverse communities and welcomes applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT
Hot Docs encourages applications from qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please advise the Hiring Manager to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated throughout this process. Information received relating to the accommodation will be addressed confidentially.