Chair of the Board
(Wine Jobs:
Management & Administration)
Contract
Halifax,
Nova Scotia
The Winery Association of Nova Scotia/Wine Growers Nova Scotia (www.winesofnovascotia.ca) was formed in 2002 to represent the interests of wine producers in the province, to serve as a voice for local industry and to promote the growth and development of Nova Scotia wines. WGNS is committed to building excellence throughout every aspect of the industry, forging partnerships and attracting potential investors, ultimately catapulting the Wines of Nova Scotia onto the world stage. It is currently operating under a strategic plan where the priorities have been identified as follows:
• Building capacity and alignment through strong leadership, effective governance, financial sustainability and communications and collaboration among wineries, partners and stakeholders.
• Creating conditions for growth and expansion by working collaboratively and proactively with
government and partners to advocate for what the wine industry needs to thrive – and also by conducting research and trends analysis to stay on top of issues and opportunities.
• Growing markets by conducting market research, targeting key markets, executing savvy and cost-effective marketing strategies and focusing outreach efforts on influencers and consumers.
• Remaining unwavering in their commitment to quality as the foundation of Nova Scotia’s wine industry.
Vision. Mission. Values.
VISION: A world-class wine industry with a unique regional style that is a source of pride for Nova Scotians and is woven into the fabric of our culture.
MISSION: Create the finest wines and visitor experiences reflecting our unique terroir and culture.
VALUES:
QUALITY: We are unwavering in our commitment to quality
GENUINE: We create pure, clean, truthful wines
PASSION: We are driven to make the best wines our terroir can offer
RESPECT: We have deep respect for the land, our consumers, our communities, our partners, and each other
DIVERSITY: We strive for diversity of wine styles and approaches
INNOVATION: We combine art, nature and science to explore new ground and make new wines
PROSPERITY: We are proud to strengthen Nova Scotia’s rural economy and provide new employment options for young people
The Board Chair is responsible for ensuring that the Board of Directors and Executive Director are aware of and fulfills its governance responsibilities; comply with applicable laws and bylaws; conduct Board business effectively and efficiently and are accountable for their performance. In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the Board Chair acts as the conduit between the Board and the Executive Director and presides over meetings, proposes policies and practices, submits various reports to the Board, and to other stakeholders; and performs other duties as required. The Board Chair is accountable to the Board of Directors and may delegate specific duties to the Executive Director, Board Members and/or committees as appropriate; however, the accountability for them remains with the Board Chair.
The Terms of reference principally outline the duties to be performed and results to be achieved.
Meetings:
1. Chair quarterly Board meetings.
2. Chair Policy Committee.
3. Attend Export, Marketing and Technical Committee meetings quarterly
4. Facilitate generative discussions at Board and committee level.
5. Facilitate decision making in an orderly, timely and democratic manner.
Human Resources:
1. Meet monthly with the Executive Director (or as required) to ensure ongoing alignment of activities with WGNS strategic plan.
2. Liaise with the Executive Director to set priorities and objectives
Community Relations:
1. In conjunction with the Executive Director, act as an ambassador and key spokesperson for the association and its member wineries.
2. Maintain positive and productive working relationships and collaborative arrangements with WGNS key stakeholders deemed pivotal in helping achieve its Strategic Plan.
Finance/Governance:
1. Ensure Board approval of the annual budget that achieves WGNS’ strategic objectives.
2. Maintain full awareness of the complete financial, statistical and accounting records of the organization.
3. Ensure operating results established in the annual budget are achieved and control operating expenses within budget with quarterly reporting.
4. Work with the Board of Directors to lead and direct the organisation and to assist it with governance and Board development, where needed.
5. Planning, presiding over, facilitating and supporting board and committee meetings; partnering with the Executive Director to ensure that board resolutions are carried out
6. Ensure organisational compliance with minimum standards in government legislation, regulations and association bylaws.
Strategic:
1. In collaboration with the Board of Directors, develop the vision/outcomes and strategic goals that define the direction and results to be achieved.
2. Along with the Executive Director, lead in developing strategies and initiatives to fulfill the organization's mission and achieve the vision and strategic outcomes within the parameters established by the Board.
3. In collaboration with the board, develop and keep current a long-term financial plan that delivers operational and organizational growth, and sustainability.
4. Along with the Executive Director, coordinate an annual planning session to review the strategic plan, update the situational analysis and set priority actions for the upcoming fiscal year.
5. Along with the Board, develop and ensure compliance of operational policies necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the organization.
6. In collaboration with the Executive Director, and Board develop and implement plans and strategies for communicating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about the success of Nova Scotia’s wine industry and who has a track record of board leadership. The selected Board Chair will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, or the nonprofit sector.
Ideal candidates will have the following skills and qualifications:
● Extensive professional experience with significant executive leadership accomplishments in business, government, or the nonprofit sector with a track record of proven results
● Creative and resourceful thinker who is able to deliver with limited resources.
● Demonstrated success as a nonprofit board member or board chair
● Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals to the benefit of WGNS and the long-term success of the industry
● Excellent written and oral communication skills coupled with experience in public speaking
● Personal qualities of integrity, objectivity, credibility, and a passion for growing a Nova Scotia industry in agriculture and tourism
● Experience in and knowledge of tourism, food and beverage, retail or other consumer goods industries desirable.
● Knowledge of Nova Scotia and Canadian wine industry and liquor board dynamics is an asset.
● Ability to work a flexible schedule with some travel.
● Experience in identifying and obtaining sources of funding for industry
Qualifications:
• Post-secondary education with proven leadership experience and abilities.
• Strong government relations and/or industry association experience.
• A background in marketing or public affairs with a commercial responsibility is a definite asset.
Compensation:
• This is a part time position, approximately 15 hours/month.
• Remuneration will be based on honorarium and per diem