Executive Director, East Coast Music Association

Atlantic Canada

The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) is searching for its next Executive Director to become part of its legacy to develop, advance and celebrate the East Coast music industry and culture.

The Organization

For the past 37 years, the ECMA has developed, advanced, and celebrated East Coast music, its artists, and industry professionals throughout the region and around the world. We advocate for our members to ensure they can sustain music careers while based in Canada's Atlantic region and work to understand the complex challenges facing East Coast musicians.

The ECMA strives to put a spotlight on the regions' music industry, preserving and promoting local talent at home and around the world. As a member driven organization, we create opportunities for growth and connection among members within the music industry regionally, nationally, and internationally. We provide year-round support, advocacy, and recognition to artists and industry professionals working across all areas of the music industry, in all stages of their careers.

The Role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the East Coast Music Association's Executive Director is responsible for the long-term growth, sustainability, and impact of the organization. They oversee all ECMA operations, functions, and activities and are responsible for fostering equity and inclusion within the management of the organization, according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors. They work collaboratively with internal and external partners to navigate funding, business development and partnerships, positioning the ECMA for ongoing success and stability.

Key areas of oversight and responsibility are:

Shared Vision and Strategic Plan Implementation - In collaboration with the Board and consultation with membership, fosters a shared, organization-wide vision and leads the implementation of ECMA's strategic plan through clear objectives, performance metrics, and adaptive planning. Ensures effective governance and accountability through transparent reporting, evaluation, and compliance with nonprofit standards.

Revenue Development and Partnerships - Secures diverse funding from public, private, and other sources to sustain ECMA's mandate. Builds partnerships with government agencies, corporate sponsors, and industry leaders to expand ECMA's reach and impact. Oversees major contracts, funding initiatives, and high-value projects to generate revenue and strengthen and sustain relationships.

Member and Artist Development - Designs and delivers programs that grow membership, elevate artist careers, and provide meaningful industry engagement. Leads initiatives such as export programs, and mentorship opportunities that support career development without direct artist funding. Continuously refines offerings to meet the evolving needs of the music community.

Event Leadership and Ecosystem Development - Acts as Executive Producer for ECMA's annual Awards & Festival and other flagship events, overseeing strategic partnerships and sponsor engagement. Collaborates with provincial and regional associations to strengthen the East Coast music ecosystem through joint initiatives, shared resources, and coordinated advocacy.

Organizational Culture and Management - Leads a high-performing team with a focus on inclusion, innovation, transparency, and accountability. Embeds Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) across all operations and programs. Establishes clear workflows and performance indicators to guide staff, and drives organizational learning through policy development, training, and continuous improvement.

The Ideal Candidate

As the ideal candidate, you are an experienced and strategic operational leader with an understanding of East Coast music and its unique significance within the larger music ecosystem. You inspire community connections and create spaces where music is shared and appreciated. You are a creative leader who is adept at developing initiatives and partnerships that align with shared values. You are good at getting things done. You are an authentic communicator and storyteller capable of building momentum and generating funds to support the organization's vision of success. You lead with integrity, courage and employ good judgment in decision-making.

Qualifications and Experience

While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates.

· A university degree or equivalent education and experience.

· At least 5 years in a leadership role, with experience in long-term planning.

· Experience in large-scale event management.

· Knowledge of contemporary issues facing musicians and the music industry.

· Demonstrated skill operational management, including financial, human, and technological resources.

· Evidence of significant skill in revenue generation and sponsorship development.

· A proven track record of fostering positive relationships and partnerships with government, businesses, community leaders, industry associations, and other potential community partners.

· Good knowledge of business-related technologies and how to foster innovation and efficiencies in not-for-profit environments.

· Ability to build and lead a high-performing team and maintain positive culture.

· Experience applying equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility lenses to operational policies and procedures and promoting diverse music.

· A strong understanding of governance dynamics in the non-profit sector, and how volunteer Boards work.

Skills and Attributes

· Superior skill in strategic, financial, and organizational management.

· Exceptional relational skills, able to quickly build trusting relationships.

· A purpose-driven leader with strong social justice lenses.

· Integrity and creativity, with sound judgment.

· Collaborative and decisive, with the ability to effectively explain decisions and complex issues.

Compensation

Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000

To Apply

The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) acknowledges our responsibility to represent the full diversity of our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and safe environment for all members, staff, volunteers, patrons, and supporters.

Our hiring practices ensure equitable consideration for all qualified applicants, addressing systemic barriers related to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, linguistic expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital and family status, disability, or criminal record. We actively encourage applications from candidates who are Indigenous (Mi'kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Inuit, Innu), African Canadian/Black, from other equity-denied and/or racialized backgrounds, 2SLGBTQIA+, and individuals with disabilities.

The ECMA values diverse perspectives and fosters a bilingual environment that supports linguistic and cultural expression in both English and French.

We will provide support and accommodations to applicants with disabilities, upon request. If you need accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.

If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Michelle Doyle at [email protected] or Dr. Jennie Massey at [email protected] or submit your full application package online here.

The committee will begin reviewing applications on July 2nd, 2025.