Chairperson, National Arts Centre Corporation

The National Arts Centre Corporation was established as a federal Crown corporation in 1966, under the National Arts Centre Act, as part of the Centennial celebrations. As a national institution and member of the Canadian Heritage Portfolio, the Corporation is responsible for operating and maintaining the Centre, developing the performing arts in the National Capital Region, and assisting the Canada Council for the Arts in the development of the performing arts elsewhere in Canada.

The National Arts Centre is located in the National Capital Region and is Canada’s bilingual, multidisciplinary home for the performing arts. The National Arts Centre presents, creates, produces and co-produces programming in various streams—Orchestra, Dance, English Theatre, French Theatre, Indigenous Theatre, Popular Music and Variety—and nurtures the next generation of audiences and artists from across Canada.

The National Arts Centre has set a vision to lead and support the renewal of the Canadian performing arts sector. Through collaboration and investment in creation, production, co-production and dissemination, along with a heightened focus on community engagement, learning and innovation, the National Arts Centre aims to shape a more diverse, equitable and inclusive future for the performing arts in Canada.

The Corporation is governed by a Board of Trustees that is expected to provide strategic guidance to management and oversee the activities of the Corporation. 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 President on an annual basis. The Board is accountable to the Minister of Canadian Heritage for the stewardship of the Corporation’s management. The National Arts Centre reports annually to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage when it tables its annual report. The Auditor General of Canada is the National Arts Centre’s external auditor.

The Chairperson is responsible for the proper conduct of board meetings in such a way that the Corporation carries out its mandate and objectives effectively, ensures good value for the funding provided by taxpayers, remains viable and holds management accountable for its performance.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to achieve one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language.

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;


• Experience with current corporate governance practices on a board of directors/trustees, preferably as Chairperson;


• Experience in the development of strategies, objectives and plans, risk oversight and management, and corporate best practices;


• Experience at the senior executive level within the private or public sector in dealing with the federal government;


• Experience working or volunteering with organizations in the arts, cultural or performing arts sector;


• Experience in fundraising activities and revenue generation would be an asset; and


• Experience within a major not-for-profit arts organization would be an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and mission of the National Arts Centre, its business activities and funding model, strategic priorities, as well as its governing legislation, the National Arts Centre Act;


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of a Crown corporation, including the fundamental accountabilities to all Canadians;


• Knowledge of and sensitivity to Indigenous context and cultures;


• Knowledge of sound governance principles, strategic planning, corporate risk management, and monitoring and evaluation of performance;


• Ability to lead strategic discussions, foster debate among Board members, and facilitate consensus and manage conflicts should they arise;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and trends, and develop strategies to enable the Board to seize opportunities and solve problems;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with the National Arts Centre management, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and his office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the stakeholders and partners of the National Arts Centre;


• Superior communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders;


• Knowledge of the arts and cultural sectors and the current challenges and opportunities for its institutions; familiarity with a range of artistic disciplines would be an asset; and


• Financial literacy and knowledge of the federal government's expectations regarding accountability and reporting would be an asset.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Dynamic advocate with passion and commitment to the performing arts


• Strategic and innovative leader


• Diplomacy, tact and discretion


• High ethical standards with sound judgement, integrity, and impartiality


• Superior interpersonal skills

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website, under Forms and reference material.


• All appointees will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.


• The Chairperson presides each board meeting, four times per year, with two and a half days of committee and board meetings in Ottawa (virtual attendance by exception). Board and committee conference calls are held for special purposes as required.


• The successful candidate should expect to commit to the position an average of 30 to 40 days annually, including regular communications with the President and the Corporate Secretary.


• The Chairperson must prepare for Board meetings by having examined and approved meeting agendas and reviewed all pertinent documents, which are then sent to members approximately one week in advance.


• In addition, the Chairperson will be required to represent the National Arts Centre at certain official functions and is encouraged to take part in the life of the National Arts Centre by attending performances and special events.


• The Chairperson and Board of Trustees act as ambassadors for the National Arts Centre in their own communities and may be asked to identify philanthropic opportunities.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information here) will begin on September 30, 2022. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.