Executive Director, Telefilm Canada

Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to the development and promotion of the Canadian audiovisual industry. The Corporation acts as one of the Canadian government's principal instruments for providing strategic leverage to the private sector, supplying the film, television and interactive digital media industries with financial and strategic support. Telefilm's role is to foster the production of films, television programs and cultural products that reflect Canadian society, with its linguistic duality and cultural diversity, and to encourage their dissemination at home and abroad.

Telefilm Canada is governed by a Board of Directors composed of six members, appointed by the Governor in Council, and the Government Film Commissioner, appointed under the National Film Act. The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, and reports to Telefilm’s Board of Directors. In his/her capacity, the Executive Director has supervision over and direction of the work and staff of the Corporation and may attend the meetings of the Corporation.

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 equivalent education, job-related training and/or experience;


• A degree in finance, accounting, business or an MBA would be considered an asset;


• Significant senior executive leadership experience in complex organizations, including the management of human and financial resources, and ideally with some international business focus;


• Experience working with a board of directors and senior government officials, and experience in managing complex partnerships and stakeholder relationships, including donors;


• Experience in strategic management, organizational change and implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices;


• Experience leading a variety of consultative and collaborative efforts among diverse groups of stakeholders, including all levels of government, professionals and professional organizations, non-governmental organizations, the business community and the public;


• Experience working with the arts and cultural sectors, preferably in the audiovisual industry; and


• Experience with sponsoring Canadian talent promotion activities would be an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the legislative framework, mandate, activities and public policy concerns of Telefilm Canada;


• Knowledge of the current challenges and opportunities for the Canadian film, television and digital media industries, domestically and abroad;


• Financial literacy and knowledge of the principles and practices of sound management, risk management and corporate governance;


• Knowledge of Telefilm Canada's partners and leaders, as well as emerging and global trends and new technologies;


• Knowledge of the transformation to digital culture;


• Ability to provide corporate vision and strategic direction as well as leadership through change management to ensure that Telefilm Canada is able to carry out its mandate and achieve its objectives;


• Ability to identify, analyze, and define priorities and strategies within a local, national and global context;


• Ability to provide national and international leadership in supporting the Canadian audiovisual industry and promoting Canadian content;


• Ability to develop effective relationships with Telefilm Canada's Board of Directors and its senior management, with the Minister of Canadian Heritage and his Office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and with stakeholders and partners domestically and abroad;


• Ability to develop and execute an action plan to promote diversity and inclusion, both within the Corporation and the Canadian audiovisual industry;


• Ability to execute a strategy to sensitize the Corporation's personnel and the Canadian audiovisual industry on Government priorities regarding environmental responsibility and sustainable development; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to act as the spokesperson, representing Telefilm Canada with stakeholders, media, public institutions, governments and other organizations.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Innovative and strategic leader


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Tact and diplomacy


• Sound judgment


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Collegiality

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.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be present in a sustained manner in the Corporation’s head office in Montréal, Quebec.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be willing to travel across Canada and internationally, as required, when safe to do so.


• No person who has, directly or indirectly and individually or as a shareholder, partner or otherwise, any pecuniary interest (i.e. business or wider financial interests) in the audio-visual industry is eligible to be appointed or to hold office as a member of the Corporation. (statutory)

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 available here) will begin on August 31, 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.