Chairperson, Telefilm Canada

The mandate of Telefilm Canada is to foster and promote the development of the audiovisual industry in Canada. 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 new media industries with financial and strategic support. Dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry, Telefilm Canada, through its various funding and promotion programs, supports dynamic companies and creative talent here at home and around the world. Its 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.

The Corporation may enter into agreements with the Department of Canadian Heritage for the provision of services relating to the audiovisual or sound recording industries.

Members of the Board have the responsibility to supervise the management of the business and affairs of Telefilm so as to ensure that the Corporation carries out its mission effectively and efficiently. To this end, the Board may determine ways to improve the Corporation’s performance and review the agreements signed with the Department of Canadian Heritage for the provision of services to the audiovisual and sound recording industries. The Board is also responsible to evaluate the performance of the Executive Director on an annual basis. Management’s role is to manage the Corporation’s day-to-day operations so that it evolves in line with the directions determined by the Board. The Board is accountable to the Minister of Canadian Heritage for the stewardship of the Corporation’s management.

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

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. 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.

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;
  


• Significant experience serving as a member of a board of directors of a large, complex private or public sector organization, preferably as Chairperson;
  


• Experience at the senior management level within the private or public sector;
  


• Experience in the development of strategies, objectives, plans and best business practices and in corporate governance;
  


• Experience in dealing with the federal government, preferably with senior government officials, and in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with business partners and other key stakeholders would be considered an asset; and
  


• Experience working with the arts and cultural sectors, preferably in the audiovisual industry, and in promotion activities, would be considered an asset.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and mission of Telefilm Canada, its business activities, strategic priorities and public policy issues, as well as its governing legislation;
  


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


• Knowledge of sound governance principles, strategic planning, and the monitoring and evaluation of performance, and financially literate with knowledge of the federal government’s expectations regarding accountability and reporting;
  


• Knowledge of the federal government’s cultural policy priorities and how these relate to Telefilm Canada would be considered an asset;
  


• Knowledge in areas of information technology, technological evolution related to digital media and distribution, or emerging challenges and opportunities for Canadian creators would be considered an asset;
  


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


• Ability to negotiate skillfully as well as influence the opinions and ideas of others, and gain approval for plans, programs and recommended courses of action;
  


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


• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with Telefilm Canada’s senior management, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, her office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and with stakeholders and partners domestically and abroad; and
  


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.
  

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Familiar with the audiovisual field, among others, feature films, television and digital media
  


• Strategic and innovative 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 the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflicts 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 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.
  


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


• The Board meets at least six times a year and the successful candidate must be willing to participate in Board and Committee meetings across Canada.
  


• The Board may meet several additional times per year by teleconference.
  


• The average annual time commitment is approximately 35 days and the successful candidate must be available for Board and Committee activities as well as travel.
  


• The successful candidate may be required to appear before Parliamentary Committees including, among others, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.
  

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates for this positions. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment. A roster of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on September 17, 2018. Candidates must 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 Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.