Telefilm recognizes that reconciliation requires meaningful action, sustained commitment, and accountability. Through its Reconciliation Plan, the organization has committed to strengthening relationships with Indigenous creators, communities, and partners while working to advance Indigenous storytelling and address barriers within Canada's screen-based industries.

Telefilm Canada—a Canadian Crown corporation—is dedicated to fostering and advancing the Canadian audiovisual industry. Through strategic investments, partnerships, and funding programs, Telefilm champions Canadian creators and helps bring compelling Canadian stories to audiences at home and around the world. As a key cultural institution, Telefilm plays a vital role in strengthening Canada's creative economy, amplifying diverse voices, and positioning Canadian productions for success in both domestic and international markets.

It is within this context that Telefilm Canada invites nominations and applications for the role of National Director, Feature Film, English Market.

Reporting to the Chief Program Officer and serving as a member of the program leadership team, the National Director will help shape the future of Canadian cinema by leading Telefilm's creative investment decisions in English-language feature film development, production, and marketing. This is a unique opportunity to champion exceptional storytelling, cultivate creative talent, and influence the continued growth and global reach of Canada's film industry shaped by Telefilm’s Strategic Orientation Framework.

At a time of significant transformation within the audiovisual sector, the National Director, Feature Film, English Market will provide strategic leadership for Telefilm's feature film portfolio, balancing creative excellence, audience engagement, industry development, and public accountability. The successful candidate will help ensure that Telefilm's investments reflect organizational priorities, respond to evolving industry realities, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and sustainability of Canada's independent film sector.

During their 5-year term, the National Director will, manage a team of experts across Canada responsible for overseeing the Production, Development and Marketing Programs’ creative funding decisions. They will contribute to the strategic evolution of programs and policies, develop actions to address opportunities and gaps in applications, foster audience development, and collaborate with partners throughout Canada to advance Telefilm's objectives within the English-language market.



Working in close partnership with colleagues across the organization, including the National Director, Feature Film, French Market and the National Director, Business Affairs and Coproduction the incumbent will help guide creative investment decisions that resonate with audiences, support the industry ecosystem, and increase the reach and impact of Canadian cinema.

Qualifications

Among the qualifications being sought in candidates, the incoming leader must have a deep and abiding commitment to advancing reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all its forms and must believe, intrinsically, in the importance of leading with curiosity and welcoming ideas that can later be synthesized and turned into possibility.

While all candidates are encouraged to apply and, in so doing, share how they see themselves adding value to the Telefilm Canada environment, the following credentials and/or experiences are seen as possible markers of the candidates most likely to realize success in the role:

A) Senior leadership experience within the film, television, media, cultural, creative, or related sectors, including experience operating within complex, multi-stakeholder environments;

B) Demonstrated understanding of feature film financing, production, distribution, marketing, audience development, and the broader Canadian and international screen-based industries, combined with the ability to identify emerging trends and opportunities;

C) Experience leading strategic planning initiatives, managing large budgets, evaluating creative investments, and making decisions informed by both qualitative and quantitative analysis;

D) Solid managerial experience with a proven ability to foster collaboration, develop team skills and knowledge, and ensure sound governance and accountability

E) An ability to build trusted relationships with creators, producers, distributors, industry partners, and community representatives while navigating competing priorities with diplomacy and sound judgment; and

F) Exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills, coupled with the capacity to influence, inspire, and collaborate across diverse perspectives and regions.

G)



Oral and written communication skills in both official languages (CBC level) a strong asset.

The expected salary range for this position is $144,000 to $180,000 CAD per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

How to Apply

Telefilm Canada is committed to fostering a skilled workforce that reflects the diversity of Canadian society. The organization believes that equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility strengthen creativity, innovation, and organizational effectiveness. Telefilm welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and encourages candidates from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and individuals of diverse intersectional identities, to apply.

Telefilm is committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment process and will work with candidates to address accessibility-related needs.

Telefilm Canada is partnering with BES Executive Search, a firm committed to ensuring that every search mandate engages a pluralistic and intersectional range of candidates. Applicants are guided through what BES calls ‘The BES Experience’—a thoughtful, candidate-centred process that meets candidates with support and care throughout the search process. As part of this partnership, BES Executive Search will conduct the search in alignment with Telefilm Canada’s established recruitment process. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking HERE.

Telefilm Canada and BES Executive Search are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. Accommodations will be made available to candidates who require them throughout the search process. To request an accommodation, please contact Helen Mekonen and Jason Murray at [email protected].

BES is deeply grateful to all who express interest in this opportunity and recognize the time and effort that goes into submitting an expression of interest. While only those most closely aligned with the position requirements will be contacted for an interview, all applications are reviewed with thoughtfulness and will receive correspondence from the firm as part of our commitment to delivering a respectful and inclusive candidate experience.

Please note that this posting provides a condensed overview of the position. A comprehensive job profile, including the full scope of responsibilities and accountabilities, will be provided to candidates.

BES Executive Search Inc. does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants.

📌 National Director, Feature Film, English Market (Toronto)
🏢 Telefilm Canada
📍 Toronto