The National Arts Centre Corporation (the National Arts Centre) is responsible for 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, located in the National Capital Region, is Canada’s bilingual, multidisciplinary home for the performing arts. It 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 Corporation is governed by a Board of Trustees who provide strategic guidance to management and oversee its activities, exercising care and due diligence. The Board evaluates the performance of the President and Chief Executive Officer on an annual basis and is accountable to the Minister of Canadian Heritage. The National Arts Centre reports annually to Parliament through the Minister when it tables its annual report.

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

The Chairperson represents the National Arts Centre at certain official functions and contributes to official events by preparing and delivering remarks in both official languages. They also act as an ambassador for the National Arts Centre in their own community and may be asked to identify philanthropic opportunities.





Further details about the organization and its activities can be found by following the Organization website link above.

Education and Experience

Please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrates how you meet the following requirements:

A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study such as business administration, public administration, law, arts administration, cultural management, finance, economics, communications, non-profit management, leadership studies, or arts and humanities disciplines (e.g., music, theatre), or a combination of education, training, and experience deemed equivalent;

Experience with current corporate governance practices on a board of directors/trustees, ideally of a major not-for-profit arts organization, 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 in a national organization, preferably in the arts and cultural sector, and dealing with the federal government, preferably at the senior level;

Experience in philanthropy, fundraising activities, and revenue generation;

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The following criteria will be assessed:





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;

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

Knowledge of the current challenges and opportunities facing the performing arts and cultural sector and its institutions;

Knowledge of and respect for Indigenous context and cultures;

Financial literacy and knowledge of the federal government’s expectations regarding accountability and reporting;

Superior communication skills, both oral and written, in both official languages;

Ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders;

Ability to lead strategic discussions, foster debate among board members, 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’s management, the Minister and his office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and various partners and stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages is preferred.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency when assessing applicants. Your online profile must include your proficiency in speaking and understanding your second official language.

Personal Attributes

The following will be verified by referen

📌 Chairperson, National Arts Centre Corporation (Canada)
🏢 Governor in Council Appointments
📍 Canada