EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

About the Literary Press Group of Canada

Founded in 1975, the Literary Press Group (LPG) is a not-for-profit association of Canadian literary book publishers. With a current membership of about sixty Canadian-owned and -operated publishing houses, the LPG’s mandate is to support the growth of Canadian literary culture. The LPG helps member publishers sell, distribute, and market their books to booksellers, libraries, institutions, as well as directly to readers. Some of the specific ways the LPG supports its members are:

• acting as an advocate to the various government and funding bodies;
• providing educational opportunities for the enhancement of skills and professional knowledge;
• providing access to a professional sales force and distribution services that represents them to the Canadian (and in some cases, the US) trade book market;
• providing access to advertising opportunities through the LPG ad project;
• creating and implementing group marketing initiatives;
• maintaining an online bookstore and blog dedicated to CanLit.

Position Description

The LPG is looking for a talented, energetic and experienced Executive Director with a passion for publishing, proven management experience, and excellent interpersonal skills.

The Executive Director leads the organization in successfully implementing its strategic plan and developing and implementing annual plans in concert with staff and board leadership. The ED is responsible for executive, strategic, operational/administrative, and staff leadership.

Reporting to the board of directors and managing a staff of four, the Executive

Director is responsible for general oversight for all of the LPG’s activity, specifically:

• Representing and promoting the LPG to the public at large, other industry groups, and government;
• Analyzing federal book policy issues and preparing responses on behalf of the organization;
• Supporting the board and membership in setting the strategic direction of the organization;
• Executing the LPG’s strategic vision by developing and implementing programs;
• Managing the organization’s finances, including budgets and audits;

• Writing grant applications and reports;
• Leading and inspiring the organization’s staff to high artistic standards in a professional, nurturing, and respectful manner;
• Working with staff to develop marketing and professional development programs;
• Managing board and member relations through regular communication, travel, and participation in community events;
• Maintaining engaged, supportive communication with members;
• Liaising with key suppliers and managing supplier and publisher contracts;
• Managing relations with LitDistCo, the LPG’s distribution subsidiary.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment where multi-tasking and confidentiality are key; demonstrated ability to manage multiple, complex, simultaneous projects;
• Excellent communication skills; the ability to speak and write persuasively; mature and diplomatic interpersonal skills;
• Excellent editing, proofreading and numeracy skills;
• Able and committed to development activities as an eloquent advocate for the organization;
• Strong strategic and analytical skills;
• Excellent time management and executive functions;
• A demonstrated record of successful financial management including revenue generation, experience reading and interpreting financial statements and budgeting;
• A demonstrated ability to lead an effective team;
• Open, collaborative, flexible and respectful leadership style;
• Experience working with a voluntary board of directors;
• Strong MS Office skills and a facility with new technologies;
• Knowledge of the regional and national publishing community is a strong plus.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in a leadership role within the publishing industry or with a non- profit organization (3 years).

• A university degree in English, Communications, Marketing or a related field with publishing experience preferred.

Compensation includes medical, dental, optical and long-term disability benefits through the Book and Periodical Council. Occasional national travel is required. Professional development opportunities are available.

Interested parties should send a letter of application stating salary expectations together with their resumé and three professional references to the attention of: Hazel Millar, Chair of the Board of the Literary Press Group of Canada, at chair@lpg.ca, no later than Monday July 8th, 5 pm.

The LPG is an equal opportunity employer and strongly supports and values diversity in the workplace. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome and individuals from equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply.

Please see the full posting here: https://charityvillage.com/app/job-listings/2ac3e9a9-d48e-e911-80da-14187768272a?search=true