SEARCHLIGHT RECRUITMENT

Position Specification

Broadcasting Accessibility Fund

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2 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario, M4T 2T5 P (416) 645-3776 F (416) 513-0348

SEARCHLIGHT RECRUITMENT

POSITIONChief Executive Officer/ Funding Officer

LOCATIONToronto

REPORTS TOChair of the BAFand theBoard of Directors

THE ORGANIZATION

The Broadcasting Accessibility Fund (BAF), believed to be the first of its kind, will operate as an independent and impartial funding body insupport of innovative projects in English and French,and provide practical solutions to promote the accessibility of all broadcasting content in Canada. The Fund will support projects that, whenever possible,make use of inclusive design principles to promote accessibility at the earliest stages and in the most cost-effective manner for new technologies and applications in Canada.

The Fund was approved by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) as part of BCE Inc.'s purchase of CTV Inc. BCE has provided initial funding of $5.7M, and the Fund may also receive benefits from future transactions. The Fund is an independent and separate corporate entity that is responsible to its Board of Directors.

THE POSITION

The BAF seeks a CEO/Funding Officer who is a uniquely experienced leader and creative thinker, motivated by a new and ground-breaking opportunity. The CEO/Funding Officer will provide a vision to realize the mandate of the BAF and help ensure its future success. The position will be responsible for all the operations of the BAF, including developing terms of reference for the distribution and granting of BAF funds, as well as overseeing the process of granting and monitoring funding projects. The chosen candidate will develop the framework to enable the Board to make decisions on the granting of the BAF funding.

The CEO/Funding Officer will report to the Chair of the BAF and the Board of Directors. The chosen candidate will be accountable to the Board for the general management of the BAF, including developing and proposing to the Board for approval a funding structure and funding criteria for applicants. The CEO/Funding Officer will advise and/or assist the Board in the development, promotion and implementation of sound policies and objectives in support of the advancement of the accessibility of all broadcasting content in Canada.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Create and develop a vision of the BAF that is reflective of the terms of the Fund.
  • Spearhead the development of and propose to the board for approval a funding structure and funding criteria for applicants.
  • Raise awareness and profile for the BAF in Canada.
  • Receive, analyze, and select projects to recommend for funding to the Board.
  • Develop, plan and coordinate projects toward on-time and on-budget successful implementation.
  • Establish and maintain strong working relationships with accessibility organizations, governmentand broadcasters.
  • Oversee all operations including financial reporting to the Board.
  • Ensure that there is clear and consistent communications to the Board and the stakeholders; this includes reporting to the Board on projects, including progress and alignment with budgets.
  • Represent the public face of the BAF and speak to private and public organizations and to the media if called upon to do so.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • A minimum of fiveyears experience in a senior management/leadership position.
  • Experience in broadcasting or experience working with the broadcasting industry.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with accessibility challenges, policy and regulations in conventional and digital media.
  • Knowledge of disability and accessibility organizations.
  • Entrepreneurial; ability to launch a start-up and establish a sustainable operation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  • Experience reporting to and working with a board.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and broker outcomes with parties of divergent interest.
  • A university or post-graduate degree, or experiential equivalent.
  • Fluency in French is an asset.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • Natural leadership skills; pro-active, credible and dynamic professional who inspires confidence; superior intellect, strategic orientation and polished presence.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the personal stature to inspire stakeholders and represent the organization.
  • Results oriented personality with a collegial management approach and a flexible personal style with a high level of integrity.
  • Pragmatic problem-solver; disciplined, takes initiative and accepts ownership with a hands-on approach.
  • Extremely organized and detail oriented.

COMPENSATION

A competitive, experienced-based compensation package will be provided.

CONTACTS

Daniel WeinzweigOffice:(416) 645-3776

Managing PartnerCell:(416) 418-8875

Email:

John McQuakerOffice:(416) 901-5817

PartnerCell:(416) 464-5443

Email:

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2 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario, M4T 2T5 P (416) 645-3776 F (416) 513-0348