Chief Executive Officer Jobs

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Digital Nova Scotia is the industry association for Nova Scotia’s $2.5 billion digital technologies and ICT (information and communications technology) sector. DNS represents a growing membership base of more than 230 organizations across the province, including start-ups, small-to-medium-sized businesses, and multinational corporations. Through skills development, capacity-building, industry events, sector engagement activities, government and partner relations, and promotion of industry opportunities, they are playing a key leadership role in our province’s innovation/tech ecosystem as it continues to grow. Improving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the digital technologies sector is a major priority for Digital Nova Scotia.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO is a critical leadership role responsible for guiding the Association to new heights of success. You will take charge of developing and executing the Association’s strategic plan and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) action plan to support a more inclusive workforce in the sector. Committed to the Association’s long-term success in leading the tech and innovation ecosystem in Nova Scotia, operational success and financial sustainability will be at the forefront through funding relationships with the public and private sector.

As CEO, you will work closely with stakeholders and funding partners to develop and implement innovative programs and projects that support the growth of the digital sector. Your extensive experience and knowledge of the industry will enable you to provide visionary leadership that will help DNS achieve its long-term goals. Your expertise in balancing the priorities of DNS’s stakeholders will enable you to set both short-term and long-range objectives, plans and policies that meet the Association’s strategic vision endorsed by the Board of Directors.

In this role, you will serve as DNS’s ambassador, representing its Members, customers, government partners, the broader digital community and the public on various boards and committees. This presents an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the Association’s achievements and engage with key stakeholders, providing a platform to build meaningful relationships with potential partners and innovative collaborators. As a strategic thinker with a sharp eye for opportunities, you will proactively seek out new avenues for growth and development, such as funding sources.

As the face of the association, you will model an outstanding company culture and provide inspired leadership to a dedicated team that cares about the Members and ecosystem. Building strong relationships within the team, board of directors and community will be critical to your success in this role. With your guidance and leadership, you will further cement DNS’s status as a leader in the tech ecosystem, enhancing its strong reputation, serving the needs of its valued Members and furthering its mission to foster the growth of the digital economy in Nova Scotia.

As the ideal candidate, you have an MBA or professional designation or equivalent transferable/ industry experience combined with a minimum of ten years of relevant work experience. A background in operations or business strategy, while leading through a DEI lens at an executive level in a member-driven organization would be an asset. You have a demonstrated track record of effective organizational leadership and an understanding of Nova Scotia’s tech ecosystem. Leadership experience in both the public and private sector will be an asset. Experience with fundraising would be highly valued, but having experience navigating capital federally and provincially would be equally valuable.

You are a results-oriented, business minded leader and an exceptional communicator. You are entrepreneurial in nature, a self-starter, you lead-by-example, and harness empathy in your everyday actions. Having worked with a Board of Directors, you appreciate the importance of good governance and the value of integrity, clarity, accountability and respect for various perspectives. Your financial acumen and ability to drive revenue generation is strong. You place importance in understanding your team and have an undeniable passion for the tech industry in our province and its growth.

Venor and DNS embrace a culture of belonging in the workplace. No matter who you are, where you’re from, how you think, what you believe in, or who you love, we welcome your application. We all come from different backgrounds and different walks of life, bringing in unique perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from Indigenous- Mi’kmaw, African Nova Scotians, African Canadian and People of Colour (BIPOC), as well as newcomers to Canada, folks with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ community.

If you require any accommodation in the application and interview process, please let us know (including different materials or otherwise).

This is a unique opportunity to join a respected and growing association embedded in accelerating Nova Scotia’s digital growth. Interested candidates can send their cover letter and resume to Craig Coady at [email protected] and Shardeigh McGillivray at [email protected].