Executive Director

Guide the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre in its Vision to Soar

About the CBHC and Team Culture

The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (CBHC) has a vision of being a world-class museum that educates, inspires and connects. We are already a significant tourism driver in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, but we pursue initiatives that help us stand out in our industry, and receive national and international recognition. The Bushplane Team is skilled and diverse, but we are all united by our passion for the organization and our impact on our community. The CBHC is more than a museum – it connects and educates people in our community, opens opportunities for learning and inspires creativity. The museum not only meets its mandate of collecting, preserving and telling the story of the Ontario Provincial Air Service, bush planes and natural resource management in Canada, but it is also:

An event centre
The #1 tourist attraction in Sault Ste. Marie
A community centre and gathering place
An education centre

No day is the same! We cross-train our team members in different roles, developing capacity, while providing variation.

Executive Director Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is the senior management role at the CBHC, reporting directly to the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is responsible for developing, leading, directing and administering all aspects of the operations of CBHC under the authority of the Board of Directors, and in accordance with established policies, procedures and plans. You will work closely with the Board and its committees to provide the necessary leadership to staff and volunteers to:

develop, monitor and implement business plans and budgets, ensuring alignment with the Strategic Plan.
lead and direct all operational activities, ensuring financial prudence.
develop and deliver our marketing and fundraising efforts.
maintain and manage the capital assets and human resources of the organization.
nurture relationships and partnerships within the community and beyond.

Responsibilities and Duties

Strategic direction: Work closely with the Board of Directors and its committees to provide leadership and input in the development of the Strategic Plan. The ED is committed to achieving the goals, objectives and actions in the Strategic Plan and is accountable to the Board for achieving these.
Operational management: Lead and direct the overall operations and services of the organization; prepare, monitor, and adjust annual budgets and work plans, control costs, provide leadership and supervision to CBHC personnel, maintain all capital assets of the organization and function in accordance with established CBHC policies and procedures, relevant government legislation, policies, and regulatory authorities. Ensure the development, implementation and monitoring of operational plans for funding, marketing, training, performance evaluations and any other activities that may be identified.
Fundraising: Through a developed professional network of local, governmental, and other funding body contacts, ensure that a fundraising program is developed to maintain the financial sustainability of the organization. Establish a financial program to track the development, progress and timely approval of grant and funding applications through governmental, special, educational, and operational programs, funding agencies, endowments, donations, and local/corporate fundraising programs.
Ensure good business practices in operation: Ensure appropriate inventory control and that all business functions are conducted in accordance with commonly accepted business practices. Ensure that all museum functions are appropriate for the care and preservation of artifacts.
Educational program development: Ensure the development of curriculum specific education programs and packages by working with the Boards of Education, special interest groups, CBHC staff and volunteers.
Marketing and public relations: Promote and advocate the CBHC and its programs to the media and to the general public; lead all marketing, public relations, sales, membership, and volunteer development plans and strategies to achieve the goals outlined in the strategic plan, annual budget and work plan.
Government and partner relations: Develop and maintain professional liaison with all levels of government, other funding bodies, tourism, marketing, education and community partners, members, donors, volunteers, and customers. Prepare, research, and administer program, facility, and grant applications, to meet the financial objectives, while ensuring they are appropriate for CBHC operations and objectives,
Human resource management: Lead the hiring, training, supervision, and development of all permanent, part-time, and contract staff and volunteers, in accordance with CBHC Human Resource and Health and Safety policies and procedures. Lead, supervise and coach personnel to help them achieve their objectives and targets. Conduct employee performance assessments with documentation according to established programs.
Monthly reporting: Report monthly with financial, budget, and operational information to the Board showing progress towards stated goals.
Other duties: Perform all other related duties as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills Required

Minimum 5 years experience in a management role, with demonstrated success in implementing and monitoring an operational work plan (business plan), budget and cost controls.
Post-secondary education in Business, Administration or a related field; OR equivalent experience.
Demonstrated ability to assess business results compared to plan, and identify and explain variances and adjust plans accordingly.
Demonstrated human resource leadership and management experience, including the hiring and management of personnel volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to motivate personnel and volunteers through leadership in hiring, training, evaluating and coaching staff and volunteers to provide excellent teamwork, customer service and improved productivity.
Demonstrated ability to exercise due diligence and implement effective risk management techniques.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
Tourism marketing and facility management knowledge and experience. Previous experience in a museum or not-for-profit organization is an asset.
Ability to exercise due diligence and implement effective risk management techniques.
Demonstrated prudent and appropriate human resource experience in the leadership, performance management and training of staff and volunteers.
Skills and leadership in training and coaching to motivate and retain staff and volunteers.
Demonstrated innovation and creativity in solving challenges.
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with partners, business contacts, government agencies and funding agencies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must be able to obtain a Vulnerable Sectors Check.

Working Conditions

Hours of Work: Salary is based on 37.5 hours per week or the time required to complete the job.

Location of Work: Most time is expected to be on-site. Occasional weekends and evenings may be required. The ability to attend to the facility in emergency situations is necessary.

Vacation: Three weeks paid vacation.

Benefits: Health, dental and disability benefits after six months.

Salary: $75,000 to $85,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Applications will be accepted until May 22, 2026. Anticipated start date is June 15, 2026.

Learn More

Check out this video to learn more. Originally developed for an Interim General Manager position, the video speaks to many of the qualifications and skills that are relevant to the Executive Director position, while giving an overview of the working environment at the CBHC.

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