THE OPPORTUNITY
We are seeking our next Executive Director lead the overall management, operations, and efforts of the Juno Beach Centre Association (JBCA) in Canada. Building on a strong platform, the Executive Director will bring strong business acumen, proven philanthropic fundraising experience, and solid people leadership skills to help us grow our revenues, awareness, and impact in Canada. This will be accomplished through fundraising and partnership development, advocacy and community engagement, and expanded programming initiatives in Canada.
Reporting to the Board of the Juno Beach Centre Association, the Executive Director will work in collaboration with the Director at the Juno Beach Centre (JBC) in France to accomplish the JBCA’s mutual goals and objectives.
Current priorities for the JBCA include completion of the ongoing capital campaign, expansion of program development and delivery in Canada, and growing the awareness of and engagement with JBCA across the country. These actions will collectively help to increase Canadian attendance at the Juno Beach Centre, which will further support JBC revenue.
Development of a clear strategic vision and operational plan for JBCA will also be an important task for the new Executive Director to undertake in partnership with the Board and the Centre Director. As well, as JBCA continues to mature and professionalize, the Board will continue evolving its focus towards governance, high-level advocacy, and support of fundraising efforts and community engagement.
Job Location: This position is fully remote, and can be performed from any location in Canada that permits reasonably easy access to any major domestic airport. The Executive Director is expected to have a separate and functional home office with a lockable door for privacy and confidentiality. Please note that this role requires business travel in Canada, as well as periodic travel to France.
ABOUT JUNO BEACH CENTRE (FRANCE)
The Juno Beach Centre (JBC) is the only Canadian museum on the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, France. The Centre is dedicated to the transmission of the memory of Canadians who gave their lives for their country during the Second World War. It is also an educational space for new generations, highlighting Canada’s role in the preservation of freedom. For more information, please visit www.junobeach.org
The Juno Beach Centre has a Director who leads the strategic, cultural, and museum operations at the JBC, directly shaping exhibitions, collections, and visitor programs. The Director manages day-to-day administration, budgets, human resources, and the overall maintenance and security of the facility and its grounds, as well marketing visitor experience.
The Director is the primary liaison with local, French, and European Union governments, for both community and government relations purposes, and for any related funding for the Centre.
The Director at the Juno Beach Centre reports to the President of the JBCA Board of Directors.
The two teams (JBCA & Centre) collaborate together to ensure that key messages are consistent, plan for donor visits and major events, and on execution of some programs and initiatives including collaboration with the JBC boutique supply with Canadian products. The team in Canada plays a major role in guaranteeing the Centre its credibility in the field of history. Currently, JBCA staff also support the Juno Beach Centre with exhibit and program development.
ABOUT JUNO BEACH CENTRE ASSOCIATION (CANADA)
The Juno Beach Centre Association (JBCA) is a Canadian non-profit charitable corporation that is governed by a Board of Directors based in Ontario, Canada. The JBCA owns the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France.
OUR MISSION: Advancing Canada’s Second World War legacy through remembrance, education, and a global commitment to peace and democracy.
OUR VISION: A Canada where the legacy of the Second World War inspires informed citizenship, democratic resilience, and national remembrance across generations.
OUR VALUES: Accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion, ethical conduct, innovation, integrity, transparency, respect
The core purpose of the JBCA is to:
• Provide a tangible and fitting memorial to Canada’s participation in the Second World War and recognize the emergence of Canada on the world scene;
• Remember and commemorate the sacrifices made by all Canadians who were part of the Allied victory in all theatres of war and at home; and
• Educate adults and children of today and future generations about the role of Canada in preserving the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy today.
On the day to day, the Juno Beach Centre Association staff and team in Canada are responsible for:
• Raising funds for both the Juno Beach Centre in France and for JBCA programs, operations, and staff in Canada.
• Collaborating closely with the Centre staff in the development of exhibits and programs in France.
• Developing and delivering all JBCA programs and initiatives in Canada.
• Growing awareness of and engagement with the JBCA and the Centre through outreach, community engagement, and advocacy.
• Supporting the JBCA Board of Directors.
Currently there is a team of four staff who generate about $1.5 million CAD per year.
Capital Campaign: Honour The Past. Protect The Future.
The Juno Beach Centre has a bold vision to preserve, develop and inspire as a Canadian landmark, to become a model institution in sustainability, and to help preserve and steward land in the area. The whole world is watching as donors on both sides of the Atlantic join hands once again to create a once-in-a-generation legacy and experience to keep the story alive for future generations.
Governments and donors in France and Canada, whose unending gratitude and friendship continues, have agreed to contribute almost $6 million of the $12.5 million needed to realize this once-in-a-generation vision and opportunity. These friendships forged in fire are an important part of Canada’s cultural legacy and diplomatic relations abroad.
Juno Beach Centre Association is asking individual Canadians, corporations, businesses, organizations, and charitable foundations to join the effort with the remaining $6.5 million needed to realize this vision, pass the torch to future generations, and celebrate the bravery, ingenuity, and sacrifice of young Veterans whose courage and commitment shapes the freedoms and the Canada we enjoy today.
The campaign will carry the Juno Beach Centre forward through 2029, ensuring lasting impact for generations to come. Key campaign priorities include:
Canadian D-Day monument – To honour all Canadians who served and were sacrificed during the Second World War, and will stand for generations, honouring their sacrifice.
• It will be the first permanent memorial on Juno Beach to individually name all 381 Canadian soldiers and aircrew who lost their lives on June 6, 1944.
• Construction will be underway shortly, with completion expected in 2028 ahead of the 85th anniversary of D-Day, and the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Juno Beach Centre
• Remembrance Beyond the Beach: we are creating a powerful digital monument experience to bring the stories of the 381 Canadians who fell on D-Day into classrooms, homes, and communities across the country. Through an interactive online platform, visitors will be able to explore a virtual version of the monument, search individual names, and uncover the lives behind each inscription.
Visitor Experience Enhancement – JBC Expansion to create an eco-friendly Boutique & Café, increasing the footprint of the museum by 25%.
• In addition to improving the visitor experience, this expansion will help to increase the revenue generation capacity in support of the museum.
Stewardship of Heritage Lands – To protect our commemorative site from urbanization, and aligned with the Centre’s sustainable development strategy, including:
• Project Concordia is a commemorative landscaping restoration project that will protect precious ecosystems and biodiversity, and enhance the memorial park surrounding the Centre as a space for reflection and learning.
Educational Programs – With global threats to democracy rising, the Juno Beach Centre feels a deep-seated responsibility to ensure future generations of Canadians understand and appreciate the critical role our country once played in defending the values of democracy and freedom. We must inspire future generations so that they might continue to defend those ideals as new forms of dictatorship and oppression take hold in many parts of the world. To do that, the Centre is investing in our capacity to tell our story in Canada, creating the most connected ecosystem for Second World War education, remembrance, and active citizenship in Canada.
o New Digital & Social Exhibitions will greatly expand our capacity to share Canada’s history with Canadians, diving deep into key moments and building a greater appreciation and understanding of the contributions our country made to the war effort.
o Summer Institutes & Pilgrimages to the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France, will gift unique, once in a lifetime, visceral experiences for young, diverse Canadians as well as groups of teachers and students, from schools, scouting, youth groups and beyond, for curated and unforgettable learning experiences and pilgrimages.
o New online modules and curriculum resources will provide Canadian teachers the opportunity to immerse their students in the history of the Second World War, and the values that still need to be defended today, in a more interactive way.
o Flagship Educational Initiatives will bring new immersive educational experiences and resources to communities across Canada and serve as a centre point for a new kind of civic engagement rooted in our country’s historical commitment to peace, freedom and democracy.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board of Directors delegates responsibility and authority for management functions to the Executive Director to act on the Board’s behalf as the employer to:
Leadership
• Set specific organizational goals, outputs, and outcomes under the direction of the Board, and in alignment with JBCA strategic priorities.
• Develop and update the JBCA annual business plan.
• Coordinate strategic and annual business planning and operations with the Director of the Juno Beach Centre in France to ensure alignment between JBC & JBCA operations and activities, and to collaborate to leverage resources.
• Identify and implement staffing and other resource requirements for efficient operations.
• Support a culture of respect for all current and potential donors, staff, volunteers, and partners by adhering to all JBCA’s policies and procedures and applicable legislation.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, provincial and any other legal requirements.
Board Relations & Support
• Work closely with and support the Board and Board committees, informing, assessing and addressing issues that affect the JBCA, and to ensure that they have the information they need to carry out their fiduciary duties as a Board.
• Assist the Board to develop a vision, mission and strategic plan to guide the JBCA.
• Work with the Board to identify, evaluate and monitor the risks to the JBCA’s clients, staff, management, volunteers, property, finances, goodwill and image, and implement measures to control risks.
• Communicate with the Board in a timely and efficient manner to keep the Board informed and prepared for its work.
• Act as a professional advisor to the Board on all aspects of the JBCA’s activities and good governance practices.
• Assist the Board with the development of, implementation and review of policies relating to Board practices.
• Assist the Board in obtaining Board training annually to ensure best practices.
• Assist with an orientation program for new Board members.
• Ensure that the Board and the JBCA carries appropriate and adequate insurance.
Fundraising & External Relations
• Lead fundraising and business development in order to support the JBCA’s mandate, playing an active and proactive role in donor, partner, and sponsor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Drive the activity and engagement needed to successfully complete the current campaign.
• Work closely with staff and Board members to open doors and engage potential supporters, partners, and sponsors.
• Oversee the development and implementation of donor/partner engagement and stewardship programs, corporate sponsorships, and government and foundation applications.
• Oversee and support the development and execution of all communications, marketing, events, and special projects.
• Serve as the key liaison between the JBCA, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), other Canadian Federal or provincial government agencies and related organizations as required to further the JBCA’s mandate.
Community Relations & Advocacy
• Establish sound working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the JBCA.
• Act as an advocate and ambassador for the JBCA.
• Promote community awareness in Canada of the JBCA and its programs.
• Work in collaboration with employees, relevant bodies, and community agencies to promote and accomplish the JBCA’s objectives.
Financial Management
• Oversee the financial viability of the JBCA and its priority initiatives through budget management and fundraising balancing revenue and expenditures.
• Develop and monitor the annual budget with the Treasurer for Board approval.
• Monitor and administer finances of the JBCA according to the approved budget.
• Work with the auditor to ensure the timely preparation of all financial statements and tax returns for presentation at the AGM or a special meeting of the Board of Directors.
Program Management
• Work with the team and with partners to expand the awareness, reach, and impact of the JBCA in Canada.
• Oversee the expansion of JBCA’s national programs in Canada, including the planning, development, implementation, evaluation and monitoring of programs, services, and outreach initiatives.
• Ensure the programs keep up with emerging trends and best practices.
Team Leadership & Human Resource Management
• Establish clear expectations and provide direction, management, encouragement, and supervision of direct reporting staff.
• Determine JBCA staffing needs needed to achieve organizational goals in Canada.
• Ensure the roles/functions of the staff of the JBCA in Canada are complementary to the roles/functions of the JBC staff in France
• Recruit, hire and release employees based on the JBCA’s personnel policies and other applicable legislation.
• Maintain a strong and inclusive work culture and climate that attracts and retains staff, and drives the JBCA’s vision and mission.
• Oversee the implementation of JBCA’s Human Resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of accurate employee job descriptions, performance reviews, and professional development.
• Ensure that key staff are aware of and trained in all policies and procedures that govern the JBCA.
• Ensure employee records are accurate, up to date, and retained in a safe and confidential manner.
• Delegate authority to key staff where appropriate, and encourage them to take ownership of their work and results.
Policy Management & Adherence
• Review and revise existing policies and procedures, and develop new policies and procedures as required as they relate to the JBCA.
• Communicate new policies and procedures to employees and provide training where required.
• Ensure all employees have had adequate training in understanding their roles and responsibilities in keeping the workplace safe.
• Monitor employees to make sure work is being done safely and in compliance with the JBCA’s health and safety policy and program.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
To successfully meet the requirements of the position, the majority of the following competencies and behaviours should be demonstrated by candidates:
• A passion for the vision and mission of the JBCA.
o While knowledge of Canadian and Second World War history and museum practices would be advantageous, it is not a requirement for this role.
• Progressive leadership experience in the non-profit sector, including previous experience leading and managing both staff and volunteers.
• Solid understanding of charitable organisation governance, and experience working with and supporting a Board, either as a staff member and/or governance volunteer.
• Strong business acumen, and an ability to think strategically, set priorities, and establish and execute plans to achieve goals.
• Proven experience of significant engagement in range of philanthropic fundraising programs, including direct engagement with high-net worth donors, major corporate partners, and different types of foundations.
o Previous experience engaging with government funders would be an asset.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including persuasive verbal and written communication.
o Ideally functionally bilingual in English and French, with an ongoing commitment to working towards verbal bilingual fluency.
o Able to effectively present information to the Board of Directors, public groups and community partners.
• Acknowledgement of cultural and operational differences in Canada and France, and a willingness to work together creatively and collaboratively to explore ideas and find mutually beneficial and acceptable solutions through diplomacy, dialogue and compromise.
• Demonstrated experience in creating respectful, empowering, and collaborative relationships with colleagues, and in building a cohesive and effective team.
• Professional demeanor and strong emotional intelligence, taking responsibility for their own actions and behaviours in the workplace.
• A comprehensive knowledge of financial management and reporting.
o An ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports, and legal documents.
• An understanding of legislation, regulations, and best practices relevant to JBCA as a national charitable not-for-profit organisation.
• An ability to manage confidential information and situations in a professional manner.
• Proficiency with technology and software applications (Google suite), business tools (Slack), database administration (Keela).
• Schedule flexibility that allows for engagement with employees, volunteers, donors and partners across Canada, and with colleagues in France.
o This will mean occasional work some evenings and weekends.
• An ability to travel within Canada and occasionally to France.
• While a University degree or equivalent is preferred, we are open to candidates with strong relevant work experience and training.
FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO APPLY
KCI Search + Talent has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of Juno Beach Association Centre. For more information, please contact Tara George, Executive Consultant, KCI Search + Talent by email at JBCA@KCItalent.com .
Interested candidates should send resume and letter of interest to the email address listed above by October 28, 2026. All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence.
To view the full executive brief, visit: www.kcitalent.com
Artificial intelligence will not be used to screen resumes or assess candidates in this search. This posting is for a current vacancy.
The JBCA welcomes all candidates to apply and encourages applications from Indigenous persons, racialized persons, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and persons with disabilities for this position.
JBCA is committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. If you require accommodation, please notify the Search Consultant and they will work with you to meet your needs.
Work location: This role is fully remote, with periodic national and international travel.
Compensation: The target hiring range this role is $130,000 - $160,000 plus a comprehensive benefits package.
