General Manager, Muskoka Discovery Centre
Position is Filled for this Role
About the Organization
The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre is the leader in preserving, promoting and celebrating the culture and heritage of Canada’s Muskoka District. Founded in 1973, the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre (MSDC) is a not-for-profit charitable organization with an ongoing objective of presenting compelling, entertaining and educational experiences, attractions, and events.
The Muskoka Discovery Centre (MDC) was originally opened in 2006 as a celebration of wooden boats, steamships and historic hotels. In 2016 management began a revitalization program to appeal to a larger audience and develop a cultural learning centre.
The biggest change took place in the summer of 2023 with the opening of a new 12,000 square foot exhibit hall and the launch of The Muskoka Story: A Microcosm of Canada which includes three world class exhibits.
About the Opportunity
General Manager, Muskoka Discovery Centre
The ideal candidate will be a business manager with skills in fiscal management/ profitability, marketing, HR, communications and leadership. They will be a manager that embraces the concept of continuous improvement and looks at the operation of the MDC wholistically. They will bring energy and ideas that will contribute to the mission and vision of the organization. They will be a flexible, nimble individual comfortable working under pressure including on weekends and holidays to achieve the revenue performance targets as established by the Business Plan.
About the Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
- Reporting to the President of MSDC, the GM will work closely with the MSDC cross functional services of marketing, finance, food & beverage, IT and sales support to achieve the revenue and visitation targets.
- Oversee the Operations Manager, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator along with over 80 volunteers and 8-12 part time staff to ensure a healthy, productive and safe working environment.
- Responsible to deliver and execute on the Strategic Plan, including budgets and meeting timelines on specific deliverables as set out in the plan.
- Develop a three-year business plan in cooperation with the President to achieve the profitability goals.
- Responsible for compliance with Ontario Museum Association regulations and practices while achieving operational excellence.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Working with the President, the GM will ensure strong media relations and coverage increasing visibility and promoting public awareness of the MDC information and impact, increasing fundraising revenue, and attracting more volunteers and champions.
- Continue to enhance connections with other not for profit organizations which has strengthened our offerings and enhanced our profile.
- Build upon programming and events in the area of music and arts ensuring they align with primary operating objectives.
- Continue and improve the camp program engaging approximately 70 children per day during the summer so we continue an important connection with the community.
- Build on existing relationships with schools to bring in as many as 50 school trips per year.
Finance and Operations
- Develop annual budgets that are consistent with the Muskoka Discovery Centre's approved strategic and operational plans.
- Grow the paid visitor count from 20,000 to 35,000 resulting in additional revenues of approximately $500,000 (a doubling of what it is today).
- Produce significant increase in profitability in the first three years.
Fundraising and Resource Development
- Collaborate in the planning and implementation of a robust fundraising strategy with a focus on securing funding from government, corporations, foundations, partnerships, and individual donors.
- Develop sound marketing and communication strategies that express and enhance the mission of Muskoka Discovery Centre and facilitates donor engagement.
- Re-establish a retail business with merchandise that reflects the exhibit content of the MDC.
Human Resources
- The GM will ensure goals of safety, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness (DEI) among staff and volunteers and work intentionally to ensure they are met.
- Having effective HR policies of position descriptions and performance management will be a priority, including necessary training documentation and education to ensure consistent application.
Resource Links
MSDC Website
Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre Website
MSDC Overview Document
Overview of the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre
Our Team
Our Team
YouTube
YouTube
About the Requirements
- A university degree or college diploma.
- Specialization in tourism, attraction or business management.
- Experience in tourism marketing or related field.
- A person who strongly identifies with the vision and mission of the organization and the importance of sharing Indigenous and non-Indigenous history with local, national and international audiences.
- A person who accepts the practicalities of working with limited budgets that are supplemented with Government programs.
- Effective motivator of staff and volunteers to coalesce around key operating objectives.
- Innovative and creative approach to converting opportunities and solving problems.
- A person who leads by example with an emphasis on collaboration.
- A person who understands and embraces the seasonality of the business and resulting demands on their time.
- A person who understands the value and necessity of good budgeting, how critical financial controls are, and the importance of collecting business data for better management.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, Social Media Channels, and electronic communications.
About the Compensation
Compensation
- The compensation range is dependent upon candidate qualifications, skills and prior relevant experience.
Benefits
- 3 weeks vacation; with additional days around Christmas.
- Laptop
- Cell phone plan coverage.
- Mileage reimbursement when personal vehicle used for business-related travel.
- Comprehensive benefit plan.
- Opportunity for professional development.
Workplace Environment
- Primarily in-person at Muskoka Discovery Centre located at 275 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1Z9.
- Occasionally requires presentations to community groups, networking or fundraising events.
- The GM will be expected to work some evenings and weekends during the summer season when the work environment is fast paced with frequent short-term deadlines. Critical or unusual situations occur regularly.
- This activity will contrast with a more normal pace in the off season.
- In the winter, activity in the MDC decreases, providing a needed opportunity for business planning, relationship nurturing, and exhibit development.
- A high level of professionalism and adaptability is required.
Apply For This Role
Cause Leadership Inc. is managing this leadership search on behalf of The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre.
Individuals interested in being considered for this opportunity are invited to apply below.
Please upload your cover letter and resume.
The search will remain open until a successful candidate is selected. We thank all interested parties but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
