Interim Executive DirectorCathedral Basilica Foundation NL
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Full-Time, Fixed-Term Position (13 Months)
About the Cathedral Basilica Foundation NLThe Cathedral Basilica Foundation NL is an independent registered charity entrusted with the stewardship, preservation, and sustainable future of the historic Basilica Block in downtown St. John’s.
The Foundation is responsible for the care and management of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, the Palace Commons, historic grounds, and associated heritage spaces. Working at the intersection of heritage preservation, community engagement, arts and culture, tourism, philanthropy, and property stewardship, the Foundation is building a sustainable future for one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most significant historic places.
The OpportunityThe Cathedral Basilica Foundation NL is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and highly organized leader to serve as Interim Executive Director during a maternity leave.
This is a fixed-term maternity leave replacement beginning December 1, 2026 and continuing through December 31, 2027. The successful candidate will work alongside the current Executive Director during an initial transition and knowledge-transfer period before assuming full responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and operations of the Foundation during the Executive Director’s maternity leave.
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is comfortable leading a dynamic charitable organization with a broad mandate and a diverse range of stakeholders. The Interim Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, tenants, community partners, donors, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure continuity of operations and continued progress on the Foundation’s strategic priorities.
Key ResponsibilitiesReporting to the Board of Directors, the Interim Executive Director will provide overall leadership and management of the Foundation, including:
- Providing day-to-day leadership and oversight of the Foundation’s operations, staff, facilities, programs, and administrative functions;
- Supporting the implementation of the Foundation’s Strategic Plan and priorities established by the Board;
- Working closely with the Board Chair, Executive Committee, Board committees, and Directors to support effective governance and decision-making;
- Preparing reports, briefing materials, agendas, and other information required by the Board;
- Providing leadership and supervision to Foundation staff and fostering a positive, collaborative working environment;
- Overseeing the ongoing stewardship, maintenance, security, and use of the Foundation’s historic buildings and grounds in collaboration with staff, contractors, consultants, and partners;
- Managing relationships with tenants, renters, community organizations, arts and cultural partners, tourism partners, and other users of Foundation properties;
- Supporting fundraising, donor stewardship, grant applications, sponsorships, and other revenue-development initiatives;
- Overseeing public programming, tours, events, venue rentals, and community engagement activities;
- Working with the Treasurer, staff, and external professionals to support responsible financial management, budgeting, reporting, and organizational accountability;
- Supporting communications, marketing, and the continued development of the Foundation’s public profile;
- Maintaining productive relationships with government, heritage organizations, community partners, and other key stakeholders;
- Ensuring appropriate organizational policies, procedures, records, agreements, and reporting requirements are maintained; and
- Responding to emerging operational matters and other responsibilities that arise in the management of a complex heritage property and charitable organization.
Transition PeriodThe successful candidate will begin on December 1, 2026 and work alongside the current Executive Director during an initial transition and knowledge-transfer period. This will provide an opportunity to become familiar with the Foundation’s operations, Board and governance processes, staff, properties, tenants, partners, ongoing projects, financial and administrative processes, and strategic priorities.
The Interim Executive Director will assume full responsibility for the role upon the commencement of the Executive Director’s maternity leave and will continue in the position through December 31, 2027.
Qualifications and ExperienceThe Foundation recognizes that strong candidates may bring experience from a variety of professional backgrounds. The successful candidate will ideally demonstrate:
- Significant experience in organizational leadership, management, administration, or a related senior role;
- Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously;
- Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders;
- Sound judgment, discretion, initiative, and problem-solving ability;
- Experience supervising and supporting staff;
- Financial literacy and experience working with budgets, financial reporting, or organizational finances;
- An understanding of the charitable or not-for-profit sector;
- Experience in one or more areas such as heritage, arts and culture, tourism, fundraising, community development, property/facilities management, or public administration would be considered an asset; and
- An appreciation for the historic, cultural, architectural, and community significance of the Basilica Block.
A combination of education and relevant professional experience will be considered.
The Ideal CandidateThe successful candidate will be someone who can step into an active organization, quickly understand its priorities, and provide steady and thoughtful leadership during a period of transition.
They will be comfortable moving between strategic and operational responsibilities - from working with the Board on organizational priorities to addressing the practical day-to-day needs of a busy heritage property.
Above all, the Interim Executive Director will be a collaborative leader who values good governance, strong relationships, responsible stewardship, and the important place the Basilica Block holds within the community.
Term- Start Date: December 1, 2026
- Transition/Overlap Period with Current Executive Director: December 2026-Upon commencement of the Executive Director’s maternity leave
- Full Interim Responsibility: Upon commencement of the Executive Director’s maternity leave
- End Date: December 31, 2027
- Term: 13-month fixed-term maternity leave replacement
CompensationCompensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
How to ApplyInterested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and résumé outlining their qualifications and relevant experience to:
Governance & Human Resources Committee
Cathedral Basilica Foundation NL
chair@basilicafoundation.ca
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and the Foundation may begin interviewing qualified candidates prior to the application deadline.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Cathedral Basilica Foundation NL is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process and welcomes applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.
