Halifax Jazz Festival seeking candidates for Board of Directors

Board Involvement

For a week in July, the Halifax Waterfront transforms into the home of the TD Halifax Jazz Festival. We’re dedicated to bringing new, exciting music, and established Canadian and International talent to Halifax to make the biggest music festival in Nova Scotia. Over 55,000 music fans from all over experience genre spanning music – jazz to world to blues to pop and everything in between. The Festival involves 400 volunteers and employs over 350 local musicians.

The Halifax Jazz Festival (HJF), formed as JazzEast Rising, is a non-profit organization created in 1987 to present the first ever Halifax Jazz Festival (formerly known as the Atlantic Jazz Festival) in Nova Scotia, Canada. As a registered charity, HJF has widened its horizons beyond the successful TD Halifax Jazz Festival to become involved, throughout the year, in a diverse range of musical and educational activities. In brief, we think jazz is important to the culture which we'd like to have, and we want to make sure that kind of culture is strong in Halifax, where we love to live.

The HJF is actively recruiting volunteers to serve on our board of directors and to contribute to the oversight of our diverse, vibrant and growing organization.

About You

Though not an exhaustive list, the HJF is particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience and knowledge in one or more of the following:

• Sponsorship and Fundraising
• Ability, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity
• Marketing and Communication
• Appreciation for Jazz Music

In addition to those areas, we strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences and are keen to consider new professional candidates (19-30 years old) interested in developing governance and leadership skills.

What does the HJF look for in an effective Board Member?

• Integrity, professionalism, leadership and good governance
• Respect for all people and abilities
• Critical thinking and sound judgment
• A focus on community engagement and education
• Excellent communication skills
• Able to combine a strategic vision and tactical planning to develop the HJF organization
• Strong commercial acumen and risk awareness
• Passion for live music and contributing to our diverse community

The Commitment

HJF Board members serve for a 3-year term and, during this time, may have the opportunity to serve as part of our executive. Continuation for additional 3 year terms is available for board members who choose to renew their membership.

Board meetings are held once a month and committee meetings as required. It is expected that directors:

?????I.????????regularly attend board meetings and contribute to, at minimum, one committee

????II.????????remain informed and think actively about HJF policies, programs and services

???III.????????represent and advocate for the HJF’s best interests

??IV.????????commit to the principles of the pursuit of excellence and continual improvement

During the festival and throughout the year, it is expected that HJF board members are present and visible with an eye towards continual improvement of the festival experience and enhancement of the festival’s relationship with our community, partners and stakeholders.

To submit an expression of interest or for more information please contact Paul Chui (Chair of the Nominating Committee) at info@halifaxjazzfestival.ca. Please include “Halifax Jazz Festival Board – Expression of Interest” in your subject line and describe your most memorable festival experience in your letter.

Our Nominating Committee will review submissions by April 30, 2023 and successful candidates will be contacted for further discussion following that review. Please contact us if you require any accommodations or supports for the submission process.

For more information about the Halifax Jazz Festival, please visit and explore our website?halifaxjazzfestival.ca