St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Venor is proud to partner with our client, St. John’s Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (SJSEL), on their search for a Chief Executive Officer. SJSEL owns and operates the Mary Brown’s Centre (MBC) and the St. John’s Convention Centre (SJCC) in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Incorporated in 1999, the organization is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the City of St. John’s.

The mandate of SJSEL is to operate exceptional facilities that provide value to citizens, businesses, and visitors by attracting events and activities that generate economic benefit and enhance community vibrancy. SJSEL employs approximately 385 full and part-time employees, consisting of management, non-unionized, unionized, and casual staff positions.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides executive leadership and management of SJSEL (i.e., MBC and SJCC). This includes the creation and execution of SJSEL’s strategic plan, operations, and governance to ensure the organization’s continued success. The CEO will effectively communicate and promote SJSEL’s mission and strategic priorities while exercising significant judgement in formulating and guiding strategic business decisions. As a strategic and creative leader, the CEO will lead long-term organizational and revenue growth while developing and maintaining important relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partners and associations, including promoters, sponsors, clients, tenants, the City of St. John’s and guests.

As the ideal candidate for this role, you will have a post-secondary degree with at least 7-10 years in executive level leadership, and/or equivalent education and experience. You have exceptional business acumen and a comprehensive understanding of the industry and marketplace, and are a decisive goal-oriented leader with creative problem solving and a proactive focus on continuous improvement and strategic thinking. You demonstrate effective organizational leadership while managing complex projects and corporate initiatives with multiple partners, and have experience leading and motivating a talented management team and staff. You have proven experience managing and monitoring the performance of a business against business plan targets, and have worked directly with a Board of Directors, committee or governing body. As an established leader, effective communicator, and team builder, you have led a team to successful goal achievement based on the strategic plan. Media and public relations experience is considered a valuable asset.

SJSEL embraces a culture of belonging in the workplace. No matter who you are, where you’re from, how you think, what you believe in, or who you love, your application is welcome. Diversity is appreciated and there is understanding that we all come from different backgrounds and different walks of life, bringing in unique perspectives and experiences. Applications from 2SLGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), women, newcomers to Canada, and people with disabilities are encouraged. If you require any accommodation in the application and interview process, please let us know.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please contact Jessica Snelgrove at jsnelgrove@venor.ca, Graham Langill at graham@venor.ca, or Beverley Evans at bevans@venor.ca.