The Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) is a national labour organization representing over 7,800 professionals working in Canada’s screen-based industry. With a legacy dating back to 1962, the DGC plays a critical role in supporting and advancing the interests and rights of its members. The breadth and depth of diversity in our Membership is extraordinary, as we represent production and postproduction personnel ranging in seniority from Directors and Heads of Department to Production Assistants and Trainees in up to nine departments, which vary across the country. Through collective bargaining, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, the Guild plays a vital role in shaping public policy, promoting Canadian content, and supporting a vibrant, inclusive, and globally recognized screen industry. The DGC is a networked umbrella organization. The central hub is the national office, headed by the National Executive Director, who reports to the NEB. Extending outward from that hub are eight district councils, each with their own boards, offices and staff complements. The National Executive Board (NEB) is the governing body of the DGC, comprised of a President, four elected officers, the Chairs of each of its eight District Councils, the Chair of the National Directors Division, and National Representatives of its departmental caucuses.

As a recognized leader in Canada’s cultural sector, the DGC is committed to fostering a vibrant, sustainable production landscape that reflects the country’s creative diversity and world class talent. With a history rooted in artistic excellence and collaborative achievement, the Guild continues to be a cornerstone of Canada’s screen storytelling industry – supporting its members, advocating for shared values, and helping shape the future of Canadian content at home and abroad.

The Directors Guild of Canada is seeking a National Executive Director with a deep understanding of Canada’s screen-based industry, a comprehensive knowledge of the global marketplace and a commitment to the vital roles, value and contributions that DGC Members display every day. As a strategic and operational leader, the National Executive Director will be action-oriented and results-driven, responsible for advancing the Guild’s mission and delivering on priorities set by the National Executive Board. This leader will oversee national operations, foster alignment and collaboration across regional councils, and represent the Guild in industry, government, and public forums. This is a pivotal role in championing the DGC’s values, supporting its diverse membership, and shaping the future of Canadian screen-based storytelling.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, service-oriented leader who is collaborative, approachable, and deeply committed to the needs of a diverse, member-focused organization. With a strong understanding of the screen-based industry and the role of an association in advancing its members' interests, the successful candidate brings a proven track record in advocacy, organizational strategy, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong knowledge of the public policy landscape in which both the cultural sector and labour organizations operate across the country, as well as the realities and challenges the industry faces. You are a thoughtful and effective communicator who listens actively, builds trust, and fosters meaningful relationships with members, government, and industry partners. With tact, diplomacy, and a shared vision, you lead with integrity and purpose – cultivating a progressive, inclusive, and forward-looking organization. Bilingualism in English and French is a strong asset.

To Apply

To fill this position, the Directors Guild of Canada has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online ideally by Sept 30th.

We would like to thank all applicants but regret that we are only able to personally contact those individuals whose backgrounds best match the requirements for the role.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Directors Guild of Canada is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers and the Directors Guild of Canada throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.