Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director
Reports To: President
Location: Toronto (In-person)
Website: www.actratoronto.com

The Organization

ACTRA Toronto is the largest branch of ACTRA (the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists), the union representing performers in the film, radio, television, and digital media industries. It is the largest organization of cultural workers in Canada.

ACTRA Toronto’s jurisdiction extends across Ontario (excluding the National Capital Region) and represents over 15,000 of ACTRA’s 30,000 members. Founded in 1943 as the Radio Artists of Toronto Society, ACTRA has played a vital role in advancing performers’ rights, championing equity, and strengthening the creative industries that define Canada’s cultural identity.

ACTRA negotiates and enforces collective agreements on behalf of its members with producers and engagers. These agreements set the minimum standards of pay, safety, and working conditions across independent film production, commercials, radio, television drama, video games, and digital media.

ACTRA Toronto

ACTRA Toronto is seeking a dynamic and experienced labour leader to serve as its Executive Director and help advance the priorities of Ontario performers within Canada’s screen-based industries.

ACTRA Toronto represents thousands of performers working in film, television, streaming, commercials, digital media, videogames, and emerging performance sectors. The Executive Director works in partnership with the branch’s elected leadership to protect performers’ rights, strengthen collective agreements, expand employment opportunities, and build the collective power and participation of the membership.

The Executive Director reports to the elected President and ACTRA Toronto Council and serves as a principal staff advisor to provide analysis, operational planning and strategic guidance. They are also responsible for the day-to-day administration and operational leadership of the branch.

The Executive Director leads ACTRA Toronto by overseeing department Directors who directly manage the work of ACTRA Toronto’s unionized staff, who are responsible for bargaining support, contract enforcement, organizing, communications, finance, membership services, cultural and government outreach, and administration.

The Executive Director ensures that branch operations are well managed, financially sound, and strategically aligned with Council priorities. This includes overseeing financial stewardship, internal systems, staff development, and organizational risk management to ensure ACTRA Toronto remains a strong, effective, and responsive union for its members.

The Executive Director supports and implements the strategic direction set by elected leadership and does not unilaterally determine union policy.

Beyond these responsibilities, ACTRA Toronto seeks an Executive Director with substantial experience in labour relations, organizational leadership, and building grassroots power. The ideal candidate will support the vision of elected leaders and will understand the unique position of performers as both workers and artists within the entertainment industry.

Core Responsibilities

Collective Bargaining

The Executive Director oversees and directs staff support for collective bargaining preparation and negotiations in collaboration with elected leadership, bargaining committees, and ACTRA National where applicable.

Union Organizing and Jurisdiction

The Executive Director directs staff and supports member-led efforts to strengthen ACTRA Toronto’s jurisdiction and expand union coverage within historic and emerging areas of production. These efforts are intended to increase employment opportunities for performers and strengthen the union’s presence across the screen-based industry.

Contract Enforcement and Member Protection

The Executive Director oversees and supports staff responsible for administering and enforcing ACTRA Agreements and guidelines. They also serve as a support for members in matters related to workplace issues, contract enforcement, and performer advocacy.

Strategic Planning

The Executive Director plays a key advisory role in shaping strategy with the President and Council while ensuring the effective implementation of strategic priorities and annual operations.

Organizational Leadership and Operations

The Executive Director is the operational leader for ACTRA Toronto, directing staff in the delivery of effective services to members and ensuring that the organization’s resources, systems, and personnel are aligned with Council priorities.

The Executive Director oversees the internal systems and practices across finance, contracts, membership services, and communications.

Financial Stewardship and Risk Management

The Executive Director oversees the administration of ACTRA Toronto’s finances, including budgets, financial reporting, reserve funds and internal mechanisms. The Executive Director works with the Treasurer and the Director of Finance to identify and mitigate financial, operational, legal, and reputational risks.

Advocacy, Government Relations, and Communications

The Executive Director oversees staff responsible for member facing communications, public advocacy, and engagement with industry stakeholders, and works with ACTRA Toronto Council to build robust member led advocacy campaigns and lobbying efforts.

Industry Change and Emerging Technology

The Executive Director works with elected leadership and staff to monitor and respond to emerging issues affecting performers, including, but not limited to, technological change such as artificial intelligence, evolving production models and emerging digital platforms.

Industry Development and Cultural Economy

The Executive Director supports staff and member-led initiatives that expand employment opportunities for performers and strengthen the role of professional performers within Ontario’s creative economy. These efforts contribute to a vibrant domestic screen industry in which the creative working class continues to thrive while supporting economic activity and cultural sovereignty in Canada.

Labour Cooperation

The Executive Director supports ACTRA Toronto’s relationships with ACTRA National, other ACTRA branches, entertainment industry unions and guilds, and labour organizations across Canada.

Commitment to Union Democracy and Transparency

ACTRA Toronto is a democratic member-driven union which operates under Bylaws and Constitutional governance documents. The Executive Director is expected to support a culture of union democracy, transparency, and member participation, working closely with the President and Council to ensure the union remains accountable to its membership.

Other Duties

The responsibilities outlined above are intended to describe the general nature and scope of the role and are not an exhaustive list of all duties.

Qualifications and Experience

Senior leadership experience in a union, trade association, or complex member-based organization.
Demonstrated expertise in labour relations, governance support, and organizational leadership.
Strong financial and operational management experience, including budget oversight and risk management.
Experience working within politically dynamic environments requiring sound judgment and diplomacy.
Knowledge of, or the capacity to quickly learn, the screen-based entertainment industry and performers’ working conditions.

Leadership Attributes

Values-driven and member-focused.
Calm under pressure and decisive when required.
Comfortable operating in a highly visible and politically sensitive environment.
Respects governance boundaries while providing strong executive leadership.
Brings clarity, judgment, and stability in complex situations.
Compensation and Benefits

·         Salary: Commensurate with experience (CAD)

·         Benefits: Comprehensive package including health insurance, RRSP contributions, vacation, and sick days

·         Professional Development: Ongoing opportunities for learning and leadership growth.

Please apply directly to Kate Ziegler, President, kziegler@actratoronto.com and Paul Constable, Treasurer, pconstable@actratoronto.com. Deadline is March 30, 2026.