vAct is seeking an experienced and visionary Artistic Managing Director to provide leadership for both the artistic and business activities of the Company. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the successful candidate will be responsible for creating and executing the artistic vision of the Company in accordance with the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors. The Artistic Managing Director is responsible for the overall artistic vision and operations of the Company, including programming, hiring directors, casting, and technical operations. In addition to artistic responsibilities, the Artistic Managing Director is also directly responsible for the administrative operations of the Company, including strategic and business planning, budgeting, marketing, and funding development.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner with the General Manager and the Board of Directors in developing a compelling artistic vision and strategic plan to guide the Company in its position as Canada’s sole exclusive producer of new work by Asian Canadian artists
- Create and execute the artistic programs to reflect the Company’s commitment to excellence for both audiences and artists
- Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects of the Company’s artistic and operational activities to achieve balance between Company’s artistic direction and financial stability
- Work with the Board of Directors and the General Manager to lead and implement a strategic planning cycle for the organization that identifies short and long term artistic and organizational goals
- Develop and maintain positive relationships within the local, regional, and national professional theatre industry, Vancouver community groups, educational institutions, and other organizations and individuals to build partnerships that achieve the goals of the Company
- Foster a culture of collaboration and open communication throughout the Company
- Serve as the ambassador and primary spokesperson for the Company, developing a strategic organizational culture and effectively communicating it to align with the Company’s brand, vision, mission and values
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with representatives of government agencies at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels
- Enhance the Company’s profile and brand in the community by attending events and participating in initiatives which are in keeping with the Company’s mission and values
Theatre Operations and Management
- Work collaboratively with the General Manager to achieve the goals established in vAct’s Strategic Plan
- Work with the General Manager to develop operational priorities and processes that enable the Company to operate at its highest efficiency, ensure financial stability and organizational resilience
- Negotiate and secure performance rights to plays
- Approve and select producing partnerships and creative teams for the development and production of projects
- Oversee the hiring of Directors for each production and contribute to casting and design decisions as required
- Support the Company’s programs that develop new Asian Canadian plays and playwrights
- Through the selection of compelling theatre productions, generate excitement among local and regional audiences, sponsors and funders that support subscriptions, attendance and enthusiasm for vAct
- Report to the Board of Directors on a regular basis to update on artistic and operational activity; translate strategic direction from the Board of Directors into plans, tactics and actions
Internal Administration and External Advocacy
- Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, accountable for timely, accurate and transparent communication and reporting to the Board
- Work with the General Manager to prepare and present a comprehensive annual budget to the Board of Directors
- Provide oversight to the expenditures related to artistic programming to achieve budget objectives
- Participate in key funding development campaigns and strategic initiatives including working with the General Manager in the process of timely grant application, preparation and reporting
- Engage with corporate sponsors, donors and sponsors, and public funders on significant fund development initiatives and events as required
- Participate in marketing and communications initiatives that support audience development, patron loyalty, and community engagement objectives
Defining Success
The successful candidate will join a dynamic team of artists and arts administrators, along with a passionate Board of Directors. Critical success factors for the Artistic Managing Director within the first 12 months include:
- Developing a deep understanding of the Company, its operations (artistic and business), and internal culture and values
- Building trusting relationships with the Board of Directors, the General Manager, other direct reports, staff and volunteers
- Establishing relationships with key external stakeholders, including private and public funders, donors and subscribers, media, industry peers, and leaders within the local arts community
- Developing key relationships within Vancouver’s diverse theatre community
- Maintaining an ongoing understanding of current trends in Canadian professional theatre by networking with peers, participating in industry conferences, and attending theatre productions of peer organizations when possible
- Programming a diverse and compelling season
Professional Experience / Qualifications / Skills
The Artistic Managing Director is an experienced theatre professional with a deep understanding of the not-for-profit professional theatre sector and senior leadership experience in non-commercial theatre. The individual has extensive experience as an Artistic Director, progressive leadership experience, and producing experience within a small to mid-size regional theatre environment. Candidates considering this position should have all or most of the following experience and qualifications:
- Relevant background in a senior creative leadership role with a professional theatre company, festival or as a freelance director with experience programming and producing diverse theatre across multiple stages
- Proven track record in successfully leading operations of an organization with artistic success and financial sustainability
- Reputation for creating and articulating an artistic vision for a professional theatre organization with deep roots in a community
- Industry recognition for developing, producing or directing challenging, thought-provoking, and entertaining plays for large and small stages
- Ability to work collaboratively with the General Manager and the Board of Directors to develop and implement a strategic plan in alignment with the trends and conditions of the community and the Company’s strategic plan
- Advanced network of theatre artists across Canada and beyond and the ability to engage them in the creative opportunities with the Company while also nurturing the dynamic local community of theatre artists
- Past experience developing a diverse team of creative artists, designers, and arts administrators through mentorship and professional development resulting in a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration across the organization
- Extensive experience in all operational logistics associated with producing and mounting successful plays including touring productions
- Capacity to serve as the primary spokesperson on behalf of the Company when required and to effectively establish relationships within the regional business, arts, and government circles to advocate on behalf of the Company
- Demonstrated skills as an effective mediator and negotiator
Personal Characteristics
- Passion for vAct’s mission, vision and creating an environment for audiences to experience compelling and challenging Asian Canadian stories on stage
- Sensitivity and awareness of the profusion of thought and culture in Asia and the Asian diaspora
- Collaborative individual who seeks input from others and who works cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
- Clear and articulate communicator (written and oral) capable of understanding and summarizing complex issues and with the ability to deliver compelling presentations designed to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders
- Enhanced leadership skills with the ability to positively influence staff members and others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the Company
- Ability to delegate effectively and to hold staff accountable to high standards of professionalism
- Energetic and mature individual who demonstrates confidence, resilience, and problem-solving acumen when confronted with obstacles
- Ability to convey patience and empathy and understand the point of view of others
- Belief in supporting and empowering staff to achieve operational goals, ability to lead a team and inspire leadership in others
- Capacity to utilize innovation to develop new and unique ways to improve the artistic and business operations of the Company
- Outgoing personality with the sincere desire to engage stakeholders in the Company and its mission through actively networking and advocating the merits of vAct in a positive and persuasive manner.
Education
The successful candidate will have completed an undergraduate degree in a creative theatre discipline or a related field. Additional graduate studies are desirable but not required.
Working Environment
- This role operates in an office environment, as well as overseeing work taking place in theatres, scene shops, studios, and other external locations, dependent on the nature of the artistic work being presented or considered
- Hours of work can exceed 40 hours per week during productions
- Periods of high work volume should be expected during productions
- Evening and weekend work required, particularly during the run of plays
- Some travel required from time to time, typically no more than 3 weeks per year.
Compensation
A competitive compensation package is provided. The final compensation profile will range from $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.
Expressions of Interest and Verification
Interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their cover letter and curriculum vitae in confidence to: president@vact.ca. Deadline to apply is August 31, 2021. Please note that only individuals eligible to work in Canada will be considered. We thank all applicants but only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Finalist candidates will undergo a comprehensive referencing and background verification process, including an Education Verification, Criminal Record, and Vulnerable Sector check.
See our full Position Specification here.
