Artistic and Managing Director

Company Overview

Founded in 1974, Théâtre la Seizième is the main French language, professional theatre company in British Columbia. Since its creation, la Seizième contributes to the richness and diversity of the performing arts through its activities in new play development, production, presentation, and touring in French. Through powerful experiences that reflect the very best of francophone performing arts, from here and elsewhere, our company aims to inspire, enrich, and bring together diverse audiences.

In the position of Artistic and Managing director, you will be the head of a dynamic company developing a wide range of projects. With a focus on contemporary creations, our programming consists of a mainstage season, a young audiences season, a series of drama workshops, and a training and dramaturgical development program for local artists.

Job Description

CONTRACT LENGTH: Permanent position
START DATE: November 2022 (to be discussed)

 CANDIDATE PROFILE

Under the authority of the board of directors, the Artistic and Managing Director works in collaboration with the Administrative Director to fulfill the mandate, as well as the artistic, strategic and financials goals of the company. They will elaborate artistic programming and projects which reflect the company’s values of openness, risk, and passion. They will lead the organization, the artistic community, and the francophone community of British Columbia with positivity.

The right candidate will have thorough artistic experience and the capacity to develop important partnerships. Their professional practice will have allowed them to develop analytical capacities and financial management skills for the sound governance of the company. They will also demonstrate competency in internal communication and public relations, in team leadership, and organizational management. Finally, the selected candidate will be established in Vancouver for the length of their contract.

RESPONSIBILITIES

General management

• Ensures the continued growth and fulfillment of the multi-year strategic plan
• In collaboration with the board of directors, they are responsible for the financial decisions, to ensure the company’s solvency and financial stability
• Organizes and participates in board meetings
• Supervises and contributes to the company’s grant writing efforts
• Oversees the successful development of infrastructure and acquisition projects
• Hires the company’s staff members and contractors
• Supervises and orients the work of employees and contractors, as well as evaluates their progress.
• Contributes to the establishment and implementation of fundraising efforts.
• Supervises the development and application of policies and procedures

Programming

• Develops the artistic programming and supervises its implementation
• Plans the company’s annual budget
• Organizes adequate training, as well as audience outreach and development activities
• Negotiates the contracts for the implementation of the theatrical season
• Hires and supervises the creative teams and any support staff needed for the realisation of artistic projects
• Develops and cultivates strong relationships with the pool of local artists
• Develops partnerships and rich relationships with members of the local, national and international artistic communities

Public relations

• Acts as spokesperson for Théâtre la Seizième with the media, with different levels of government, with public and private organizations, as well as with the audiences
• Ensures the active presence of the company in the francophone community, and alongside other artistic associations
• Supports and orients the development of marketing strategies and communication plans

SELECTION CRITERIA

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar or connected role
• Significant experience in artistic positions in professional theatre
• Demonstrates capacities in management, administration, or production
• Excellent knowledge of the artistic scene and its challenges, in British Columbia, francophone Canada, and in Quebec
• Proficiency in Canada’s two official languages (French and English, spoken and written)
• Leadership, versatility and creativity
• Knowledge of productivity software, social media, and ideally, the following tools: QuickBooks, Microsoft Teams, Airtable, Tuxedo