Director of Business Operations

Company Overview

Quest Theatre (Calgary/Moh’kinsstis) is searching for a full-time (40 hours per week) energetic, entrepreneurial and outstanding Director of Business Operations to manage, in collaboration with the Artistic Director, our small and mighty team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall administrative, financial, and daily operations of Calgary’s only professional TYA (Theatre for Young Audience) Company. The Director of Business Operations is one of the two senior management positions at Quest Theatre that reports to the Board of Directors.

Your time will be divided between:

-        Management (approx. 35%)

-        Finance (approx. 25%)

-        Fundraising/Development (approx. 20%)

-        Planning (approx. 10%)

-        Marketing/Communications/Events (approx. 10%)

Job Description

Major responsibilities include:

Management

• Work in collaboration with the Artistic Director in delivering the annual programming for the company, including annual school touring productions; school drama education programs; evening drama classes, seasonal drama camps; play development; and community engagement.
• Manage the administrative and artistic staff and workforce (including full-time, part-time, seasonal and contract) through the employment cycle: recruit, negotiate and administer contracts, including Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) contracts; lead annual performance reviews; and encourage personal development and terminate as required
• Maintain and enforce effective and relevant employee policies and procedures.
• Maintain professional contacts and be active in theatre community to understand the landscape and identify risks and opportunities.
• Keep abreast of theatre trends and activities. This includes travel to and participation in conferences and showcases as required.
• Ensure external partnerships/collaborations are appropriately documented and administered.
• Execute the development, implementation and follow through of multi-year strategic and operational plans as approved by the Board of Directors.
• Prepare quarterly management reports identifying emerging issues, opportunities, and risks for the Board of Directors, in collaboration with the Artistic Director.
• Escalate issues to the Board if/when required.
• Provide support for the organization of all Board of Director and Committee meetings, as required. Attend meetings when requested.

Finance

•         In collaboration with the Artistic Director, create annual budgets for Board approval and funding asks.
•         Prepare government operating grant applications including budget and needs justification in collaboration with the Artistic Director.
•         Maintain and monitor internal accounting controls to ensure appropriate business processes are in place
•         Follow approval guidelines for any agreements, investments or purchases
•         Report to all regulatory and funding bodies as required, including Canada Revenue Agency, Alberta Gaming and all civic, provincial and federal funding bodies.
•         Identify other project and capital funding opportunities
•         Prepare quarterly financial updates to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
•         Prepare and manage the annual financial audit.

Fundraising/Development

•        Oversee the annual fundraising and sponsorship campaigns.
•         With the support of staff and the Board Advancement Committee, develop and maintain a strategic fund development plan, fundraising campaigns, casino applications and targeted fundraising requests.
•         Actively recruit sponsors, donors and other supporters in line with Quest’s advancement goals set out in its strategic plan.
•         Maintain strong relationships with sponsors, donors and supporters throughout the season to solicit continued support.

Planning

•         In partnership with the Artistic Director, develop both long- and short-term action plans that support advancement of the organization’s mission and reflects the artistic direction.
•       Maintain, replace and purchase capital assets
•         Oversee the development and implementation of marketing, advertising and communication strategies and plans.
•         Manage organizational risks through sufficient policies, processes and procedures, appropriate insurance coverage, security measures and professional advice.

Marketing/Communications/Events

•         Create key messages for stakeholders in collaboration with marketing team and Artistic Director
•         Oversee marketing channels and activities such as printed materials, advertising, website, social media, direct mail, PR and phone campaigns.
•         Plan and oversee occasional events that advance Quest Theatre such as public performances, reports to the community, gatherings and celebrations.
•         Represent Quest Theatre at events in the community and across the industry.
•      There may be other duties consistent with the role and position of Director of Business Operations, as assigned by the Board of Directors.

The ideal candidate…

You are an extremely organized and professional arts leader who isn’t afraid to jump in and move our organization forward. You look for possibilities and strategic opportunities, all with an eye to advancing Quest’s mission and ensuring a creative, resilient organization.

You are skilled at managing people and budgets, and likely have a business and/or arts degree, or equivalent management/leadership experience. You are a skilled networker and know how to write grants and funder reports, as well as attract and steward funders, sponsors, donors and partners. Partnership and contract negotiations are second nature, and you have familiarity with CAEA, PACT & the Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) or similar agreements.

Computer skills with Microsoft Office experience are a must. Familiarity with Microsoft Teams/SharePoint, Sage Accounting, CADAC & VBO are advantageous.

You are light-hearted, a team player and a clear communicator who is committed to ensuring that our organization embraces its values, is sustainable and is grounded in ongoing work in the areas of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Experience leading a non-profit arts organization, risk management, strategic planning and serving on or working with a Board of Directors would be an advantage.

A Calgary Police Information Check (paid by Quest Theatre) is a requirement. A valid driver’s license and comfort driving our small fleet of touring vans is preferred.

Contract Details

This is a full-time, salaried position and the intended start date is in Q1 of 2026. Salary range starts at $60,000 per year and increases based on qualifications and experience. The compensation package also includes a group health insurance plan for you and your family, RRSP contribution, bring-your-own-device allowance, paid vacation time, and additional paid time off between December 24th and January 1st.

Working hours will be mutually agreed upon and will most likely fall between 8am-5pm Monday to Friday with room for flexible working hours, occasional evening and weekend work as well as travel requirements. We have an office at cSPACE, and some remote working is also an option, but you must be based in the Calgary area. A laptop and IT support will be provided.