Executive Director

Company Overview

Driven by a passion to serve its audiences in bold and innovative ways, Gateway Theatre enriches the quality of life in Richmond and surrounding communities by creating outstanding artistic offerings and by serving as a dynamic hub for the performing arts. To achieve our organizational mission and connect with the changing population of Richmond, we employ staff with eclectic and multifaceted expertise. As a group we take risks, we empower, we go beyond, we listen. We embrace difference as something that challenges our understanding and provokes our growth. So, if you won’t settle for the expected, you have found your crew.

Job Description

Duties and accountabilities of the Executive Director include, but are not limited to the following areas of responsibility and priorities, as directed by Gateway Theatre’s Board of Directors and in collaboration with the artistic leadership and staff:

A. Planning and Strategic Priorities 

• Work with the Board, the Director of Artistic Programs and the team to build on the previous strategy work and spearhead the next phase of strategic planning for the future of the Gateway. 

• Adopt an approach to strategic and operational initiatives that considers and manages risk, while supporting the artistic vision and mission of the organization. 

• Lead, advance, and promote initiatives and an overall organizational culture in line with the Gateway’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Plan.

B. Finance & Revenue Generation

Financial Management

• Monitor and control revenues and expenditures to ensure budgetary guidelines are maintained 

• Ensure the maintenance of budget controls and reporting systems 

• Work with the Finance Manager, the Director of Artistic Programs and management staff to develop and finalize the annual operating budget 

Fund Development & Revenue Generation

• In conjunction with the relevant staff, oversee Gateway’s private sector revenue generation streams including but not limited to ticket sales, fundraising, rentals, education programs and concessions to ensure efficacy, viability, and implementation of best practices 

• Maintain relationships and reporting accountabilities for Gateway’s public sector funders 

• With the Director of Artistic Programs and Development staff, play an active role in fundraising 

C. External Relationships and Communications 

Stakeholder & Public Relations

• Promote the image of Gateway Theatre within the general public and theatre community in conjunction with the Board and Director of Artistic Programs 

• Oversee the development and implementation of marketing and communication strategies with the team 

• Be the chief staff liaison with the City of Richmond Council and City of Richmond Staff 

• With the Director of Artistic Programs, serve as the theatre’s representative at all levels of government, and at national, provincial and municipal service organizations and other outside groups 

D. Organizational Leadership

Human Resource Management 

• Lead and maintain a positive and effective organizational culture - support the functioning of staff via clear lines of authority, channels of communication and reporting mechanisms 

• Oversee recruiting, contracting, training, evaluation, development and mentorship of staff 

• Liaise with unions and professional associations to ensure maintenance of good contract relationships, and oversight of collective bargaining with the team.

Board Relations

• Work openly and fully with the Board and its committees; respecting its opinions and directives; and manage and maintain the administrative structures to support its functioning 

• Provide support for Board operations, development opportunities, and member recruitment

Operations & Administration

• Operate the theatre within the terms and conditions of the agreement between Gateway and the City of Richmond 

• Oversee the contractual, legal, administrative and financial aspects of Gateway’s programs and functions 

• Implement policies and procedures as well as standards of service and performance Ensure that the premises, supplies, equipment, and other physical resources are available, adequate to the task, and well administered

WHAT THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL BRING TO THE ROLE:

Experience, Qualifications and Attributes

Gateway Theatre is open to hearing from candidates from varying work experience and professional backgrounds, but believes that the following would be ideal areas of experience, qualifications, and background for its next Executive Director:

• 5-8 years of senior leadership experience in an arts not-for-profit environment, theatre & venue operations experience preferred 

• Inclusive and strategic leadership with the ability to lead the team and stakeholders to create a compelling vision and strategic plan for Gateway Theatre’s future 

• Experience leading and building collaborative teams in a ‘high-performance’ environment 

• Creative self-starter who thrives in a fast-moving, innovative environment 

• Outstanding stakeholder engagement, relationship building, and community engagement skills

• Passionate promoter of EDI initiatives 

• Strong financial management skills (including budgeting development, tracking, financial statements and reporting) 

• Experience in earned and contributed revenue strategies, including sales revenue targeting, private and public sector grant writing, corporate partnerships, and individual donor giving 

• Strong understanding of organizational compliance and legal obligations for a non profit charitable organization 

• Exceptional and authentic written/oral communication skills 

• Demonstrated track record with respect to detail orientation, accuracy, and demonstrating a high level of discretion in confidential matters 

• Ability to work in a hands-on environment with limited resources

Specific eligibility requirements:

• Legally able to work in Canada (Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or existing open work permit) 

• Proof of two doses of a Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccination before the first day of work and adherence to current COVID protocols

• Successful Criminal Record Check including vulnerable sector check

COMPENSATION PACKAGE AND KEY POSITION INFORMATION

• The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $110,000 gross per annum plus a package including extended benefits, pension plan, paid sick days, and vacation. This is a full time employee position. Desired start date is September 2023 (negotiable). 

• A relocation fee may be made available for a candidate living within Canada.

• Location: This position is in Richmond, BC. Please note that while there is some flexibility for partial remote working, the needs of this position are to be onsite and in-person at the theatre.