Executive Director

Company Overview

The Norm Foster Theatre Festival (The Foster Festival) is a theatre company located in St. Catharines, Ontario 

Inspired by the work of internationally renowned Canadian playwright Norm Foster. The Foster Festival is a member of the Professional Association of Canada Theatres (PACT) and it is our mission to showcase the heart and humour of Foster’s writing in a dedicated environment, employing the finest Canadian theatre practitioners and to foster and support emerging and established Canadian playwrights. Our plays are Canadian, they are directed by Canadians, designed by Canadians and performed by Canadians. 

The Foster Festival is an equal opportunity employer and encourages submissions from candidates of all backgrounds regardless of race, colour, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. 

The Foster Festival is committed to building a more diverse workplace and encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

Job Description

The Foster Festival is looking for a growth-minded Executive Director who understands what it takes to achieve artistic and financial success. 

The application window will remain open until the position is filled.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Executive Director has the responsibility of overseeing all finances of the Festival, and managing operations. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors through the Board Chair, and works closely with the Board Treasurer.

• Administrative leadership and strategic planning
• Supports the Artistic Producer in the development of programming by ensuring financial viabilies
• Ensures compliance with government legislation applicable to not-for-profit corporations and registered charities, and all labour, occupational health and safety, and human rights standards
• Helps Board and Staff make sound financial decisions
• Prepares financial reports, forecasts and cash flow, and seeks ways to reduce costs
• Assists with the organization’s year-end audit
• Produces project budgets for grant applications
• Is the liaison with the Bookkeeper to assume monthly reporting
• In partnership with the Artistic Producer, oversees the hiring, training, supervision and retention of staff and volunteers
• Contracts and agreements
• Books artist accommodations
• Oversees Box Office and is responsible for organizing Front of House during production season
• Develops and leads fundraising strategies and campaigns, and secures corporate sponsorships
• Responsible for maintaining the website, adding content and performing updates
• Maintains a collaborative working relationship with the Board of Directors and committee chairs

Qualifications and Skills

• 5+ years of relevant experience in theatre or arts administration an asset
• Strong skills in financial management, organization, planning and project management
• Knowledge of marketing, advertising and public relations activities
• Able to speak and write clearly, and comfortably serves as a public representative of the company
• Adaptable and able to work in a changing environment, with high levels of creativity
• Available for evening and weekend work during production season
• CRM Database experience, proficient in MS Word and Excel

Due to COVID-19, the landscape of the performing arts industry continues to change. Suitable candidates must be able to identify new opportunities and be able to think on their feet. The ideal candidate must be great at managing all aspects of the business from sales to finance to IT. Interpersonal skills and leadership proficiency is paramount.