General Manager

Company Overview

Established in Edmonton in 1959, the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers is Canada’s only professional Ukrainian dance company. Shumka presents dance-theatre touring productions, as well as intimate concert repertoire across the country and around the world. Along with Alberta Ballet and Edmonton Opera, Shumka is honoured to be a resident company of the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

Over 60 years of performance history has shaped Shumka’s signature music and dance style. While maintaining deep respect for their heritage, Shumka continually challenges conventional boundaries to define the experience of Ukrainian dance in the context of today’s society. Shumka focuses on developing the art form with numerous artistic collaborators in Ukraine and Canada.

Shumka presents its own Nutcracker in Edmonton and other cities annually and has self-presented ten Canadian tours throughout its history.

In addition to the professional company, Shumka runs the Shumka School of Dance with its own syllabus-based training program, has a  performance-based bridging ensemble called Studia Shumka, and Seniors recreational programs.

Shumka is based in the Shumka Dance Centre nestled between the Ice District and Brewery District of downtown Edmonton.

For more information, visit shumka.com

Job Description

The candidate for General Manager will have three or more years of experience working in a senior management role with performing arts companies, combined with a degree or diploma in the arts or fine arts (or equivalent). Experience with HR supervision, budgets, programming, communications, development, community relationships, and working with Boards is necessary. An understanding of the multicultural and historical background of Shumka and its current and potential role within the Canadian performing arts industry is an asset. Knowledge of the Ukrainian language is also an asset.

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Upholding the Vision, Mission, and Mandate of the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers in every aspect of artistic and business operations;

2. Reporting to the Board of Directors (direct report: Chair);

3. Providing direct supervision to and management of staff of the company;

4. Pursuing corporate, government and private donor relationships, and supporting arrangements and agreements to support the operations, projects, and strategic goals of the company;

5. Ensuring timely updates of CADAC financial and statistical reporting;

6. Managing the business of artistic development of the company;

7. Managing brand awareness of the company;

8. Providing financial stewardship and leadership for the company including budgeting and risk management;

9. Creating and supporting opportunities for stakeholder engagement and retention (dancers, staff, board, foundation, school, alumni, donors, community);

10. Actively following, pursuing, and developing the strategic plan of the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers;

11. Supervising productions and projects including scheduling performances, company management, and hiring production staff.