General Manager

Company Overview

The Organization:

Touchstone Theatre has been a leading force in Canadian play production and development for 47 years and has helped launch and develop some of the country’s most important playwrights and theatre artists. Each season, we have produced one to two full productions, one co-production and one co-presentation while providing year-round development of new works in consideration for programming.

The Workplace

As a co-leader with (incoming) Artistic Director Lois Anderson, the General Manager will join a collaborative working environment in our well-appointed, modern facilities at The Post at 750 Hamilton Street. We share space with the PuSh Festival, Music on Main, and DOXA along with many other artists and groups that rent rehearsal studios at the Post. We also recognize the benefits of flexible working arrangements for many people and support making those work in our operations.

Job Description

The Position

The General Manager reports to the Board of Directors and works closely and collaboratively with the Artistic Director and support staff. The General Manager plays a key role in the administrative and managerial direction of the company. Responsibilities include:

• Together with the Artistic Director, creating the annual operating budget

• Liaising with the bookkeeper and auditors at year end

• Managing the operating and production budgets, and cash flow of the organization

• Together with Artistic Director, applying for Municipal, Provincial and Federal grants

• Fundraising, including creating and executing strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals, corporations, foundations

• Supervising show-related departments including Box Office, Production and Volunteer Coordination

• Hiring all part-time, full-time and seasonal employees in consultation with the Artistic Director

• Supervising support staff

• Negotiating and contracting with self-employed personnel (and employees)

• Negotiating and contracting partnership agreements with other organizations

• Together with the Artistic Director, ensuring compliance with applicable collective agreements

• Oversees Touchstone’s training program for corporate/legal organization 

• Participating in the collaborative management of the facilities

• Contributing to strategic planning and visioning in collaboration with the Board of Directors and Artistic Director

• Recommending and leading key initiatives in accordance with the strategic plan

• Reporting to the Board on operational matters

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a GM who is independent, resourceful, and passionate about supporting and producing theatre, with the following skills and experience:

• University degree in arts administration or comparable experience

• Management experience in office systems, budgeting, finance, CADAC, and marketing

• Familiarity with the Vancouver and Canadian performing arts community and the Canadian Theatre Agreement

• Strong organization and interpersonal skills

• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral)

• Ability to multi-task and work independently

• Enthusiasm for a collaborative work environment and partnership-building

• Interest and enthusiasm for initiating and supporting diversity initiatives 

• Minimum of 5 years experience at ideally two Canadian theatre organizations