National Partnership Manager

Company Overview

Balancing Act was founded in 2019 by Theatre Direct — one of the country's leading theatre for young audiences — in order to affect change and increase access to employment for caregivers working in the performing arts. In response to the concerns of artists and arts workers raised through focus groups and a commissioned study, Balancing Act offers programming that supports artists, arts workers, and organizations.

Balancing Act supports artist caregivers working in the performing arts in Canada by advocating for greater equality, accessibility, and inclusion in the workforce. Our work intersects with anti-racist, gender equity, and other social justice goals aimed at challenging the systems of oppression inherent in contemporary workplace culture in the performing arts and the cultural sector at large.

We champion fair and sustainable employment conditions and support the creation of policies and practices in which caregivers and other marginalized artists and arts workers can thrive.

We believe building support for artist caregivers will contribute to a sector-wide culture shift that results in more equitable work for more performing artists, creating a healthier, more diverse, and vibrant arts community.

At Balancing Act, we understand that our work is aligned with a growing movement to dismantle systems of patriarchy and white supremacy. Balancing Act works collaboratively with arts organizations to reframe the way we think about, and work with caregivers in the arts, approaching this work on a systemic, organizational, and individual level.

Job Description

Balancing Act Canada is seeking a National Partnership Manager.

This is a full-time position for a 12-month contract that will begin on June 1, 2023.

The salary is between 60K - 80K commensurate with experience + a generous benefits package.

This position is open to candidates across Canada and may be worked remotely with occasional in-person attendance required.

Full-time hours at Balancing Act are based on a 4-day, 32 hour work week. 

Balancing Act is an initiative that operates under the umbrella of Theatre Direct, but with its own project team. The National Partnership Manager will co-lead the Balancing Act team, in collaboration with the Balancing Act’s Artistic Producer.

The National Partnership Manager will dedicate their focus on partner communications, recruitment and retention. The manager will take the lead on facilitating participation of underserved communities across Canada, which will include one on one meetings, and program support. The National Partnership Manager will also lead access management for project partners, ensuring that the process is barrier free for those who need specialized services including but not limited to blind, d/Deaf and disabled participants. 

One of the major responsibilities of this role includes leading a strategic planning process for Balancing Act. This entails establishing a community consultation process, identifying funding sources, and then working with the team at Balancing Act and Theatre Direct to forge a future path for the project within the sector. 

The ideal candidate will have experience in:

• leading project teams

• developing strategic plans 

• raising funds

• setting up access support 

They will possess at least 5 years experience in arts management and have a thorough understanding of the performing arts industry. 

Exceptional skills in writing, communication, grant-writing and budget management are required. 

French and ASL fluency would be an asset. 

Above all, we are looking for an inspired, collaborative and kind person with a passion for outreach, policy and strategic planning. 

For this position, applicants should identify as Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Colour inclusive of those also identifying as 2SLGBTQ+ Disabled and/or other equity-deserving groups.