Strategic Planning Consultant

Company Overview

The Richmond Gateway Theatre Society is a registered not-for-profit society with charitable status. The Richmond Gateway Theatre Society was incorporated in 1982 to operate the City of Richmond-owned facility called The Gateway Theatre. Under a long-term agreement with the City, the Society manages the building, which comprises a 540 seat MainStage, an 85 seat Studio, a Studio rehearsal hall, plus administration and production space.

Our stages produce and present award winning plays that are inclusive and artistically noteworthy, bringing stories from across Canada and around the world to Lower Mainland audiences. The Gateway Academy for the Performing Arts offers year-round acting, musical theatre, and performance training classes for youth aged 6 – 18. 

As a venue, Gateway Theatre plays a vital role in the local performing arts landscape as a rental space for professional and community producers. More than 20,000 people from across Metro Vancouver are welcomed to Gateway each year through these performances, recitals and presentations. 

Gateway’s commitment to diversity is integral to our community. As a result, we have consistently reflected the diversity of Richmond in our artistic programming, our public outreach initiatives, and our organization’s hiring and recruiting practices. Gateway has embraced the vision that the plays we produce and develop are a reflection of the communities we serve. 

Job Description

Gateway Theatre is seeking a Strategic Planning Consultant or firm to work with the Board of Directors and staff to create a 3 year strategic plan.  Our Strategic Plan will create a framework for our board and staff to address the changing landscape of performing arts in our community and create new foundational audiences. It will guide our artistic vision, as well as the work we do with our Academy and community partners. We hope to start work on our plan in July 2024, and have it substantially complete by the end of 2024.  

For further details of the context in which this planning is taking place, please see the full RFP on the Gateway Theatre website: https://www.gatewaytheatre.com/careers/ 

Requirements of Consulting Team

•          Manage stakeholder engagement process

•          Meet with board, staff and stakeholders to compile data and information

•          Ensure all aspects of production for print and delivery of final materials

•          Present final plan to board and selected staff

Gateway Theatre will provide:

•          Administrative support around contacts for stakeholders, staff, and board

•          Venue booking, financial coverage and administration for any meetings, discussions etc. 

Selection Criteria 

All vendors have equal opportunity. Any conflicts of interest, potential conflicts of interest, or relationships with Gateway Theatre or staff must be declared as part of your submission. 

The successful candidate will be selected based on the following criteria: 

•          A comprehensive understanding of the not-for-profit arts sector, preferably theatre

•          An excellent understanding of community engagement. 

•          A proven track record of strategic planning with similar organizations

•          Excellent references