Venue Services Director (Maternity Leave Cover)

Company Overview

Western Canada Theatre tells our stories on the traditional & unceded territory of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, whose people are the traditional stewards of this land. 

Since 1975, Western Canada Theatre has been producing innovative, entertaining, and educational theatre for audiences in Kamloops, throughout BC’s Southern Interior, and across Canada. We have grown into one of the largest producing theatres in BC and have had a remarkable impact on the national theatre landscape: producing premieres of important new Canadian and Indigenous work, training some of Canada’s finest theatre professionals, and showcasing our work and our artists across the country through touring and co-productions.  We manage & operate the 700-seat Sagebrush Theatre, the 150-seat flexible configuration Pavilion Theatre, & Kelson Hall Centre for Arts & Education.  For more information, please visit us at wctlive.ca 

Job Description

Title: Venue Services Director (Maternity Leave Cover)

Contract Dates: March 10, 2025 - April 12, 2026

Reports To: Executive Director (ED) 

Direct Reports: Front of House Manager, Sagebrush Theatre Technical Director 

The Venue Services Director plays a pivotal role in overseeing Rentals & Facilities, Front of House (FOH) and Sagebrush Technical Services within the theatre venues. This multifaceted position requires a keen understanding of both operational and technical aspects of facility management, client relationships, performing art productions, along with excellent managerial and interpersonal skills. The primary objective is to ensure seamless coordination between FOH and technical teams, thereby enhancing the overall venue experience for rental clients and patrons while maintaining a high standard of technical execution. The Venue Services Director works closely with the KL!BO Director, Finance, and other Team Leads. 

The Director has overall responsibility for all Venue Services strategies, including: 

 Leadership and Management 

• Provide leadership and direction to both FOH and Sagebrush technical teams, fostering a collaborative and efficient working environment. 

• Recruit, train, and supervise staff members, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill their roles effectively. 

• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide feedback to team members to facilitate professional growth and development. 

Venue Operations 

• Create and manage venue schedules, booking dates, availabilities and statistics 

• Manage all client contracts, information, correspondence and invoicing for rentals 

• Coordinate event requirements with clients, internal team members, and external suppliers 

• Coordinate with other departments (e.g., production, box office, finance) to ensure smooth operation of the venues. 

• Develop and enforce safety protocols and procedures to maintain a secure and compliant working environment. 

• Manage scheduling and logistics for events, rehearsals, and maintenance activities. 

• Lead the marketing planning and develop supporting materials to showcase the venues and rental opportunities, to attract new clients 

• Manage our physical building operations including: managing ongoing building maintenance, support services, security, janitorial services and capital projects 

• Support the Sagebrush Theatre Management Committee and the Kelson Hall Management Committee, including preparing reports, documents and other relevant information for the committee including capital, budget and annual plans. 

Front of House Management 

• Oversee all aspects of Front of House operations, including volunteers, ushering, concessions, and audience services. 

• Develop and implement strategies to optimize the patron experience, ensuring a welcoming and comfortable environment for all guests. 

• Ensure appropriate safety protocols are in place, including public safety, food & beverage licensing, and requisite training for staff & volunteers 

• Coordinate with KL!BO team to ensure a seamless experience 

Technical Services Management 

• Oversee Sagebrush Theatre production team 

• Oversees and collaborates with the WCT technical director over services provided at the Pavilion Theatre and Kelson Hall 

• Collaborate with clients and technical staff to ensure the successful execution of productions according to artistic vision and technical requirements. 

• Oversee equipment maintenance, inventory management, and procurement of technical supplies. 

Stakeholder Communication 

• Ensure the highest possible level of client & customer service is provided to clients, their artists & patrons 

• Coordinate and undertake in-person site visits, tours and production meetings 

• Conduct comprehensive stakeholder engagement to audit services provided to clients 

Qualifications and Assets 

• Post-Secondary Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience 

• Experience: 5+ years of senior management experience in financial operations, preferably in a non-profit organization.  

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in booking software (ArtsVision), signing software (DocuSign), payroll system (Dayforce), and Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of Technical Theatre, Front of House, BC Liquor Policy, experience with working with unions, and event management are strongly recommended.  

• Skills & Competencies: Strong people skills, excellent communication, organizational skills, multi-tasking abilities, and adaptability to change.