Jobs (Calgary): Executive Director – Vertigo Theatre, Theater News

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH: VERTIGO THEATRE

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will continue to be received until the position is filled.

Reporting to and working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, in partnership with the Artistic Director, will be responsible for the overall success and growth of Vertigo Theatre, including its productions, operations, programs, facility, financial sustainability, and impact. The Executive Director will effectively manage Vertigo Theatre’s strategic partnerships, administration, marketing, fund development, fiscal management, and operations, as well as oversee its human resources. The Executive Director will also lead and coordinate government relations with three levels of government and oversee production budgets. This role will be public facing in the Calgary and Alberta community, as well as nationally, to build visibility and financial support for Vertigo Theatre. The Executive Director, partnering and working collaboratively with the Artistic Director, will inspire the board and staff, other arts organizations, and community members to fulfill the mission of Vertigo.

Reporting to the Vertigo Theatre Board of Directors, the Executive Director is the guiding management leader and co-equal partner with the Artistic Director and is responsible for:

Strategy and Leadership
• Embody and provide positive and collaborative leadership to the staff and board.
• Provide strategic vision and develop goals and objectives consistent with the mission of Vertigo Theatre.
• With the Artistic Director, serve as a chief spokesperson and ambassador for Vertigo Theatre with a visible presence in the local, regional, and national theatre and arts scene.
• Develop an organizational culture that supports a cohesive, creative, and productive staff who deliver the highest quality customer experience, theatre excellence and act with integrity and strong ethical standards.
• Utilize a transparent leadership approach in collaboration with the Board of Directors, committees, community partners, sponsors, donors, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrate clear, concise, and high-quality written communication in all materials, including board reports, strategic updates, planning documents, and external communication.
• Possess an ability to inspire and engage stakeholders and the community to support Vertigo Theatre.
• With the Artistic Director, implement a strategy to broaden the programmatic model to grow the organization, increase engagement with community members and stakeholders, and capture the attention and participation of new residents given the changing demographic profile in Calgary.
• Identify opportunities, plan, and implement programming to achieve collaborations and events that advance Vertigo Theatre.

Management and Empowerment
• Partner with the Artistic Director to lead and supervise a diverse team including creative, technical, administrative, front-of-house, maintenance, and volunteers ensuring an exceptional experience for patrons, artists, students, and the community.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that attracts, develops, and retains top talent.
• Provide clear leadership and mentorship, empowering staff at all levels to contribute to organizational success and shape its future.
• Establish accountability and maintain a safe, healthy, and supportive work environment.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement through effective systems, resources, and technology aligned with industry’s best practices.
• Communicate priorities and guide teams in adapting plans to meet evolving needs.
• Ensure all human resource policies including performance management, performance reviews, coaching and mentoring plus all other policies relevant to personnel employed or contracted by Vertigo Theatre remain current and actively applied.
• Collaborate with the People Committee on the ongoing development and implementation of inclusion, diversity, equity, access activities and initiatives.

Financial Management
• Provide day-to-day financial management, ensuring transparency, integrity, and accuracy in all financial reporting.
• Lead and coordinate production budgets and expense management.
• Oversee budgeting, accounting, and payroll, as well as manage Vertigo Theatre’s audits, investments, and cash flow, to ensure sufficient funds to meet operating needs.
• Provide financial reports and analysis at all board meetings and finance committee meetings.
• Review all business contracts and agreements, ensuring accurate preparation and execution.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, ensuring effective financial governance, risk mitigation, and compliance with not-for-profit standards.
• Act as primary liaison with the landlord on all facility-related items, lease agreements and other matters.

Board Relations
• Develop and communicate key matters to be addressed with the Board of Directors at regular board meetings.
• Develop the annual Strategic Planning process in collaboration with the Board of Directors resulting in a comprehensive strategic plan and priorities.
• Develop and implement business and operational plans based on strategic direction.
• Nurture the involvement of the Board in donor development and skillfully harness and direct that support.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting on finances, financial and operational performance and related administrative matters between the Vertigo Theatre administration and the Board of Directors.
• Collaborate in the identification and recruitment of prospects for Board membership.
• Partner with board committees to develop and implement their respective goals and objectives.

Fundraising
• Develop, in collaboration with the Development Director and Board committees, fundraising strategies and provide organizational leadership in all aspects of fund development.
• Inspire and engage stakeholders and the community to support positive fundraising efforts for Vertigo Theatre.
• Collaborate with the Board and staff to develop short and long-term goals and strategies around all areas of contributed revenue.
• Co-lead and actively participate in a capital fundraising campaign if appropriate/required.
• Maintain and increase strong ties with community decision makers, government leaders, and the arts community in achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.

Marketing and Audience Development
• Oversee the development and ongoing use of a comprehensive, integrated, and strategic marketing plan that aligns with the artistic vision and communicates the organization’s brand and programs to a wide range of audience members, sponsors, donors, students, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Expand the use of digital content and contemporary outreach strategies to increase customer and stakeholder engagement and market reach.
• Develop strategies to connect with the changing demographics of Calgary.
• Assess and adapt audience engagement plans based on the markets served, addressing the distinctive community features of Calgary.

Preferred Skill and Experience Requirements
• Minimum 7-10 years’ experience in a not-for-profit, arts, cultural, or mission-driven organization.
• Post-secondary education including a bachelor’s degree, major in Arts, Business or relevant areas.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, co-leadership model with a creative or artistic counterpart.
• Proven experience working closely with a Board of Directors, including strategic planning and regular reporting.
• Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, cash flow oversight, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and relationship development with donors, sponsors, and community stakeholders.
• Experience leading and developing diverse teams, including staff, contractors, artists, and volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the organization publicly.
• Knowledge of not-for-profit governance, compliance, and best practices.
• Demonstrated experience with government relations and public funding at the municipal, provincial, and/or federal levels.
• Experience supporting or leading capital campaigns.
• Familiarity with audience development, digital marketing, and brand strategy.
• Commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in organizational leadership and practice.

Please submit your application including resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Only those applicants moving forward in the process will be contacted.