NOW HIRING: MARKET DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER
Are you a research-savvy relationship builder with an interest in the business of performing arts touring? Keen to play a role in bringing Edmonton-made theatre to the world? This position may be for you!
JOB DESCRIPTION
Catalyst Theatre is seeking a motivated and relationship-oriented individual for a new contract position: Market Development & Partnerships Manager.
The Market Development & Partnerships Manager will take the lead on market research, correspondence, and relationship-building with potential presentation partners with a view to optimize opportunities for national and international engagements of Catalyst’s productions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the guidance of Catalyst Theatre’s Managing Director and Artistic Director, the Market Development & Partnerships Manager will conduct research, outreach, and strategic planning related to cultivating presenter relationships and opening new markets for Catalyst.
The responsibilities of this position will be broken up into two phases:
OCT TO DEC 2025 – MARKET RESEARCH & STRATEGIC PLANNING
○ learning about Catalyst’s touring history, and identifying locations/companies that could be a good fit for our work;
○ investigating theatres/festivals to discover partnership models, submission requirements, and programming trends;
○ interviewing industry experts to learn best practices for international engagement;
JAN TO MAY 2026 – TOURING OUTREACH STRATEGY
○ creating a Touring Outreach Strategy, which will be the basis of this role for the remainder of the contract. We expect that this strategy will include:
> recommending application deadlines to aim for, industry gatherings to attend, and “pitch” materials to assemble;
> promoting Catalyst’s production of THE INVISIBLE at National Arts Centre (April 29 to May 9, 2026) to potential partners;
> building and reigniting relationships with new and existing partners, laying the foundations for future collaboration;
○ inviting potential partners to THE INVISIBLE, and conducting meetings on the ground in Ottawa;
○ updating Catalyst’s database with relevant contacts;
○ possible travel to the UK to meet with potential partners (pending funding results)
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills/interests:
○ Research ability
○ Strategic planning
○ Ability to self-direct
○ Relationship building
○ Strong written and verbal communication skills
○ Knowledge of (or interest in) the landscape of Canadian and international performing arts presentation
DETAILS
DATES: October 6, 2025 to May 29, 2026
HOURS: Approximately 20 hours per week, with a primarily self-determined schedule.
COMPENSATION: $20,400 for the contract, paid bi-weekly.
LOCATION: Much of this work may be completed from home/remotely, though some office time may be required, particularly in the research phase. Catalyst’s administrative office is located inside the Citadel Theatre.
NOTE: After a summer hiatus (June to August 2026), there is a possibility of an extension of this contract starting September 2026. The extension will be determined based on funding results, and Touring Outreach Strategy outcomes.
TO APPLY
Please email your application in PDF format to [email protected] by September 1, 2025. Applications should include:
○ a resume that outlines your theatre, outreach, sales, and/or administrative experience, and your employment background.
○ a one-page cover letter that highlights your qualifications for this unique position.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
Catalyst Theatre is an equal opportunity employer committed to diverse, inclusive hiring practices by which qualified applicants may apply for any available position without regard to race, religious beliefs, colour, gender identity, physical or mental abilities, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by law.
Thank you in advance to all applicants – all submissions will receive a response from Catalyst regarding the status of their application.
We look forward to hearing from you!
