Managing Director - Festival Antigonish Summer

**Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre **is seeking a forward-thinking, creative, innovative, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Managing Director.
Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre (FAST) was founded in 1987 and has established an inspiring legacy as a premier summer theatre company in Atlantic Canada. With a history that spans three decades;
a patron base that includes thousands of Nova Scotians as well as regional, national, and international tourists;
an acclaimed reputationas a local economic and cultural anchor;
and an artistic commitment to excellence, FAST is proud of their successes and are committed to growth. Each summer, FAST brings together the best artists from across Nova Scotia and beyond to create an award-winning Main Stage series, a Family Stage show, and other innovative artistic presentations, including large-scale outdoor productions. FAST believes in the power of ensuring diversity both on and off the stage and was the first theatre company in Nova Scotia to introduce Relaxed Performances.
**The Position**
Reporting to the Board of Directors and partnering with the Artistic Director, the Managing Director will be responsible for achieving annual strategic, programming, fundraising, and operational objectives. Leading a dedicated and creative staff, the Managing Director will possess an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong vision to successfully create and execute strategic initiatives for artistic and organizational growth, which will include both professional and community programming opportunities. Ensuring the financial viability of the organization is critical to success in this role. This includes budgetary planning and management alongside the experience to raise funds for FAST’s programs and initiatives. As one of the primary external executive ambassadors, alongside the Artistic Director, the Managing Director will steward current relationships, especially with St. Francis Xavier University and develop new opportunities with the goal of deepening donor engagement in FAST’s vision.
As a team builder who values collaboration, the Managing Director will have responsibility for all organizational aspects of FAST. The Managing Director will attract, retain, and inspire staff and board within an organizational culture that prioritizes inclusivity, kindness, respect, equity, communication, accountability, integrity, empathy, and mutual care.
**Managing Director Responsibilities**
Reporting to FAST’S Board of Directors and working in partnership with the Artistic Director, the Managing Director is a key part of our two-person leadership team and has complete responsibility for the day-to-day and financial operations of Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre and Theatre Antigonish. The Managing Director set goals, in conjunction with the Artistic Director, for long and short-term priorities, while implementing the current Strategic Plan. The Managing Director is responsible for providing operational leadership to the team, maintaining positive stakeholder relationships and ensuring the long-term sustainability of FAST and TA.
The Managing Director will work to uphold and strengthen our vision:
“Festival Antigonish is the theatrical heart of our region. We forge creative pathways that strengthen community, inspire compassion, and spark positive change through professional, live performing arts.”
**KEY RELATIONSHIPS**
- Accountable to and draws authority from the Board of Directors of Festival Antigonish
- Provides services to Theatre Antigonish, as per agreement
- Collaborates closely with the Artistic Director
- Provides administrative leadership to all staff members
- Directly supervises Office &
Marketing Coordinator, and supports Front-of-House team
**RESPONSIBILITES INCLUDE**:
**FUND DEVELOPMENT**
- Develops and administers fundraising strategies and donor relations programs, in conjunction with the Board of Directors
- Actively pursues new opportunities for support from private sector and foundations
- Supports growth of the Festival Antigonish Foundation endowment
- Promotes donor stewardship and growth in all donor and sponsorship programs
**FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT**
- Prepares and monitors the general operating budgets in conjunction with the Artistic Director and Production Manager
- Prepares monthly financial reports for the Board and annual year-end reports for the auditors
- Reviews and authorizes spending and deposits
**HUMAN RESOURCES**
- Negotiates and prepares all staff and artist contracts, (except for Artistic Director) and liaises with Canadian Actors Equity Association and Associated Designers of Canada
- Hires box office and front-of-house staff and ensures training and support
- Identifies and resolves any employee relations and staff or volunteer issues
**GOVERNMENT LIAISON**
- Advocates on behalf of the theatre at all levels of government
- Prepares all interim and final reports, and maintains positive relations
**MARKETING AND AUDIENCE