Managing Producer/General Manager
Festival of Animated Objects (FAO)
Deadline: March 27, 2026
About IFAOS & FAO
The International Festival of Animated Objects Society (IFAOS) is a non-profit incubator, producer and presenter of puppetry, mask, and animated objects. Our mission is to produce the annual Festival of Animated Objects (FAO)—a festival showcasing puppet- and mask-related work across live theatre, exhibitions and film/media for audiences of all ages in Calgary and the surrounding areas.
Position Snapshot
Position Title: Managing Producer / General Manager
Reports to: IFAOS Board of Directors
Location: Calgary (in-person festival operations required)
Employment Type: Contract, annual cycle with seasonal intensity (see Compensation & Term)
Role Summary
The managing producer leads the planning and delivery of the annual Festival of Animated Objects and related programs. The role oversees production and logistics, grant writing and reporting, budgeting and cash flow, marketing and communications, team leadership and volunteer management, partnerships and sponsorships, and governance support — ensuring a successful festival each year while maintaining year‑round operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Festival Production & Logistics
- Plan, budget, schedule, and deliver the FAO each March, including occasional satellite events; serve as the point person pre-festival, during and after.
- Contract and coordinate venues, artists, suppliers, and partners; oversee technical schedule, artist travel/accommodations and accessibility measures.
- Manage on-site festival operations: box office, POS and floats, merchandise inventory, attendance tracking and issue escalation.
Granting, Reporting & Fund Development
- Lead the annual granting cycle (e.g., CIP, AFA, BCAH), including drafting, submissions and post-project reporting; maintain CCA/CADAC updates.
- Write letters of support for current/past artists; research new funding opportunities.
- Establish and grow festival revenue streams (box office, advertising) and develop sponsor/donor strategies in collaboration with the board.
Financial Management & Year-End Administration
- Monitor cash flow, track expenses and revenues, pay invoices and reconcile box office/merch.
- Prepare regular financial updates for the board and create/manage the annual operating and festival budgets.
- Lead fiscal year‑end with the bookkeeper and prepare financials for review.
Team Leadership & Volunteer Program
- Recruit and supervise seasonal contractors (e.g., technical director, volunteer coordinator, assistant producer) and oversee work‑back schedules.
- Oversee the volunteer program: outreach, orientation, training, scheduling (including drivers) and appreciation/thank‑you events.
- Working collaboratively with our team of Curators who select the Festival’s programming, to support production within the strictures of the annual budget and ensure all timelines are met for securing artists’ agreements.
Marketing, Communications & Audience Development
- Lead campaign planning and launches (festival lineup, cabaret, early-bird tickets); manage program guide production and ticketing pages.
- Oversee website, newsletter, and social media; monitor sales and adjust marketing with the marketing coordinator.
- Ensure event listings on free community posting sites and manage direct invitations to partners and community stakeholders.
Incubator Program & Community Engagement
- Coordinate the Festival Incubator program for developing new works: calls for artists, adjudication/selection with mentors, scheduling, and artist liaison.
- Represent FAO at public events; deepen relationships with existing partners; assist curators in scouting opportunities and attend other festivals when possible.
Governance & Board Support
- Prepare board meeting materials (agendas, spaces, catering), support AGM delivery and file the Society Annual Return.
- Uphold bylaws and governance best practices in coordination with the board.
Qualifications & Attributes
- Proven success in festival or event production and project management; strong planning and deadline discipline.
- Granting/reporting skills (or demonstrated aptitude to learn quickly); financial acumen with Excel/budgeting; clear, professional communication.
- Experience supervising staff/contractors and coordinating volunteers; comfortable representing the organization publicly.
For more information and to apply visit Work With Us — Festival of Animated Objects.
Compensation & Term
This contract follows an annual cycle with increased activity leading into and during the Festival, and lighter activity post‑festival. Compensation is seasonally structured, with a monthly retainer varying by period, commensurate with experience:
- $4,800 – $5,200/month (equivalent to 1.0 FTE) for six months (November, December, January, February, March, April)
- $3,175 – $3,450/month (equivalent to 0.5 FTE) for two months (October, May)
- $1,650-$1,750/month (equivalent to 0.25 FTE) for three months (September, June, July)
The total annual compensation will total $40,100 – $43,350. Additional performance-based bonuses will be agreed to on an annual basis.
