Artistic Director, Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts
Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs.
Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 14 bachelor degrees and 40 majors.
Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is Mohkinstsis, which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.
Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.
About Event and Theatre Services
Events and theatre services supports the University’s objectives by operating the Bella Concert Hall, the Leacock Theatre and the Wright Theatre at the Mount Royal University. The theatres are operated as a revenue-generating community resource and are a strategic asset to the University.
Mount Royal University’s box office is responsible for regular box office sales duties in Mount Royal University Theatres and the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts performance venues and will always provide superior customer service assistance to all theatre rental clients and event patrons.
About the Role
Reporting to the manager, theatre and performance services the artistic director (AD) will work with the manager to support the artistic profile and programming of the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts (TCPA) inclusive of digital, hybrid, and in person performance formats.
The AD will have primary responsibilities in the education and outreach (E&O) priorities of the TCPA including the formation and oversight of a volunteer program. They will also have significant focus on the development of external funds through granting opportunities, sponsorships, donations, and philanthropy. Working with the manager, the concert season advisory committee, and TCPA talent buyer, the AD will consult on programming choices ensuring they are conscious of diversity in perspective, practice, and are purposefully inclusive.
Responsibilities
Programming:
- Research and consult with the manager, the concert season advisory committee, and TCPA talent buyer on new arts presentations that can be effectively delivered in virtual format.
- Research current artistic works/presentations that can be adapted to digital deliver both in online live streaming, on demand, and pay per use formats.
- Research and consult with the manager, and box office Lead on a best in class system to deliver as well as monetize digital delivery methods (pay per watch, or pay per use system).
- Ensure that the TCPA’s presentations are accessible to the broadest audience possible and work to find solutions to removing barriers to access such as financial, capability, or comfort barriers.
- Consult with the manager, and TCPA talent buyer to ensure the TCPA’s presentations are diverse in perspective, practice, and are purposefully inclusive.
- Design and facilitate the development of a TCPA membership program which specifically includes exclusive digital and in person experiences to compliment the general artistic offerings of the TCPA.
Education and Outreach:
- Design and facilitate an E&O program within the TCPA that focuses on providing patrons with inside information on the process of artistic creation, or the impacts of working through and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Work with the manager, to develop offerings such as artist talk programs, special interviews, or masterclass/residencies.
- The E&O program should include both in person and digital offerings to both TCPA Members as well as the general public. Design and facilitate a volunteer program with opportunities for many communities to gain volunteer hours and exposure to arts and culture in supporting roles at the TCPA (FOH staff, box office staff, admin staff etc.).
- Research, facilitate, and design a program of virtual/hybrid residency opportunities for artists to collaborate together remotely.
Fund Development:
- Working with the manager, and the MRU Development office the AD will research and support the development of external funds for the TCPA both operations and presentation.
- Fund development areas include but are not limited to granting opportunities, sponsorships, partnerships, donations, and philanthropy.
- The AD will meet and engage with community members and leaders to learn about potential funding opportunities and act as an ambassador of the TCPA’s funding needs and projects.
Presentation Support:
- Meet with artists on site during presentation periods to ensure their needs are met including backstage or hospitality requirements.
- Attend all presentations and co-presentations of the TCPA and provide site support as required including volunteer support, FOH support, or client/partner relations support.
- Facilitate reception(s) as required for TCPA partners and VIPs.
Reporting:
- Work with the department of Institutional Analysis to track and report on all metrics related to the TCPA’s presenting initiatives including financial, attendance, and demographic information.
- Identify and implement a comprehensive reporting standard for the TCPA (i.e. CADAC).
- Track and file all ad materials, recognition, and media assets for archival and reference purposes.
Qualifications:
- Three- or four-year bachelor degree or equivalent.
- Deep knowledge and passion for the performing arts.
- Minimum three years of related experience in a performing arts venue, theatre, or concert venue.
- Exceptionally high aptitude for spoken and written word including experience with grant writing and reporting.
- Ability to problem solving and handle time sensitive issues.
- Skilled with technology and at least a basic understanding of entertainment production.
- An aptitude for productivity related applications such as Google or Microsoft office suite
What We Offer
Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions.
At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.
Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre.
Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports, tournaments and certifications for students, employees and the public.
Salary: $2,455.75 semi-monthly
To apply please, visit mtroyalca.hua.hrsmart.
Closing Date: Open until a suitable candidate is found
A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one PDF document. Please title your PDF document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999.pdf).
