Program Coordinator, Banff International String Quartet Festival
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Application deadline: Open until filled
Salary range: $30.75 to $32.29
This is a term position to September 18, 2026.
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus — artists, leaders, and thinkers — to unleash their creative potential.
We acknowledge, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minhrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Metis Nation of Alberta, Rocky view District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work and play, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.
The Opportunity
For over 40 years, Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC) has celebrated the art of chamber music while providing career support for emerging string quartets. Intended as a one-time special event, the first competition was held in 1983 to mark the 50th anniversary of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. The outstanding success of the first competition inspired organizers to make this a triennial event.
The program coordinator is responsible for all administrative and logistic aspects of the festival, tour and competition, assisting in the planning and delivery, and is a key representative of BISQ events for the rest of Banff Centre.
Role and Responsibilities
Reporting to the manager, Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC), below are some key accountabilities:
- Email and contact management: Monitor general email account and assist with contact and event management through usage of tools such as Smartsheet, SharePoint, and other software.
- Meeting coordination: Arrange and document meetings for internal and external parties.
- Financial processing: Handle billing, invoicing, purchase orders, and expense claims according to Banff Centre guidelines.
- Communication and logistics: Manage communications with ticket buyers, guests, and participants. Arrange travel, accommodation, and special requirements for various individuals involved in events.
- Event preparation: Coordinate with various stakeholders and ensure documentation and logistical details are handled properly.
- Program and repertoire management: Prepare and format program details, manage music loans, and proof content for various media needs.
- Marketing and communication: Assist in creating newsletters, house programs, and other print materials. Work with Marketing and Communications for event promotion and sponsor recognition.
- Event support: Collaborate with different departments to ensure smooth event operations and handle post-event tasks including reports and acknowledgments.
- Administrative support: Book internal resources, provide guidance during events, and assist with festival planning and logistics.
Qualifications and Educational Requirements
- Bachelor of Music or Art Administration degree and five (5) plus years’ experience.
- Formal classical or chamber music background is necessary.
- Experience in the planning and delivery of large-scale special events.
- Excellent oral and written communication and teamwork skills in order to interact with directors, technical staff (audio, production), faculty and participants.
- Flexibility, and the ability to multi-task and to make prompt decisions.
- Tact in dealing with directors, faculty, special guests, audience, jurors, and artists working under pressure, including ability to work with differing views involving both internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to give clear direction and depart specific industry knowledge to other support staff during an event.
- The ability to remain calm under stress and meet strict deadlines.
- Excellent organizational and administrative skills with attention to detail and ability to work on elements of a larger task while still seeing how it fits into the whole.
- Initiative to identify problems and work with the team to find creative solutions, while also being willing to tackle difficult projects as assigned.
- CPR and first aid training.
- The ability to take initiative and work independently or as part of a team.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite of products with advanced Excel skills, scheduling software and database skills.
- IMSLP knowledge and research skills related to music, loan, score procurement and bowing.
Special Requirements
Due to the nature of the event programming, this position requires the candidate to be available to work a flexible, irregular schedule and weekends.
Employment Terms and Benefits
- This is a term position to September 18, 2026.
- This position is part-time through May, and increases to full-time in June through September.
- In accordance with CUPE 4318, this is a unionized, hourly support staff position, subject to a 500 hour probationary period.
- This position pays $30.75 to $32.29 per hour working up to 40 hours per week on a rotating schedule.
Benefits of working at Banff Centre are:
- Transitional staff housing options (based on availability)
- Hybrid work environment (three days in the office, two days remote)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional development
- Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts
- Onsite fitness facility at a discounted rate – first month free for new staff!
Application Process
To apply, please visit banffcentre.ca.
We are accepting applications for the program coordinator, Banff International String Quartet Festival until a suitable candidate is found.
Candidates offered a position with Banff Centre, in this capacity, will be required to obtain a criminal record check verifying a clear record before a final job offer can be finalized.
Visa Requirements: Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Banff Centre is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.
