Community Partnerships Coordinator
The application deadline for this opportunity has passed.
Downstage is seeking a part-time Community Partnerships Coordinator to act as a vital bridge between our theatre processes and the needs of our not-for-profit partners. The ideal candidate for this position has experience working in the social sector, an appreciation for the value of the arts, and skills in building and deepening relationships.
About Downstage
The Downstage Performance Society (Downstage) is a not-for-profit theatre company and registered charity based in Calgary, Alberta.
Our mandate is to produce Canadian theatre that creates meaningful conversation around social issues.
Our mission is to achieve a social impact through artistic excellence. We identify the conversations that are most vital to today and tomorrow. We are active accomplices to crucial organizations and individuals working on pressing social issues. We plant seeds for action beyond the theatre through theatrical works that diffuse polarization, lessen apathy and create understanding and connection.
You can read more about the first project in this stream, The Bottle Picker Monologues with CalgaryCan, by visiting downstage.ca.
Removing barriers to professional theatre, which currently encompasses our Pay It Forward program that offers 25% of tickets at no cost, free childminding, and partnering with Inside Out Theatre’s Good Host program to offer relaxed performances, ASL interpretation, and audio descriptions.
Essential Qualifications:
- Past experience in the non-profit/social sector. Our ideal candidate is fluent in the language and approaches of the social sector, whether that’s in poverty reduction, homelessness, immigrant services, or another area. You have a genuine passion for social justice, access, and equity, and experience putting those values into action.
- Appreciation for theatre. A key part of your role will be advocating for the role of theatre artists in exploring complex social issues, as well as helping to expand access to theatre for a diverse range of Calgarians. If you already have an understanding of theatre processes, great; if not, we’ll teach you what you’ll need to know.
- A people person and clear communicator. You must be comfortable talking to new people and forming relationships, and your writing should be compelling and clear.
- Previous work with vulnerable populations, experience with technical or creative writing, or skills in graphic design would all be assets but are not required.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Initiating and deepening community relationships.
- Research and identify potential partners, and initiate conversations.
- Articulate Downstage’s mandate and approach to potential partners.
- Gather and articulate the needs of partners and report back to Downstage.
- Make contact with groups who would benefit from Downstage’s existing programs to increase access such as Pay It Forward and free childminding.
Identifying & Addressing Barriers:
- Identify barriers to access for our community-engaged and professional streams, and generate strategies with other staff to address those barriers.
- Identify learning opportunities for Downstage’s staff and artists to better serve our community partners.
Documentation & Dissemination:
- Write program materials in plain language.
- Write clear and compelling case studies of past and ongoing processes.
- Support funding applications by providing insight and context from community partners.
- Design and implement a communications strategy to share learning with similar organizations in the arts and social sectors.
Hours and Compensation
This is a part-time, contract position that runs from January 7 to August 30, 2019, with an option for renewal with expanded hours. The contract is for a total of 340 hours at $20/hour with an average of 10 hours worked per week. Work is expected to primarily take place in the Downstage office in Arts Commons in downtown Calgary, but some work from home is possible. We are open to structuring hours or partnering with other organizations to allow the ideal candidate to balance this position with other part-time contracts.
Application Process and Hiring
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and letter of interest that specifically addresses your experience in and commitment to the essential qualifications listed in this call. Please submit these materials to Managing Director Danielle Whyte by email to danielle@downstage.ca with the subject CPC Application by end of the day on Friday, November 30, 2018.
We will confirm receipt of all applications, then contact candidates we wish to interview.
Interviews: Week of December 10, 2018
Decision by: December 17, 2018
Begin Work: January 7, 2019
We are committed to employment equity and diversity, and strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
