Executive Director

Application Deadline: Feb 15, 2025

Anticipated Start Date: June 1, 2025

Following several years of renewed growth, the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) is seeking a performing arts manager to join its leadership team as Executive Director reporting to the Board of Directors.

This demanding and exciting position is ideal for a graduate of a program in arts management or an arts worker with several years of relevant on-the-job experience. It may also be attractive to a vibrant arts management retiree wishing to continue to contribute to the production of classical music.

Much of the work can be done remotely, generally averaging 1 to 2 days per week. The position requires the flexibility to work fulltime during peak production periods, consistent with the SPO’s concert schedule – generally on weekends roughly once-a-month between October and May.  

The successful applicant will have a demonstrated passion for classical music, and, ideally, familiarity with the Scarborough community. Compensation is expected to be between $2,500 to $3,000 per month depending on experience, initially as an independent contractor and renewable annually subject to Board approval.

In consultation with the Board of Directors and the Artistic Director, the Executive Director shall manage all financial and business aspects of the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra, consistent with the organization’s artistic mission, strategic planning and goals. This will include execution and/or oversight of all funding activities, grant writing, ticket sales, marketing and promotion, operations, administration, as well as compliance with all municipal, provincial and federal rules and regulations for not-for-profit arts organisations.

Responsibilities shall include:

• Overall financial management, including budgeting in consultation with the Board of Directors, financial forecasting and reporting, as well as timely preparation for the annual audit;  
• Ensure the proper financial and IT systems and controls are in place and operating at optimal levels; 
• Overall supervision of production including hiring and coordination of technical staff, preparation of house programs, negotiation of contracts with venues, artists and suppliers, including implementation of provisions of the contracts and ensuring timely payments;
• Ensure the maintenance of a workplace environment consistent with all federal and provincial labour codes and human rights standards as well as with the human resource policies and practices of the SPO;
• Forecast the marketing and administrative costs and fund-development objectives necessary to achieve programming goals;
• Direct management of SPO’s online Box Office including set up of concerts and ticketing;
• Ensure an effective web presence for the organization, including direct or indirect management of the organization’s website.  This will include utilizing the internet (including relevant social media) as a marketing and communication tool to maximize exposure and reduce costs and the writing or oversight of external  corprorate communications;
• Attend professional conferences, meetings, awards events, and other activities as appropriate;.
• Monitor and respond to SPO-relevant government, corporate and foundation funding programs. Maintain a positive relationship with program officers, and generate additional grant applications where there is a fit between funding program and the SPO’s planned activities;
• Attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and participate in Board initiatives such as strategic and/or long-range planning; and
• Other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors from time to time consistent with the Executive Director’s role and responsibilities.

Candidate Requirements:

• Ideal candidates will demonstrate a minimum of three years of arts management experience together with knowledge of the Canadian music industry, experience with artistic contracting processes, music commissioning and familiarity with Canadian music union organizations. 
• Experience in budget preparation, budgetary controls, CADAC, and financial planning is a pre-requisite. 
• A background in marketing, public relations, communications and/or fund development would be an asset. 
• Computer literacy is a requirement including common office applications and accounting software. Knowledge of CRM and ticketing systems, design software and WordPress is desirable.
• The position requires familiarity with Ontario labour standards, non-profit corporate regulations as well as customarily accepted business practices.

Interested parties should apply below with their current CV and supporting cover letter by March 15, 2025