EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT); Vernon; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre Society is seeking an Executive Director to steer the organization’s strategic, financial, and operational activities, enhancing its role as a cultural hub in Vernon and the North Okanagan region.

Reporting to the Board, you will direct programming, fundraising, partnerships, and venue operations, balancing artistic vision with sustainable growth and community impact.

Qualifications

• Experience leading arts organizations or venues.
• Ability to balance artistic vision with financial stewardship.
• Proven collaboration with boards, staff, and partners.
• Strong communication and community engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight.
• Collaborate with the Board on governance and long-term planning.
• Lead staff across administration, marketing, production, and front-of-house.
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets and financial reporting.
• Lead fundraising initiatives, sponsorships, grants, and donor relations.
• Oversee venue operations, rentals, and community events.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Fundraising

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Education

Post-secondary degree in arts administration or related field

Job description

Company Overview

The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre Society is a not-for-profit organization devoted to fostering live entertainment in all its forms. Its purpose is to operate a Community Theatre situated within the city of Vernon and serving the population of the North Okanagan Regional District.

The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre Society is a not-for-profit organization devoted to fostering live entertainment in all its forms. Its purpose is to operate a Community Theatre situated within the city of Vernon and serving the population of the North Okanagan Regional District.

The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre Society was formed July 3rd, 1990 with the following set of guiding purposes:

• To promote the building of a performing arts centre for Vernon and district;
• To raise funds by way of public subscription, the obtaining of grants and financial assistance, and all such means as may be required to finance the construction and operation of such a performing arts centre;
• To build, maintain and operate such a performing arts centre located within the City of Vernon, and serving the population of the Grater Vernon Parks and Recreation District; and
• To foster the appreciation and enjoyment of, and the participation in, the full range of performing arts in Vernon, and district.

Job Description

The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre is seeking a dynamic and collaborative Executive Director to lead the organization’s strategic, financial, and operational activities while advancing its role as a vibrant cultural hub in the community.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides leadership across programming, financial management, community engagement, and venue operations. This role is responsible for ensuring the theatre delivers high-quality performing arts programming, including the Spotlight Presentation Series, while supporting touring productions, rentals, and community events.

The ideal candidate is both an arts leader and a strategic thinker, able to balance artistic vision with strong organizational management and community partnership building.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the theatre’s activities

Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors on governance, policy development, and long-term planning.

Lead and support staff across administration, marketing, technical production, and front-of-house operations.

Foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.

Programming & Artistic Planning

Lead planning and development of the Spotlight Presentation Series, identifying high-quality touring productions and artists.

Build relationships with artists, agents, promoters, and touring companies.

Evaluate programming opportunities based on artistic merit, audience interest, and financial sustainability.

Monitor industry trends and audience preferences to inform programming decisions.

Financial Management

Develop and manage the theatre’s annual operating budget in collaboration with the Board.

Ensure responsible financial stewardship and compliance with nonprofit financial practices.

Monitor revenue and expenses related to presenting series, rentals, and programming.

Identify opportunities to diversify revenue streams including ticket sales, sponsorships, grants, and partnerships.

Fundraising & Sponsorship

Lead fundraising initiatives including sponsorship development, donor cultivation, and grant applications.

Build relationships with community partners, businesses, and philanthropic organizations.

Work with the Board to develop long-term funding strategies.

Community Engagement

Serve as a key public representative and advocate for the theatre within the community.

Build partnerships with local arts organizations, schools, cultural groups, and community stakeholders.

Support initiatives that strengthen Vernon’s cultural ecosystem and expand audience engagement.

Venue Operations

Oversee management and scheduling of the theatre facility including rentals, touring productions, and community events.

Ensure the venue operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with relevant regulations.

Collaborate with technical staff to maintain high production standards.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Post‑secondary education in arts administration, business, theatre management, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).

Demonstrated leadership experience in arts management, nonprofit leadership, or cultural programming.

Experience with performing arts presenting, touring productions, or venue management is strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities.

Experience managing budgets and financial operations.

Ability to build strong relationships with artists, promoters, sponsors, and community partners.

Excellent communication and public engagement skills.

Understanding of performing arts programming and audience development.

Ability to balance artistic vision with financial sustainability.

Working Conditions

Full-time position based in Vernon, British Columbia.

Evening and weekend work required during performances and special events.

Occasional travel may be required for industry showcases and conferences.