Jobs (Calgary): Director of Programming and Experience – The GRAND YYC

Theatre Alberta; Calgary; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural organization in Calgary is seeking a Director of Programming and Experience. This senior role involves developing innovative programming, fostering community partnerships, and leading fundraising efforts. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in programming within the arts and culture sector. This position offers a dynamic work environment and a competitive salary with benefits.

Benefits

Dynamic work environment

Opportunities for creative impact

Competitive salary and benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in programming, community engagement, fundraising, and/or public relations, preferably within the arts.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team, with strong mentorship skills.
• Success in securing funding from grants, sponsors, and donors.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an annual programming strategy aligned with The GRAND’s mission.
• Lead and mentor the programming team, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Oversee planning, execution, and evaluation of diverse artistic offerings.
• Ensure programming initiatives align with organizational goals.
• Build relationships with community organizations and artists.
• Lead initiatives connecting to equity-deserving communities.
• Act as an ambassador for The GRAND in the arts community.
• Collaborate on fundraising strategies with the Executive Director.
• Cultivate relationships with donors and funding agencies.
• Oversee PR efforts to enhance visibility.

Skills

Programming experience

Community engagement

Fundraising

Public relations

Leadership

Strong communication skills

Commitment to diversity

Job description

Job Title:

Director of Programming and Experience

Reports To:

Executive Director

Location:

The GRAND, Calgary, AB, with some remote work as needed

Employment Type:

Permanent & Full Time (35 hours per week)

Why work at The GRAND?

We are a dynamic, non‑profit arts organization seeking a Director of Programming & Experience to join our team of strategists, creative thinkers, artists, and collaborators. As a senior leader, you will have the opportunity to shape innovative programming, build meaningful community partnerships, and drive fundraising and public relations efforts. Our passionate team thrives on supporting one another and working together to achieve big goals.

Who we are:

The GRAND is one of Western Canada’s oldest theatres and has contributed to Calgary’s theatre and live performance communities in a myriad of ways for over 100 years. Today, we are a charitable organization committed to being the home of creative placemaking in Calgary. Our vision is to be a performing arts venue for the next 100 years and beyond, as part of Calgary’s vibrant arts and culture ecosystem. Our purpose is to collaborate with Calgary’s arts community, offering a stage to amplify voices, share stories, and create art that reflects and serves the city’s diverse communities.

Job Summary:

The Director of Programming and Experience is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing The GRAND’s mission through developing innovative programming, fostering meaningful community partnerships, driving fundraising initiatives, and leading public relations. In addition to curating dynamic artistic experiences, this role will oversee and lead The GRAND’s programming team and collaborate with all teams to ensure excellence in execution and alignment with organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an annual programming strategy aligned with The GRAND’s mission, vision and values.
• Lead and mentor the programming team, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of relevant, diverse, and inclusive artistic offerings to engage broad audiences.
• Ensure programming initiatives align with organizational goals and contribute to The GRAND’s sustainability.
• Build and grow relationships with community organizations, artists, audiences, patrons and supporters.
• Lead initiatives that deepen The GRAND’s connection to equity‑deserving communities towards fostering meaningful dialogue.
• Act as a key ambassador for The GRAND within the local, regional, and international arts community.
• Work with the Executive Director to identify, design, and implement fundraising strategies.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding agencies.
• Support and/or lead in applications and proposals to granting agencies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee PR efforts to enhance The GRAND’s visibility and reputation at home and further afield.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to reveal and craft compelling narratives that share the history, present, and future of The GRAND.
• Represent The GRAND publicly in media, panels, public forums and beyond.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on long‑term organizational strategy.
• Build and monitor budgets for programming and community engagement projects, ensuring financial accountability and fiscal responsibility.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in programming, community engagement, fundraising, and/or public relations, preferably within the arts and culture sector.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team, with strong mentorship skills.
• Success in securing funding from grants, sponsors, and donors.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts and beyond.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic, creative work environment at the heart of Calgary’s arts scene.
• Opportunities to shape the future of an iconic cultural institution.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Application Process:

Thank you for considering a career with The GRAND! To apply, please email [e-mail] with your resume and cover letter. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviews will begin in early to mid May 2025.