The Executive Director provides the leadership for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and shares the responsibility for the success of the company on an equal footing with the Artistic Director - both reporting directly to the Board - to ensure artistic and sustainable excellence.

The Executive Director is responsible for developing and driving the implementation of Les Grands Ballets’ vision and strategic plan: developing and maintaining external relationships with donors and Government; managing finances, staff and operations; supporting the Board of Directors; and building its profile and its resources to advance its artistic mission. The Executive Director will be particularly involved in leading and implementing the second phase of a major gifts campaign with a goal of raising a remaining $6 million of a $25 million capital campaign for its new building. The ED will also be negotiating a new collective agreement with the dancers in 2019.

RELATIONSHIPS
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors through its President, Mrs. Constance V. Pathy. The Executive Director has an important partnership with the Artistic Director, Ivan Cavallari

Reporting to the Executive Director are:

• Director, Events & Fundraising
• Director, Marketing, Communications & Sales
• Director, Touring & Guest Companies
• Director, Finance & Administration
• Director, Production
• Director, National Centre of Dance Therapy
• Manager, Human Resources
• Manager, Leisure Department

PRIMARY RESPONSABILITIES

• Develop the company’s strategic plan and its subsequent execution into a tactical rolling three-year plan with input from the Board of Directors and the Artistic Director.
• Forge an effective and positive partnership with the Artistic Director and Board of Directors to ensure the company stays true to its artistic vision while ensuring financial stability.
• Increase appreciation of the Artistic leadership of Les Grands Ballets by working closely with the Artistic Director and proactively seeking opportunities for him to network with audience, donors, Government and the broader community.
• Work with the Director, Events & Fundraising, to lead the company’s development and fundraising efforts and provide for substantial growth in contributed income and in the donor base. Provide leadership and support for the active participation of Directors, volunteers, and staff in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Actively participate in the cultivation and stewardship of Government funding bodies.
• Work with the Director, Finance & Administration, to ensure the financial sustainability of the Company through creating and achieving balanced annual operating budgets and ensuring that accurate financial reports are regularly provided to the Audit Committee.
• Work with the Director, Marketing, Communications & Sales, to develop innovative, omni channel marketing and audience development strategies to support both earned and contributed revenue, enhance client engagement and the reputation of the Company.
• Work with the Director, National Centre of Dance Therapy, to promote health and wellness in the field of dance and continue positioning the Company as a leader in the field.
• Oversee the Company’s Community Outreach programs, working to sustain and build relevance to the community and to increase and diversify the Company’s audience and stakeholders.
• Develop strategies to ensure an optimal use of the space (studios, theatre, atrium).
• Ensure that the new building is properly and efficiently managed to provide the revenue streams to support the Company’s core activity.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to support their efforts, commitment, and leadership. Assist the Board in cultivating and recruiting new members.
• Recruit, develop, inspire and retain skilled and experienced staff members to contribute to the Company’s success, image and reputation. Negotiate and manage the employee collective agreement.
• Liaise with the Director of École supérieure de ballet du Québec to ensure an effective administration in support of the development of professional dancers.
• Maintain current knowledge of developments in ballet/arts management, and participate in appropriate regional, national, and international organizations and activities.
• Position, build and promote Les Grands Ballets as a leading, innovative and dynamic player in the community, both locally and on the international scene, forging innovative and sustainable partnerships.

PROFILE

• A strategic thinker and planner who can work collaboratively to establish and communicate a vision for the Company and a plan for developing sustainable resources to support it.
• An inspiring leader with exceptional networking skills and a high-energy level for donor cultivation and fundraising who can rally and build strong and innovative partnerships with the community.
• An outstanding manager with strong financial skills in sales and marketing, a comprehensive grasp of development, and superb skills in building a management team and creating a positive working environment.
• An experienced executive who understands the direct shirt-sleeves involvement necessary to run a performing arts organization on a financially sound basis, and who also understands how to work effectively with a volunteer Board.
• A confident and respected leader who can command the trust of the Artistic Director, Board, staff, volunteers and community, and who can represent the company to its audiences, its stakeholders and the public.
• A ballet advocate, with knowledge of and passion for the art form and all its related benefits.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

• The ideal candidate should be bilingual or with strong working knowledge of French both written and spoken.
• The Executive Director must be an outstanding communicator and collaborator and motivator, with a proven track record in innovative partnerships and collaborations in and beyond the arts.
• At least 5 years of experience as an Executive Director managing a comparable staff and budget; experience leading a ballet company or other performing arts organization would be ideal. Strong entrepreneurial and financial management skills are essential. A knowledge of facilities issues would be an asset as would a thorough understanding of the issues and challenges facing ballet companies today.
• Demonstrated experience in working with a non-for-profit Board of Directors and volunteers.
• Candidates should have a successful track record in building donor relationships and in soliciting and stewarding significant gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations.
• Excellent oral, written and presentation skills are required.
• Exposure to labour unions and contract negotiations, including experience with successful labour partnerships would be an asset.
• High level energy, resilience, a positive attitude and a sense of humour are key attributes as well.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest along with resume in confidence by May 11, 2018
To: Mr. Dory Vanderhoof, Senior Partner, Genovese Vanderhoof & Associates, 284 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4T 1P4, gvarosalind@gmail.com.

www.genovesevanderhoof.com