The Free Will Players Theatre Guild : Managing Director Job Posting
Company Profile:
The Free Will Players Theatre Guild (FWP) was formed in 1989 by a group of theatre artists in a truly
co-operative spirit with the mandate to make the works of William Shakespeare accessible. The
company runs the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, which has grown into a professional theatre
festival with an annual audience of thousands. We stage two productions each summer
outdoors in Edmonton’s river valley, and host many special events during the festival.
FWP endeavours to make the productions accessible to all audiences, regardless of age, ability,
education or income levels, while also developing new audiences and mentoring theatre
professionals of the future. In the spirit of the original artists’ ‘pass the hat’ philosophy FWP
continues encouraging audiences with Pay What you Will and special pricing for students and
seniors.
General Description:
The Managing Director of The Free Will Players Theatre Guild is responsible for management
oversight of the organization including design and implementation of all fundraising and
development activities, supervising all non-artistic staff, and working collaboratively with the
Artistic Director to ensure the financial integrity and accountability of the organization.
The Managing Director works in equal partnership with the Artistic Director to provide the vision and
leadership necessary for fulfilling the mission of the organization.
The Managing Director is supported by a permanent assistant that works hours as needed – part
time during slower parts of the year and full time when needed.
Essential Functions:
This is a full-time, year-round permanent position. Training and support will be provided for
needed skill sets. The Festival season can be extremely busy. Off season duties include grant
writing and creating budgets. As managing director you are expected to represent the company
through outreach and advocacy within the Edmonton and Alberta communities.
ADMINISTRATION
● Identifies, develops, facilitates, implements and monitors the strategic planning process, including short and long term goals and objectives
● Makes policy, payroll, administrative, and management decisions concerning the daily operations of The Free Will Players Theatre Guild in conjunction with the Artistic Director
● Provides on-going decision- and problem- solving expertise and assistance to ensure a positive, productive working environment.
DEVELOPMENT/FUNDRAISING
● Create and implement fundraising plan Including corporate sponsorships with input from the Artistic Director and the Fundraising Committee
● Research and write grants to foundations and government institutions to achieve budgeted goals
MARKETING & PUBLICITY
● Oversees the development and implementation of all marketing materials, working closely with the Marketing contractor and the Artistic Director including press releases, website and all social media accounts
● Along with AD oversee subscriber and audience communications and develop audience development initiatives
FINANCES
● Oversees the development of financial reports and budgets in partnership with the Board in accordance with The Free Will Players Theatre Guild’s accounting policies and procedures
● Oversees and approves payroll and all insurance contracts
● Ensures reconciliations for all accounts are accurate by bookkeeper, identifies and works with bookkeeper to correct issues as they arise and makes sure all documents are ready for audit
● Ensures organizations CRA filings and records are updated and submitted in a timely manner
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS OR EXPERIENCE
● Arts Management Degree or equivalent work experience in the theatre industry or similar environment
● A good working knowledge of office software: Quickbooks, MS Office, Google Workspace and Excel and ability to learn the software for website
● Excellent time management skills, the ability to prioritize and shift swiftly between tasks and strong analytical and problem-solving skills
● Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and diplomacy
● Ability to withstand the physical demands of managing and executing an outdoor summer festival
REPORTS TO
The Board of Directors of The Free Will Players Theatre Guild
Compensation:
This is a permanent employee position. Hours of work will vary, and become more extensive
during the festival (working noon to 11pm at that time is not unusual). Hours in the non-Festival
period of the working year may be flexible, depending on the needs of the company and with the
approval of the Board of Directors.
The salary range for this position is $40 000.00 to $45 000.00 with an added benefits package.
The Free Will Players Theatre Guild believes in investing in its employees. There may be
opportunities for professional development where appropriate.
How to apply:
The Free Will Players Theatre Guild does not just accept difference – we celebrate it and thrive
on it. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Please submit a Letter of Interest and
Résumé to board@freewillshakespeare.com by Thursday, June 30, 2022.
Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted
