Shakespeare in the Ruins seeks candidates for the position of General Manager.

We are looking for a vibrant, energetic theatre administration professional to join Shakespeare in the Ruins as its next General Manager.  This position will give you a unique opportunity to tap into many aspects of theatre management and will be an important next step in your career as an arts administrator.

The General Manager is one of two senior leadership positions in the organization. It is a very hands-on position, perfect for someone looking to take an active role in all aspects of theatre production. You would be responsible for the overall management of the company, working closely with SIR’s Artistic Director. This is a collaborative position, and its duties are all-encompassing.

SIR focuses on classical works but remains in tune with our times.  For 27 years, we have used the classical canon to deal with and interpret relevant, current, and important social issues; and we also present Shakespeare to new audiences through robust educational programs. Our outreach initiatives, comprised of student matinees and a Fall school tour, are paramount in the growth of our audience. In a similar vein, we strive to provide access to under-represented groups through workshops with youth, and Shakespeare in Stony Mountain Penitentiary – where inmates receive a Grade 10 drama credit towards their GED.

Although SIR is a relatively small theatre company, we punch above our weight and are in regular conversation with theatre companies across Canada.  We share office spaces with a major Winnipeg theatre (Prairie Theatre Exchange), allowing for the exchange of ideas and resources with other artists and administrators.  While we are located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg – a city that is generously supportive of its vibrant arts and cultural community – our heart is on the outskirts of the city at the Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park. There, we retreat to rehearse and perform the greatest plays ever written to enthusiastic and engaged audiences. In our productions, the rich imagery of Shakespeare’s words meets the astonishing splendour of the surroundings. Through the natural beauty of our landscape, and the cooperative effort involved in promenade staging, we are reminded of the value of community.

We live Shakespeare’s pastoral dream.  And we invite you to join us.

 

The Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of financial management in a non-profit setting, preferably in the performing arts. Knowledge of the Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) and of the Canadian theatre landscape are strong assets. A sound knowledge of fundraising principals and practices, and a willingness to grow this vital skill are keys to success in this role.

 

The Position

The General Manager provides administrative leadership for the company and works in close collaboration with the Artistic Director and Assistant General Manager to achieve the strategic goals of the company. The General Manager executes action plans in the areas of financial management, revenue development, human resources, marketing and communications, relationship building/outreach, and administrative processes, policies, and procedures.

 

Highlighted Duties of the Role

• Participate in development & evaluation of strategic planning in a leading role; confirm consistency with Mission, Vision and Values; determine consequent resource requirements & assistance as needed by AD, Board & other staff.
• Ensure responsible communication with the Board regarding operational and strategic issues and ensure collaboration with the Board on specific initiatives, as necessary.
• Supervise all paid employees, including production staff where specifically pre-identified, other than Artistic Director & contracted actors.
• Negotiate and manage all contracts (performers, vendors, support & technical staff), bookings and rentals.
• Develop long-term business plan consistent with strategic plan. Generate, in collaboration with the AD and other staff, all requests and reports for government funding agencies, foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
• Along with the AD and the Board of Directors, develop and execute SIR’s strategic plan.
• Collaborate with the AD in the preparation of an overall budget.
• Prepare & revise annual operating budget; monitor & report on progress toward achieving goals & budget targets.
• Supervise accounting, payroll, audit & financial control, with contracted agencies or individuals where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with government & legal financial requirements; confirm at each regular Board meeting.
• Maintain oversight of production costs and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Attend and report on all financial matters at meetings of the Finance Committee and the Board of Directors.

 

What You Bring

• Experience in an arts and cultural organization, preferably in the performing arts; ideally three years of professional management or arts administration.
• Knowledge of Canadian theatre and theatre management.
• Knowledge of the Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA).
• A strong knowledge of financial management, including budgeting, reporting and estimating.
• A sound knowledge of fundraising, including grant and report writing experience.
• Precise attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and relationship skills.

 

What We Offer

Salary is $40,000 per annum and three weeks paid vacation.

 

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter to employment@sirmb.ca, by April 2, 2021 with “Attention: GM Hiring Committee” in the subject line. Only email applications will be accepted. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those under further consideration will be contacted.

Shakespeare in the Ruins is committed to equitable and inclusive hiring in all departments of our company and will consider all submissions without regard to age, disability, ethno-cultural identity, gender, or any other basis of unfair discrimination.

 

Shakespeare In The Ruins

Shakespeare in the Ruins (SIR) is a professional theatre company in Winnipeg, MB specializing in presenting the works of William Shakespeare in unique outdoor settings. The company also has a strong focus on youth and community programming, and on making Shakespeare accessible, understandable and socially relevant, using the Bard’s works to make a positive difference in our community. SIR has evolved from our proud roots as an artist-driven co-operative founded in 1993 to an incorporated non-profit organization with an annual budget of approximately $400,000. We are governed by a Board of Directors, with day-to-day operations managed by professional staff. A core of dedicated Artistic and Technical Associates provides additional support to the company.

Our programming has typically included one 9-actor promenade-style mainstage production in and around the ruins of the Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park in the south Winnipeg suburb of St. Norbert, and one 4-actor touring production that travels to high schools across Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario and Saskatchewan. We also engage in new play development initiatives and other special projects, including high-quality training workshops for local theatre artists. Our community programs introduce inner city youth and federal inmates to Shakespearean acting with inspiring results. Our company is well positioned to grow, with exciting possibilities on the horizon for our 28th season and beyond. While this past year has had its challenges, SIR has responded to the pandemic by remaining financially stable and creatively engaged. We have planned an expanded season of collaboration and innovation, and we are looking forward to offering new cinematic projects and digital workshops, in addition to returning to the Ruins for our traditional live programming.

SIR is a proud member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT).

For more information about Shakespeare in the Ruins, please look at our production history, our mandate and mission, photos and updates.