Academy Theatre General Manager

Company Overview

About the Academy Theatre

Since opening its doors in 1893, the Academy Theatre has been a cultural landmark in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Welcoming more than 20,000 patrons annually, the Academy presents professional touring artists, community productions, rentals and cultural events that enrich our community while preserving an important part of its heritage.

As the Theatre enters its next chapter, we are seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead the organization by combining strategic thinking, business leadership, operational excellence, entrepreneurial drive and a genuine passion for the performing arts.

Job Description

Position Summary

The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Academy Theatre.

Working within the governance framework established by the Board of Directors, and in partnership with the Board and its Standing Committees, the General Manager leads development of the Strategic Plan in partnership with the Board, and develops programming strategy, annual business plan, marketing strategy, operating and capital budgets, and key operating priorities for Board consideration and approval. The General Manager leads the organization and is accountable for successfully executing Board-approved plans while delivering exceptional programming, outstanding patron experiences, financial sustainability and measurable organizational results.

The successful candidate will demonstrate both the passion and the ability to lead an organization, not simply manage one.

Governance Philosophy

The Academy Theatre operates through a partnership between the Board of Directors, its Standing Committees and Management.

The Board governs by establishing strategic direction, approving major plans and policies, allocating resources and measuring organizational performance.

Standing Committees provide expertise, advice, challenge and support.

The General Manager develops recommendations for Board consideration, leads the organization, executes Board-approved plans and is accountable for results.

Governance Philosophy

The Academy Theatre operates through a partnership between the Board of Directors, its Standing Committees and Management.

The Board governs by establishing strategic direction, approving major plans and policies, allocating resources and measuring organizational performance.

Standing Committees provide expertise, advice, challenge and support.

The General Manager develops recommendations for Board consideration, leads the organization, executes Board-approved plans and is accountable for results.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

The General Manager will:

·       Provide visible, inspiring leadership for the Academy Theatre.

·       Recruit, develop and lead staff and volunteers.

·       Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.

·       Build strong relationships with patrons, artists, volunteers, donors, sponsors, community partners and municipal stakeholders.

·       Represent the Academy Theatre as a respected community leader and ambassador.

·       Work alongside the Academy Theatre’s standing committees dedicated to Strategy, Programming, Business Development (Sponsorship and Government Relations), Finance and Facilities, and Marketing, while owning the responsibilities specified below.

Strategy & Governance

·       Develop the Theatre’s Strategic Plan, annual business plan and organizational priorities.

·       Identify opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability, community impact and financial performance.

·       Translate Board-approved priorities into measurable operational plans.

·       Execute approved strategies and report regularly on organizational performance.

·       Identify emerging opportunities, risks and trends, recommending appropriate action.

Programming

·       Develop, recommend and execute the Theatre’s annual programming strategy.

·       Build a season that balances artistic excellence, community relevance and financial sustainability.

·       Evaluate programming opportunities using market, audience and financial analysis.

·       Negotiate artist contracts and oversee successful event delivery.

·       Monitor attendance, patron satisfaction and financial performance, using post-event reviews to continuously strengthen future programming.

Business Development

·       Develop and execute strategies to grow audiences, memberships and earned revenue.

·       Lead marketing, audience development and community engagement initiatives.

·       Develop sponsorship, fundraising and grant strategies.

·       Build strategic partnerships throughout the community.

·       Identify entrepreneurial opportunities that strengthen the Theatre’s long-term sustainability and impact.

Financial & Operational Leadership

·       Develop annual operating and capital budgets for Board consideration and approval.

·       Monitor financial and operational performance against approved plans.

·       Prepare regular forecasts and performance reports.

·       Recommend operational improvements and business initiatives.

·       Ensure sound financial stewardship, effective risk management and efficient operations.

Facilities

·       Develop long-term maintenance and capital improvement plans.

·       Oversee maintenance of the Theatre and its technical infrastructure.

·       Ensure compliance with health, safety and regulatory requirements.

·       Protect the Theatre’s heritage while ensuring it remains operationally ready for future generations.

Qualifications

We are seeking either an experienced General Manager or an emerging leader who can clearly demonstrate, through their accomplishments, that they are ready to successfully lead the Academy Theatre.

Previous General Manager experience is preferred but not mandatory. Candidates who have built the breadth of leadership, strategic, operational and financial experience to demonstrate they are ready to successfully step into a General Manager role are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

·       Proven leadership experience managing teams and organizations.

·       Experience developing and executing strategic and business plans.

·       Strong business, financial and operational management skills.

·       Success growing audiences, customers, revenues, partnerships or organizational impact.

·       Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

·       An entrepreneurial mindset, sound judgment and a commitment to accountability.

Experience in performing arts, entertainment, hospitality, tourism, festivals, nonprofit leadership or other customer-focused industries is considered an asset, but is not essential.

A genuine passion for the performing arts and community engagement is essential.

Measures of Success

Performance will be evaluated through outcomes including:

·       Achievement of the Academy Theatre Strategic Plan.

·       Audience growth and engagement.

·       Financial sustainability.

·       Programming success, including attendance, patron satisfaction and financial performance.

·       Growth in sponsorship, fundraising and grant revenue.

·       Strong staff and volunteer engagement.

·       Growth in community partnerships.

·       Safe, professional and efficient operation of the Theatre.

Compensation

Salary Range: $70,000 to $100,000

Compensation will reflect demonstrated experience and capability.

Candidates whose experience and capabilities align with some, but not all aspects of the role should expect compensation toward the lower end of the range. Candidates with highly relevant experience and a demonstrated track record of strategic leadership, audience and revenue growth, partnership development and organizational impact may be considered toward the upper end of the range.

Additional benefits may be considered as part of the overall compensation package.