Managing Director

Company Overview

Cahoots Theatre, founded in 1986, is Canada’s first theatre company dedicated to developing and showcasing the work of artists of colour. Our support has evolved to include all artists ‘in the margins’. Cahoots’ mission is to uplift and spotlight the work of historically undervalued theatre creators including 2SLGBTQ+ artists, newcomer and refugee artists, artists with disabilities, and artists who reside at the many intersections of these identities.

Job Description

 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

Managing Director 

As we move with passion and purpose towards our 40th season in 2026/27, the Cahoots Theatre board of directors and staff are embarking on a search for a compassionate, dedicated, enthusiastic and collaborative person to join our team 

as Managing Director. We seek an individual who appreciates the cumulative impact of details on the big picture, and the crucial role that financial and administrative leadership plays in supporting our artists and longevity. 

The Managing Director will become co-leader of Cahoots alongside Artistic Director, Tanisha Taitt. Together they will steer Cahoots’ future, upholding our company mandate while being adaptive and reflective of the times. The MD will also work closely with Artistic Producer, Samantha Vu. The MD position is both inward and outward-facing, focusing on the internal workings of the company while simultaneously engaging with the community. 

The Managing Director’s primary role is to manage the company's finances and its resources, and oversee its operations. The MD will supervise marketing, fundraising, and public relations initiatives, and aim to increase company revenue through cultivating foundation and individual donor relationships with the support of the board and AD. The MD meets with our company bookkeeper, manages day-to-day administrative and operational tasks, and oversees the yearly financial audit. The Managing Director reports to and works closely with the Board of Directors, and sits on the Finance Committee. The Managing Director will work with the Artistic Director to formulate programming budgets. The MD and AD will also collaborate on preparation of all grant applications as well as ongoing strategic initiatives. 

In a departure from the previous Managing Producer role, the MD will not serve as lead producer of Cahoots theatrical productions. During periods of production the MD will, however, act as primary company contact for production managers, technical directors, talent agents and performance venues. 

A detailed job description, as well as a list of job criteria, are included below. 

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We enthusiastically welcome applications from ANYONE who, based on information provided, believes that they might be the right person for this role. Please do not exclude yourself prematurely! We invite people of various identities/backgrounds/abilities. 

Please email a resume highlighting all relevant experience, and a cover letter sharing your managerial philosophy and why you wish to be part of Cahoots Theatre, to board@cahoots.ca by Thursday, July 3rd. 

Kindly note that due to company capacity, only those chosen for an interview can be contacted, however we truly appreciate ALL interest and thank you sincerely for the time and effort taken to prepare an application for us. 

Interviews will be held in July 2025. 

Responsibilities of the Managing Director 

Financial Management 

Creation, oversight and reconciliation of operational budget and production budgets 

Day-to-day company financials including bill payments, artist and contractor payments, banking, monitoring cash flow, managing accounts payable and receivable 

Providing tax receipts were applicable 

Regular communication and meetings with company bookkeeper 

Annual budgetary audit 

Payroll and benefits administration 

Human Resources 

Hiring and managing of staff and contractors to meet company needs 

Maintaining employee records 

Providing and explaining key components of Cahoots HR policies to all contracted workers 

Overseeing all company-related contracting, including dealing with venues, agents, and show personnel 

Planning and running regularly scheduled staff meetings 

Serving as first point-person for HR-related issues 

Board Governance 

Scheduling board meetings 

Preparation of board meeting agendas and packages, including the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 

Attending board meetings and, in conjunction with the Artistic Director, preparing and sharing reports on 

company operations 

Consultation with the board with regards to significant adjustments to strategic plans, policy or expenditures 

Sitting on Finance committee with board chair and treasurer 

Grant Writing and Development 

Knowledge Canada Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, and Toronto Arts Council operational granting programs 

Preparation of grant applications in tandem with the AD. The managing director will complete budgetary and finance-related grant components. 

Communication with Grant Officers at all levels of government 

Receipt, administration and reporting on grant allotments 

Pursuing foundational and donor support to increase company revenue, with the support of the board and AD 

Relationship building with existing and potential financial supporters 

Rental & Facilities Management 

Coordination of studio and equipment rentals 

Communicating with and receiving payment from renters 

Paying building rent and utilities 

Maintaining relationship with landlord, building management, and security company 

Ensuring the maintenance, safety and general upkeep of our facilities and equipment, overseeing repairs 

Community & Industry Engagement 

Attendance at PACT regional meetings and annual PACT Conference 

Attendance at all Cahoots productions and public events 

The MD should be curious and eager to engage with artists and members of the public, and will be expected on occasion to represent Cahoots at industry and community events 

Job Criteria 

Education/Training 

Post-secondary training/equivalent work experience in theatre OR a passion for the performing arts. An arts administration background and a minimum of 3 years experience in management, non-profit preferred. We ask that all applicants possess an eagerness to learn, interest in a commitment to engaged leadership, and curiosity about the potential of Canadian theatre. 

Required Skills 

Budgeting knowledge/experience 

Extremely strong written and oral communication skills, adaptable to a wide range of communities 

Extremely strong organizational skills; able to multitask 

Extremely strong time management skills; able to self-direct and adhere to deadlines 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, notably Word and Excel; Google Drive and Suites; Zoom 

Experience with QuickBooks preferred 

Experience with CADAC preferred but not mandatory 

Note: Although not expected to have prior experience or exposure, the Managing Director will be expected to gain knowledge of the following: 

The Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) 

Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) 

Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) 

Canadian Actors Equity Association (CAEA) 

Playwrights Guild of Canada (PGC) 

Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC) 

For specific projects the MD may be required to engage with the following: 

The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) 

American Federation of Musicians (AFM) 

Songwriters Association of Canada (SOCAN)