Special Projects Manager

Company Overview

Who We Are:

Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers.

The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, design, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.

Why You Should Apply:

• Creative work environment     
• Paid operational shutdown in December, with flexibility of days being used at alternative times during the year
• Group Insurance Benefits
• Employer matched RRSP
• Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health
• Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events
• Employee discounts on merchandise and event space
• Being a part of the magic of live theatre!

Job Description

We are recruiting an exceptional arts manager to join the Festival’s Directors’ Office, which is responsible for delivery of the organization’s programming. Working closely with the executive producer, director of production and other senior staff, this new position will be responsible for management and administration of the Festival’s collaborations with third-party theatres, producers and presenters. These special projects may intersect with the Festival’s annual repertory season, and could include touring productions and other activities as required. As it is expected that this work will intersect with departments across the organization, this role will be a hub of both internal and external communication to facilitate our work and support its goals.

Responsibilities:

•    Prepare budgets and financial forecasts for all activities, both for internal use and to support grant applications
•    Plan production schedules and manage events and activities to ensure completion on time and within budget
•    Negotiate, draft and administer contracts and other documentation for a variety of simultaneous projects
•    Act as a proactive and positive liaison with artists, with the Festival’s Creative and Production departments, and with other departments including Casting, Marketing, Finance, Payroll, Archives, Advancement, etc.
•    Liaise with professional associations and unions to ensure the Festival’s fulfillment of all obligations
•    Initiate and track payments and expenses
•    Review and proof materials to ensure accuracy and uphold contractual commitments
•    Represent the Festival with a high standard of professionalism with both internal and external contacts
•    Fulfill all responsibilities with an ethic of care, respect, and generosity

Minimum Qualifications:

•    Demonstrated experience in arts administration / management for the professional performing arts, which might include producing, production management, technical direction, stage management, or related fields
•    Working knowledge of theatrical collective agreements, particularly PACT/CAEA Canadian Theatre Agreement, IATSE, Associated Designers of Canada and the Playwrights Guild of Canada
•    Exceptional communication skills, organization and attention to detail
•    Superior analytical and problem-solving skills
•    A high level of confidentiality
•    Ability to work independently and adapt to shifting priorities and timelines
•    Collaborative team player
•    Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
•    Particular consideration will be given to candidates who demonstrate a passion and track record for empathetic and inclusive practices and working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, and abilities

The position is ideally suited to a mid-career producer / arts administrator.

This is a full-time position, which is expected to begin on or about June 15, 2026, and will require the successful candidate to work primarily onsite at the Festival in Stratford, Ontario, with the option of occasional remote work. Work hours are regularly Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, though occasional evenings and weekends (subject to compensatory time off) will be required.

Job Type: Full-Time

Annual Salary: $60,000 - $70,000

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled