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Executive Director, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir

GENOVESE VANDERHOOF & ASSOCIATES
A Cultural Management Consulting Firm


JOB OPPORTUNITY TORONTO MENDELSSOHN CHOIR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir invites applications and referrals for the
position of Executive Director.


Toronto Mendelssohn Choir
The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir (TMChoir) has been a champion of choral music in Canada since 1894. As Canada’s leading symphonic choir, and a pioneering force in the development of our country’s rich choral landscape, the TMChoir, like the country, has withstood world wars, economic crises, and lately a pandemic. It has amplified celebratory moments in Canadian history and in times of sorrow, it
has provided comfort through song.


This remarkable and resilient organization emerged from the pandemic with a new three-year artistic plan that re-imagines the TMChoir’s history with an enlivened concert series, touring, new partnerships, and recording. It has created a community engagement program highlighted by an annual composer-in-residence appointment, commissioning new works to ensure the Canadian choral repertoire grows and reflects the many communities that in the 21st century proudly call Canada home.


Remarkably, the TMChoir has worked under the leadership of just eight artistic directors in its 125-plus year history. Internationally recognized conductor, scholar, and pedagogue Jean-Sébastien Vallée was appointed as the TMChoir’s eighth Artistic Director in June of 2021. With Jean-Sébastien’s exemplary leadership and vision, the TMChoir has fashioned a plan that bursts with possibility, a future growth balanced between tradition and innovation. The TMChoir is evolving to include diverse, contemporary works in its repertoire and to re-imagine performances in new, surprising, experiential ways. The TMChoir’s Board, its singers, and its staff are committed wholeheartedly to this plan’s success.

In addition to his work in Toronto, Jean-Sébastien is Associate Professor of Music, Director of Choral Studies, and Coordinator of the Ensembles & Conducting Area at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music. He has conducted ensembles throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, and has prepared choruses for such leading orchestras as Chicago, Toronto, and Montreal. He is an advocate for contemporary music, making one of his priorities the commissioning and premiering works by emerging composers and programming rarely performed repertoire.

The TMChoir ensemble includes a core of 24 professional singers (the TMSingers) and expands as the full TMChoir of 150+ auditioned and experienced volunteer choristers. And because the TMChoir is “beyond a choir,” its dedication to new choral experience extends to creating meaningful and impactful educational and community programs, as well as forging new relationships and partnerships with friends and neighbors in the Canadian choral landscape.


The TMChoir is featured in every season of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as its partnered large-scale symphonic choir. This current season will feature a run of 5 performances of Handel’s Messiah during the holiday season, as well as three performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 3. In addition, the TMChoir will
tour with the Orchestre symphonique de Québec and the National Arts Centre Orchestra, performing together in Quebec City, Ottawa, and Toronto.


The 2023/24 season will also includes Verdi’s Requiem, an annual holiday celebration, two performances of the TMSingers, Carmina Burana at Roy Thomson Hall, and a variety of community events and activities. (See info@tmchoir.org for more information.)


The TMChoir is committed to excellence in performance; to using the capacity of choral music to ignite change; to building a welcoming, inclusive ensemble; and to create innovative collaborations with organizations that also see the arts as a means to building a more equitable world. The TMChoir has a deeply committed and hard-working artistic and administrative staff and volunteer board of directors. The annual budget is approximately $1 million.

The Position of Executive Director:
The Executive Director and the Artistic Director each report directly to the Board of Directors and work in close partnership with one another, in service of the organization’s shared artistic vision. The Executive Director provides leadership to ensure that the TMChoir’s mission is achieved and that the organization’s
strategic, educational, and financial goals are met.


The Executive Director (ED) will lead a team of individuals dedicated to the success of the TMChoir. The ED will oversee both the human and financial resources of the choir and is responsible and accountable for all aspects of the choir’s administration and operations, including fund-raising, marketing, public
relations, financial management, and chorister well-being.

Responsibilities:
In tandem with the Artistic Director, the Executive Director develops and implements season programming, guest concert appearances, and other events. This individual fosters strong, positive relationships with TMChoir volunteer and professional choristers, and with the organization’s artistic partners, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.


The Executive Director is the chief fund-raiser for the TMChoir, developing and executing a comprehensive strategy for generating public and private sector revenue. The ED creates and implement strategies for cultivating, securing, and stewarding private sector supports, including individual donors, foundations, and corporations, as well as writing grant applications.


The Executive Director manages the financial operations of the organization, developing the annual budget, monitoring the financial status, and controlling costs. The Executive Director creates, monitors, and presents monthly cash flow projections and monthly financial reports to the Board, overseeing the work of the bookkeeper (including the filing of municipal, provincial, and federal reports as
needed).


The Executive Director recruits, hires, and provides leadership to the administrative staff needed to achieve the TMChoir’s strategic objectives. The ED also assists the Artistic Director in creating, hiring, and evaluating the organization’s artistic positions.


The Executive Director partners with the Board of Directors and its Executive, paying a key role in achieving the organization’s strategic plan. This individual will actively promote the TMChoir and its brand, managing the overall plan for internal and external communications and developing content for storytelling on various channels.


Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have seven to ten years of senior management experience in the performing arts sector, a passion for choral music, and exceptional written, oral, and presentation skills. A bachelor’s degree is required; a graduate degree in arts administration or not-for-profit management is
preferred.


In addition we seek:
Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing fund-raising efforts with the ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward major individual gifts, corporate sponsors, and foundation/government grants;

Ability to lead, inspire, and motivate staff and volunteers in an environment that fosters creativity, a commitment to excellence, teamwork, and mutual respect;
Experience in creating and managing budgets, financial projections, and cash flow reports;
Ability to think strategically while balancing a full portfolio of project tasks
and experience in collaborating with a wide network of partnerships;
Competency with computer technologies; able to evaluate the TMChoir’s existing systems and suggest necessary upgrades and improvement.


Preference will be given to qualified Canadian applicants.


Other Information and Application Process:
Compensation: $95,000 to $110,000, plus benefits package.
Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest in confidence, as well as a resume and list of references by Monday, October 30:

Margaret Genovese
Senior Partner

GENOVESE, VANDERHOOF & ASSOCIATES

gvamargaret@aol.com
77 Carlton Street, Suite 1103
Toronto, ON, Canada M5B 2J7
416/340-2762.

The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates for employment are
considered without regard to race, color, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age,
familial or marital status, veteran status, non-job-related disability or any other basis protected by applicable federal, provincial, or local laws.
For additional information see: www.genovesevanderhoof.com; www.tmchoir.org.

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Graphic and Website Designer, Annapolis Valley Honour Choir

Amazing Opportunity!

Request for Proposal (RFP): Graphic and Website Designer to Assist with the Rebranding of the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir

AnticipatedTime Period – 5 months

Background: The Annapolis Valley Honour Choir is a charitable, not for profit choral organization based in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. The Annapolis Valley Honour Choir (AVHC) is a nationally recognized community organization known for its excellence in music education and capacity for community building. It has been a mainstay in the Valley’s cultural fabric for over 30 years. Artistic Director Heather Fraser, former alumni, curates a program for each of our choirs that not only teaches them the fundamentals of music but stretches their minds and fills their hearts at the same time. Currently there are 170 choristers ranging from Grades 3-12 in three choirs, representing communities from the Kempt Shore to Granville Ferry in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia.

The AVHC’s goal is to provide an accessible, comprehensive, professional quality musical education for youth while providing a unique and powerful means for young people to express themselves both musically and individually. We are focused on nurturing healthy voices, strong musicianship and engaged community volunteers and leaders. The AVHC program offers the chance for choristers to work with professionally trained faculty in weekly rehearsals and workshop settings. It includes a full music literacy (theory/sight-singing) program, chorister apprenticeship leadership program, performances, community engagement, and cultural exchange travel opportunities.

Citizenship, strong community values, volunteerism and a global education are also a large part of the organization’s goals. As a truly inclusive, supportive family, the choir provides a safe space for young people to find their inner voice – to take risks, build confidence and be their true selves. Choir members learn the value and true meaning of teamwork – to feel a collective sense of responsibility, to learn what it means to be committed to something larger than individual accomplishments, and to share in a common vision and work ethic.To build on our success and begin to move the organization into the future, we are currently seeking an experienced Graphic and Website Designer to assist in creating a new, more modern brand that better represents the AVHC of today.

The Position: 

The successful candidate will follow a timeline of approximately 5 months. Primary responsibilities for this position will include: 

Working with the Project Manager, Artistic Director, and Board President, develop a more representative name and logo to be used on all communication materials, choir clothing, websites, etc.

Redesign the AVHC website to make it more modern and intuitive, user-friendly Assist in the development of a suite of marketing materials

The successful respondent (or respondent team) will be selected by the Board of Directors of the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir based on the process detailed in this document.

The Board of Directors of the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir will make the final selection of the successful respondent (or respondent team) to perform the proposed services.

The Board of Directors of the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir reserves the right to cancel any and all solicitations and to accept, or reject, in whole or in part, any and all proposals when it is in the best interest of organization as determined by the organization in its sole discretion.

Proposed Project Timeline:

RFP Submission Deadline – 11:59 pm on Thursday, October 5, 2023
Clarifying Questions to be submitted to the Project Manager via email at coordinator@avhc.ca by noon on Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Anticipated Start Date – October 23, 2023

Within the proposal the respondent (or respondent team) must describe: 
● Past experience working with similar non-profit organizations
● Overall Experience
● Links to portfolio, including samples of similar work done for other non-profit or arts organizations, if possible
● A summary of your knowledge of the AVHC and a brief description of your vision for our design and marketing strategy
● References – provide contact information for three references – one of which must be a former client.

Submission Detail: Applicant Proposals should be submitted by 11:59 pm, Thursday, October 5, 2023 to coordinator@avhc.ca as a single pdf with no more than 10 pages
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JCC Summer Counsellor Needed – Sing Summer 2023

Junior Choir Camp (August 13-19, 2023)

Looking for a summer job in a relaxed camp environment? Do you love to sing and mentor children who also love to sing?  Consider joining us for our Sing Summer Camps held in Berwick, Nova Scotia! There is still a female Camp Counsellor position available for this summer.

You are at least 18 years old and will be in charge of 6-7 campers (mostly age 10-12 years old)

You are available to join us for training and team building the afternoon of August 12 as we get excited for campers to arrive!

Camp Counsellors ensure choristers get to events, rehearsals and meals on time.  You also participate in daily activities to provide support and add to the fun.  You will report to the Camp Director who will also be staying on site.  There’s Art!  There’s Drama!  And who can forget the SINGING!?!

There will be a daily staff meeting to discuss daily schedules and activities.  This is a residential camp so counsellors stay on site with their campers (meals and accommodations are included). 

Counsellors are paid an honorarium at the end of the week ($200).  Come join the magic of singing among the hemlocks at Berwick Camp!

If you are interested in learning more, contact Anne at NSCF – anne@nscf.ca

 

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Annapolis Valley Honour Choir – Project Manager Call for Proposals

AVHC Seeking Project Manager – Call for Proposals

The Annapolis Valley Honour Choir (an arts education organization with 170 young singers), is currently seeking a Project Manager to help fulfill our goals for the revitalization of operations and board, rebranding and planning for a sustainable future. 

We are seeking Requests for Proposals for this position. 


Applicant Proposals should be submitted by 5:00 pm, Monday, July 31, 2023 to vicepresident@avhc.ca as a single PDF with no more than 10 pages. Please direct all questions and inquiries to vicepresident@avhc.ca

For the detailed RFP information, please click here . 




 
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Job Posting – Sing Summer Assistant Cook

Sing Summer Camps – Assistant Cook

Dates: Saturday, August 12th – Saturday, August 26th, 2023

Location: Berwick United Church Campgrounds

As assistant cook, you will report to the head cook and work alongside a team of youth hired for dishwashing and food service duties. The assistant cook will assist the head cook in the preparation of meals and the day to day running of the kitchen, including cleaning the equipment, checking supplies and rotating food stock. You’ll be responsible for catering to a limited number of special diets such as vegetarian, vegan, celiac, and gluten-free. The camp cook will be responsible for the preparation of 3 meals per day and light refreshments to be served to campers. We are looking for somebody who is comfortable in a camp kitchen environment and with a variety of equipment (camp), and who likes to be hands-on. Accommodations will be provided to the selected candidate on the Berwick United Church Campgrounds. 

To apply, contact: anne@nscf.ca

Key responsibilities:

  • Ordering and organizing the inventory storage
  • Meal preparation and cooking
  • Maintaining a clean kitchen, including all equipment, pots, and pans 
  • Making sure the kitchen is a safe and hygienic place to work
  • Control portion costs by working out the number of portions per food batch

Work Load

Sing Summer consists of multiple programs with varying enrolment numbers. The two core programs are our Junior & Youth Choir Camp (which runs from August 14th – 20th) and our Adult Choir Camp (which runs from August 22nd – 27th). The first week will consist of 3 meals per day for approximately 75 campers and staff. The second week will consist of 3 meals per day for approximately 100 campers and staff. Additional programs over the weekends will mean additional participants at select meal times. This will be communicated in advance to the head cook. 

Compensation

Compensation for this role will be $2000. Employment Insurance and Canada Pension Plan amounts will be deducted.

Experience

  • Experience of working in a fast paced kitchen chef
  • Some management experience will help
  • Ability to multitask

Qualifications

  • Health and safety or food hygiene qualifications are essential to this position

Others Requirements

  • Ability to work long days and weekends
  • Ability to work in fast paced environment
  • Attention to details in work is important. 
  • Food and safety certificate. – WHMIS certified

 

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Job Posting – Sing Summer Head Cook

Dates: Saturday, August 12th – Saturday, August 26th, 2023

Location: Berwick United Church Campgrounds

For 2 weeks every summer, voices raised together in song float among the hemlocks of the Berwick United Church Campground. A wonderful and magical place, it has been the home of the NSCF Sing Summer program for 40 years, each year welcoming over 200 singers in two weeks of programs. The rustic and charming multi-coloured cabins, the wonderful indoor and outdoor activity spaces, and the centre pavilion for rehearsals in the open air, make it the perfect location to sing, to learn, to connect, and to have a great time – all the while becoming a part of the choral community.

Our guest conductors, artistic and caregiving staff love being a part of these programs and are truly dedicated to creating an accepting and welcoming culture at camp where inspiration abounds and creativity can be set free!

As Kitchen Supervisor and Head Cook, you will be leading a team consisting of an assistant cook and youth hired for dishwashing and food service duties. In addition, the Head Cook will be responsible for preparing menus/meals, managing the camp dining budget and overseeing the day to day running of the kitchen, including cleaning the equipment, checking supplies and rotating food stock. The kitchen is equipped with steam ovens, walk in fridge, dishwasher, and plenty of prep space.  The Head Cook will be responsible for the preparation of 3 meals per day and light refreshments to be served to campers. We are looking for somebody who is comfortable in a camp kitchen environment and with a variety of equipment (camp) and who likes to be hands-on. Accommodations and meals will be provided to the selected candidate on the Berwick United Church Campgrounds. 

Key responsibilities:

  • Ordering and organizing the inventory storage
  • Planning menus, apportion ingredients and use food surpluses (buffet style dining)
  • Meal preparation and cooking
  • Maintaining a clean kitchen, including all equipment, pots, and pans 
  • Making sure the kitchen is a safe and hygienic place to work
  • Managing the kitchen and dining room staff
  • Control portion costs by working out the number of portions per food batch

Work Load

Sing Summer consists of multiple programs with varying enrolment numbers. The two core programs are our Junior & Youth Choir Camp (which runs from August 13th – 19th) and our Adult Choir Camp (which runs from August 21st – 26th). The first week will consist of 3 meals per day for approximately 75 campers and staff. The second week will consist of 3 meals per day for approximately 100 campers and staff. Additional programs over the weekends will mean additional participants at select meal times. This will be communicated in advance to the Head Cook 

Compensation

Compensation for this role will be $3000. Employment Insurance and Canada Pension Plan amounts will be deducted.

Experience

  • Experience of working and running a fast paced kitchen 
  • Some management experience would be an asset
  • Ability to multitask

Qualifications

  • Health and safety or food hygiene qualifications are essential to this position
  • Ability to work long days and weekends
  • Ability to work in fast paced environment
  • Attention to details in work is important. 
  • Food and safety certificate. – WHMIS certified

To apply, contact: anne@nscf.ca

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Administrative Director, Choirs for Change

Administrative Director of Choirs for Change (Contractor) –

Equity-Seeking Candidates Prioritized

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Choirs for Change Board of Directors Co-Chairs Robbie Mason and Megan Johnson at choirsforchange@gmail.com by April 20th 2023.

About Choirs for Change:
Choirs for Change Association is a non-profit arts organization registered in Nova Scotia (Mi’kma’ki). Founded in 2017, Choirs for Change supports the activities of three choral ensembles in the Halifax (Kjipuktuk) region: Spíra, Polaris, and Eastern Horizon. Together, these ensembles strive to support social change movements through innovative choral events (http://www.choirsforchange.ca/).

Our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
Choirs for Change is an organization dedicated to social justice, inclusion, equity, accessibility, and diversity. We lead with these values and seek to create an environment that is actively anti-racist, Queer+ focused, and which amplifies the contributions of equity-deserving voices. We strongly encourage, and will prioritize, applicants who identify as Indigenous, Black/of African descent, racialized/person of colour, disabled/person with disabilities, and/or a member of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. We respectfully request that you self-identify in your application if you are a member of one or more of these equity groups.

Administrative Director Position: In this role, you will be responsible for:

Managing the organization’s finances, including depositing revenue (including membership fees), tracking expenses, and distributing contractor reimbursements and payments;

Drafting and submitting grant applications to support the organization’s activities;

Supporting concert preparations and execution;

Overseeing audience development strategy and initiatives; and

Assisting with general administrative tasks as they arise, such as website management. You may also be asked to supervise other contractors as they are engaged, such as Concert Assistants and a Marketing Assistant.

Your role includes completing these duties for all three of the organization’s choirs: Polaris, Eastern Horizon, and Spíra. To help you succeed in these duties, you will be supported by the organization’s choral conductors and Board of Directors. As each choir runs on a different schedule and the preparation of grants, concerts, and other time-intensive duties ebb and flow, the time commitment will vary from week to week. We anticipate an average of four hours per week.

We expect you to act in compliance with our organizational policies, including the Anti-Harassment Policy.

To support the advancement of the organization, you will be required to participate in organization Committees. As well, your attendance will be expected at all Board meetings (2 hours, typically every two months, remote attendance is possible), for which you will submit a written report in advance for Board review. Accordingly, you will be accountable to the Board in this work.

Qualifications:

● Strong background in arts or non-profit administration and operations

● Experience with payroll or finance management

● A demonstrated history of successful grant applications

● Background in community engagement activities

● Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google suite; experience with website management and/or social media applications is an asset

● Superior planning, organizational, and time management skills

● Commitment to principles of social justice and equity

Compensation:

You will engage in this role as an independent contractor. You are responsible for providing yourself a place of work and the necessary tools you require to complete the work. You are further responsible for making any required tax remittances owed on any compensation paid to you by the organization. The organization will compensate you at a rate of $400.00 CAD per month, subject to a revised lesser amount based on the total membership fee revenue collected during the year.

Kindly direct any questions about the position to choirsforchange@gmail.com. We look forward to receiving your application.

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Choir Director, Dartmouth Choral Society

The DARTMOUTH CHORAL SOCIETY seeks a Choral Director to start September 2023

We are searching for a director who will continue to provide enjoyable and musically challenging experiences for our members.

The Dartmouth Choral Society is a four-part, non-auditioned 60 member community choir. We are the longest continuously performing community choir in Nova Scotia, soon entering our 70th year of singing and performing for the community. Throughout its history the Dartmouth Choral Society has provided an artistic opportunity for members to sing some of the great choral works from the renaissance to the contemporary.

Our choral year consists of two terms, September to December, rehearsing weekly to present a Seasonal Concert, and January to April/May culminating in a Spring Concert. The Choir may participate in other concerts/performances at the discretion of the Director.

The responsibilities of the Director include in part:

  • the selection of music and liaising with the librarian to acquire music
  • notifying the accompanist in advance of musical selections for each rehearsal
  • conducting weekly 2 hour rehearsals
  • providing musical instruction to the choir
  • holding auditions as required to determine the appropriate range for a voice or to
    select soloists
  • preparing the choir for at least two concerts per year and directing these concerts
  • recommending guest performers for concerts
  • consulting regularly with the President on matters of choir administration such as
    concert dates, venues, program content, suggested honoraria for guest performers
    and on choir progress.

The application deadline is March 24th, 2023. Applications should be sent electronically to the Selection Committee: dartmouthchoral1954@gmail.com
For further information contact the President Bep Demings: dartmouthchoral1954@gmail.com

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Employment Opportunity: Director of Music (Part Time), Grace United Church

Director of Music (Part-time)
Grace United Church
Dartmouth, N.S.

Grace United Church is seeking a Director of Music to provide leadership and coordination of the Ministry of Music which is an integral, well-respected and beloved part of our worship and community.

Grace United Church is an affirming ministry, committed to transforming lives by living God’s vision as an active part of the diverse community in the heart of Dartmouth. We are a welcoming community of people who cherish our faith, one another and the opportunity to make a difference.

The Director of Music works as a member of the Ministry Team and Worship Committee to build upon and enhance the over 160 year history of compassion and excellence in preaching, music, community outreach and congregational care. We offer hybrid services (both in-person and live-stream) which are then posted to our YouTube channel which boasts a far-reaching audience.

The person in this position has the training and vision to continue, enhance and expand the Ministry of Music by working collaboratively with other members of the Ministry Team and Worship Committee while encouraging and supporting volunteers, choir members and musicians of all ages. This involves selecting, conducting and playing a variety of styles of organ, piano and choral music appropriate to our worship services. Grace United Church houses a pipe organ (Canadian Pipe Organ Company, 2 manual), a grand piano (Yamaha) and 2 electric pianos (Yamaha). As well, a dedicated group of 25-30 make up the SATB, adult choir who attend regular weekly rehearsals and worship services, special services, funerals and community concerts. Within the choir is a number of capable and willing soloists and musicians who also regularly contribute to the Ministry of Music.

There is a small budget for acquisition of new music in addition to an extensive, existing library.

Terms of Employment
Hours: 12 hours per week with some flexibility. 5 weeks paid summer leave during church closure (July/August in alternating years).

Remuneration: Determined using RCCO standards and commensurate with experience and education.
A small budget to assist with professional development fees is available.
There will be a contract with annual review by the Ministry and Personnel Committee.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor of music degree or equivalent experience and previous church musician experience.
The successful candidate will demonstrate keyboard proficiency (piano and organ) and choral conducting skills.

Optimal Start Date: August 1, 2023

Application and Selection Process:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume outlining experience, education, skills, attributes and 3 references to: apply@gracedartmouth.ca
Deadline for applications: April 14, 2023

On the basis of the application, a short list of candidates will be selected for in-person/zoom interview. An audition will be organized. Police and vulnerable sector check will also be required.

For a detailed job description or more information about life at Grace United Church please visit our website at www.gracedartmouth.ca
Past services may be viewed on the Grace United Church YouTube channel at youtube.com/gracedartmouth

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JOB POSTING – EVENT COORDINATOR

Unison Choruses Canada is a federal not-for-profit organization created to produce the Unison Festival, for 2SLGBTQIA+ choirs, every four years. The festival brings together choirs from across Canada for a non-competitive celebration of choral music in the queer community. This exciting and fun-filled festival is being held in Halifax NS from May 19 to 22, 2023, at the Halifax Convention Centre; and will host over 500 delegates and hundreds of local concert goers.

The Halifax-based Festival Planning Committee is looking for an Event Coordinator. The ideal candidate is an energetic, detail-oriented, and dedicated person who can work both independently and as part of a dynamic team. The Coordinator reports to, and takes direction from, the Festival Co-Chairs; and works in collaboration with the Festival Artistic Directors, the Unison Administrator, and volunteer committees. The Coordinator will organize, promote and execute the concerts, workshops, social events, and other activities that make up the Festival schedule. Key responsibilities include event management and administration, financial coordination, and relationship management with local partners and supporters. In addition, the Coordinator will work in cooperation with team members in marketing communications and volunteer coordination.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION

BEFORE THE FESTIVAL

• Work extensively with Integra Planner software in collaboration with Unison Administrator; manage registrations; provide first-level support to choruses and delegates; prepare for in-person registration and delegate badge pick-up

• Manage contracts and coordinate logistical details for Festival venues and event sites, social events, delegate accommodations, delegate services, and hospitality

• Manage contracts and coordinate logistical details for guest artists, accompanists, workshop leaders, guest speakers, other professionals hired for the Festival

• Arrange and manage food and beverage contracts

• Manage logistics such as transportation, parking, schedules, and signage

• Oversee production of passes, tickets, delegate packages, festival programs, and other materials required for the Festival

• Coordinate Festival updates on Unison website

• Provide support as needed to marketing communications and volunteer coordination

• Assist the financial team with developing cost projections

• Provide administrative support to the Festival Planning Committee and subcommittees

• Reports to the Co-Chairs and updates the Festival Planning Committee regularly. Keeps other stakeholders fully informed of Festival preparation progress. Stakeholders may include the Festival Artistic Directors, Unison Administrator, venue managers, volunteers, etc.

• Liaise with Festival Planning Committee members, other Unison personnel, key volunteers, contractors, vendors, and Unison partners

• Maintain records and official documents pertaining to the Festival

• Ensure the Festival follows all applicable standards for health and safety, legal and insurance obligations

• Act as principal liaison with the Halifax Convention Centre (Festival venue)

• Direct the work of an Assistant Coordinator

• Other duties as may be required or assigned

DURING THE FESTIVAL

• Oversee and manage onsite registration, information, and orientation for delegates and contracted staff

• Oversee and manage Festival Store

• Oversee set-up, operation, and take-down for Festival events

• Serve as a point of contact for venue personnel and outside vendors, contractors, and suppliers

• Ensure that the Festival is run according to plan and troubleshoot problems that arise onsite during the Festival

• Assist in the collection of data about Festival event attendance, market impact, and other relevant statistics as determined by the Unison Board of Directors

AFTER THE FESTIVAL

• Manage post-Festival wrap-up of contracts

• Produce a post-Festival report for the Festival Planning Committee and Unison Board of Directors, detailing the activities carried out by the Event Coordinator and documenting lessons learned

• Assist in the collection of feedback from delegates, volunteers, and audience members

• Ensure that all documents relevant to the Festival are transferred to the Unison Administrator

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven event management experience

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to both lead and work with others

• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal

• Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, email, etc.) and facility to learn new software quickly, such as the Integra Planning Software

• Excellent time management and organizational skills

• Demonstrated ability to identify key issues and creatively and strategically overcome internal and external challenges and obstacles

• Previous experience working with not-for-profit artistic organizations is considered an asset

• Previous experience working with choirs or choral music programs is considered an asset

• English and French bilingualism would be considered an asset

EDUCATION

The successful candidate will have appropriate university or community college education and at least three years of experience in managing similar events.

CONTRACT PERIOD AND COMPENSATION

The contract period is from mid-August 2022 to early June 2023, and will not exceed 500 hours. Months leading in to the Festival will ramp up as needed with more hours required as the event draws near. During the Festival itself, the time commitment will be at least 12 hours per day. The Coordinator is required to be available and onsite for the duration of the Festival (May 19 to May 22, 2023). During the lead-up, the Coordinator must be available to accommodate evening and weekend activities such as Planning Committee Meetings and Unison events. The Coordinator is responsible for providing their own workspace and basic computer equipment. A valid driver’s licence and access to a personal vehicle is required for the position. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Expenses will be reimbursed as per Unison policy.

TO APPLY

Submit letter of application and resume to positions@unisonfestivalunisson.ca by 4:30 pm on June 17, 2022. Letter should include a clear statement of contract fee expectation. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Unison Choruses Canada values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Diversity for us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We value new perspectives, original ideas, and individuals who support this same commitment. We strongly encourage members from the Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, persons with disability, refugee and newcomer communities to express interest in the position.

The Unison Festival will take place within Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship”. We acknowledge and honour the Mi’kmaq people who have cared for and continue to care for this land. Unison Chorus Canada is continuing to learn and evolve, to walk together with the many Indigenous nations of Canada in the preservation and celebration of cultural traditions.