Manager of Arts & Culture Services

Position Summary

Under the guidance of the Director of Recreation and Culture, this individual will manage all operations of the Gravenhurst Opera House and Barge. The Manager of Arts and Culture Services will work closely with community stakeholders to sustain and enhance arts and cultural opportunities in Gravenhurst including but not limited to the implementation of the approved Strategic Business Plan; Ensuring the development of associated short and medium term Business Development Plans; Planning, organizing, overseeing live events and activities including sponsorship and marketing; the development and maintenance of relationships with professional, amateur and community user groups; Overseeing financial responsibilities of Gravenhurst Opera House and Barge; Maintaining a range and frequency of commercial and community activities; seeking new cultural, inclusive and engaging opportunities for the Opera House and Barge.

Duties & Responsibilities 

1. Provide a strong curatorial vision and implement identified goals and program objectives of the Opera House, Barge and community. Foster positive relationships with community stakeholders and the public.


2. Monitor overall operations of the Opera House and Barge. Assess operational needs and communicate on a regular basis with the Director of Recreation, Arts and Culture relating to ongoing service area priorities; prepare and present reports for Council and others as required.


3. In conjunction with the Director of Recreation and Culture, prepare, implement and monitor various strategic priorities, most specifically the Opera House Strategic Business Plan. Research, develop, apply, secure and administer financial opportunities, both public and private (Corporate sponsors, grants, etc.).


4. Negotiate, prepare and execute all aspects of hosting a vast array of professional, amateur and community performances, events and displays from music, live theatre and school programs. Form good relationships with performers/artists, artist management and promoters.


5. Gather all pertinent information about the performance or event from the performers/artist/promoter or organizer and relay / forward that information to the appropriate staff.


6. Work with the Marketing and Engagement Coordinator to implement marketing/promotion strategies and publicity materials for the Opera House.


7. Directly lead and supervise staff/ volunteers, to ensure positive employee engagement, innovation and empowerment through coaching and building team capacity along with role clarity. Provide well-defined performance expectations, training plans and continuous learning to assist them to achieve a high level of performance and superior customer service.  


8. Oversee the Technical Lead and the part time Technicians and ensure appropriate supervision of staff. Monitor technical operations with the Lead, discuss inventory levels and depreciation of equipment, authorize the expenditure of new technical equipment.


9. Manage within the terms of the Collective Agreement, including discipline and termination. Participate in advancing issues related to future Collective Agreement negotiations.  


10. Work collaboratively to establish team goals and encourage team members in goal attainment. Provide well defined performance expectations, training plans and continuous learning to support team processes and promote a strong team focused approach in advancing personal and team goals, while building harmony among team members.  


11. Work in compliance with and ensure staff is knowledgeable of and in compliance with, the Occupational Health and Safety Act , and other applicable legislation, department policies/procedures/ practices, operational guidelines, and perform safe work practices.


12. Liaise with the Director of Recreation and Culture and the Manager of Facilities regarding the coordination of trades personnel, regular maintenance and fire inspections/drills.


13. Work in concert with the Director of Recreation and Culture to prepare, develop and implement annual operating and capital budget processes and future year financial forecasts for service area. Authorize and oversee financial expenditures relating to the Opera House and Barge operations and undertakings.


14. Facilitate the development of a vast range of community projects, initiatives and partnerships that promote the vibrancy and economic viability of Gravenhurst.


15. Responsible for partner packaging and securing billets for shows as needed.


16. Participate in departmental recruiting and selection process for the department.


17. Undertake special projects and perform other duties as assigned, in accordance with corporate  

Supervision Requirements

Positions Supervised Directly: Theatre Programming and Community Events Coordinator, Opera House Technical Lead, Lighting & Sound Technicians, Box Office Admin Assistants, Bartenders, Opera House Custodian, Ambassadors/Volunteers and Event Staff

Positions Supervised Indirectly : n/a

Education, Skills and Experience  

1. Post Secondary Degree in Theatre Management, Arts Administration, Recreation or Event Management or related discipline together with a minimum of five years’ of significant progressive management experience in a municipal arts and culture environment, or an equivalent combination .


2. Minimum two to three (2 – 3) years’ experience with a business or customer relations background.


3. Thorough working knowledge of facilities and maintenance management, provincial grant processes, applicable legislative/regulatory standards, community development techniques, and local government functions/responsibilities.


4.   Demonstrated management experience in a municipal regulatory, administrative and unionized environment.


5.   Excellent conceptual, interpersonal, project/time management, analytical, communication, presentation, report writing, problem-solving, delegation, facilitation, negotiation, and staff leadership and supervisory skills.


6.   Ability to project a professional image, work well under pressure and function effectively at moments of time restraints.


7.   Demonstrated supervisory, leadership, customer service, public relations and team building skills. Ability to build strong and enthusiastic staff teams and external alliances/partnerships, to align departmental programs/services with divisional and corporate goals/objectives.


8. Thorough working knowledge of Municipal legislation/regulations/ guidelines and contemporary issues, municipal government, culture programming, facility maintenance, procurement and tendering processes, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Construction/other regulations, labour relations principles and collective agreement administration, and contemporary leadership and management practices.


9. Computer literacy utilizing Microsoft Office 365, Sharepoint, TixHub and other related software


10. Excellent written and oral communication, organization, time management skills.


11. Understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements, WHMIS


12. Physically able to perform all job requirements, including assist with load in, set ups, etc.


13. Valid G license with a clean drivers abstract satisfactory to the corporation and reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.


14.   Ability to work flexible hours; Availability to attend evening and/or weekend meetings or other events as required.

Police Background Check - Vulnerable Sector VSS  
Please note that applicants must be prepared to provide a clear Police Background Check - VSS at their own expense prior to being employed by the Town of Gravenhurst. 

Physical/Psychological Demands and Working Conditions

Environment: Work is conducted in an office environment with some exposure to criticism from the general public, while maintaining a pleasant, professional and positive demeanour.  

Physical: Requirement for sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and in a field environment; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; walk on uneven terrain, loose soil, and sloped surfaces; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations; to operate equipment and vehicle;

  Contacts

Incumbent communicates regularly with all levels of staff, various government agencies, elected officials, consultants, community/special interest groups/agencies, solicitors, architects, developers, suppliers, and the general public.

Join Our Team!

We are proud to offer our valued staff:   

• Competitive salaries! Our jobs are evaluated and set on a pay scale and we work to maintain competitive salaries in the market.


• Employer paid group health and dental benefits for permanent full time employees - plus a Health Care Spending Account.


• OMERS pension plan


• Continuous learning, training and development opportunities


• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) for eligible employees and their immediate families


• The pleasure of working with great people in a supportive and fun environment

This is an existing vacancy. 

The deadline to submit applications for this vacancy is June 7, 2026 @ 11:59PM.