Job Posting

Calgary International Children’s Festival (CICF) is a not-for-profit charitable organization that welcomes over 50,000 Calgarians annually to Olympic Plaza and Arts Commons (formerly the EPCOR Centre for Performing Arts) to enjoy the very best of theatre for young audiences from all over the world. The festival has grown to become one of the most prominent arts festivals of its kind in Canada and the largest presenter of theatre for young people in Calgary. The organization currently employs more than 200 performing artists, administrative staff, technicians and theatre venue personnel over the course of each year.  Our mission is to provide people with a performing arts experience that sparks imagination, inspires creative thought, encourages cultural understanding, and fosters a lifelong passion for the arts.

CICF is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced team player to fill the position of Festival Programmer.  The Festival Programmer will be responsible for all aspects of the curation and execution of indoor and outdoor programming for the Festival, in accordance with the Society’s Vision/Mission/Values and current Alberta Education curriculum connections.  The Festival Programmer will also consult for Arts Commons in the area of programming for young audiences.

Primary responsibilities include (but not limited to):

• Fulfill goals, work plans and program growth which are aligned with the Society’s Vision/Mission/Values strategic plan and priorities, as directed by the CICF Board of Directors.
• Responsible for the selection and development of diverse artistic productions and programs for the Festival, including the development of off-Festival activities and events that are TYA based.  Accurate and sustainable budgeting of festival artistic and community programs (within the complete Festival budget) is expected.
• Develop and advancement of the Programming timeline and work plan
• Remain current with community and industry trends and successes in Arts programming for children and youth and of all relevant Alberta Education curriculum connections and programs for school audiences with those connections as a priority
• Develop strong education and teacher relationships acting as key liaison between all school representatives and the CICF.
• Be point of contact for all artistic presentations and events day-of and during the Festival
• Ensures artist information, contracts, and documentation are current and executed in a timely manner
• Maintain and provide a positive environment for all artists in which they are treated with dignity and respect
• Accountable for the clear and timely communication of all Festival artistic and community engagement presentations and initiatives
• Create, maintain, document and grow artist networks on an ongoing basis
• Review, update and be knowledgeable of all contracts and agreements pertaining to Festival programming and verify compliance by all involved parties and take appropriate action to ensure obligations have been met
• Track departmental statistics and feedback
• Accountable for the development, management and fiscal responsibility of the Programming budgets with expectation that all revenues/expenditures will be properly documented and reported
• Submit a yearly Festival post-mortem report with recommendations for the next Festival season
• Attend Board and general meetings as required
• Responsibility for administrative tasks including:

1. Tracking deposits and artist invoices
2. Negotiation and preparation of artists contracts
3. Coordinate event details between Arts Commons departments through attending Front of House meetings and distributing show notes for the Festival
4. Coordinate logistics including hospitality, transportation, merchandise, SOCAN fees, etc., as required

• Maintain presenting knowledge of ticketing builds, scaling and comp holds, as required for Festival sales
• Works alongside the Development office to create new and sustainable programming with sponsor initiatives and ensures responsibilities regarding sponsor agreements are achieved
• Provides artistic input for fulfillment reports and grant applications as required and led by the Development team in a timely and effective manner
• Work with the Marketing and Communications team on the planning and execution of all Festival:

1. Marketing strategies, publicly released information, marketing materials including website, brochure and other printed materials
2. Provision of accurate and quality programmatic content for campaigns in a complete and timely manner

• Assist the box office liaison with information needed to ensure the successful connection to and sales with all school boards and districts

In cooperation with the Operations Manager, the Festival Programmer will also be required to train and supervise seasonal/contract staff members when necessary (may include e.g. Box Office Assistant and Hospitality Coordinator). They will provide guidance and feedback to Volunteer Program Manager & Site Manager, as well as provide clear and concise expectations and accountabilities for and performance intake and evaluations of artists, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants should have minimum 5 years’ experience in programming for Youth/Theatre for young audiences, and minimum 2 years’ experience in an Arts Management or programming role. Previous festival experience, understanding of Non-Profit organizations and events based programming including public programs and community engagements are all considered an asset.  Knowledge of or experience working with Tessitura, or similar arts management software is required.  The ideal candidate will have strong planning, organizational and multi-tasking skills, and should be diplomatic and able to communicate effectively with patrons, clients, and different levels of staff.  Due to the fact that the candidate will be working amongst youth, a Police Security Check is required prior to hiring. Additional qualifications and position requirements include

• Able to work independently and is self-motivated and has a penchant for multitasking and time management
• Degree or Diploma in Arts or Education
• Budgeting skills to create, monitor, report on and achieve targets and goals
• Understanding and knowledge of local arts scene
• Works in a positive manner with internal and external clients
• Excellent verbal and written skills, interpersonal and communication skills
• Team player that works well in a collaborative environment
• Inspired, innovative, creative and passionate about presenting programming and community engagement
• First Aid Certification will be provided.

Applicants should also be aware of the following working conditions and physical requirements associated with performing the duties of the position:

• Able to work effectively in a mobile situation while moving between various office and venue spaces
• Minor lifting and movement of Festival equipment and supplies
• Irregular and extended work hours, as required
• Valid Driver’s License
• Use of personal vehicles may be required

To apply, please forward your resume in confidence to:

Human Resources

Calgary International Children’s Festival

205 - 8th Ave SE Calgary, Alberta   T2G 0K9

Email: HR@calgarychildfest.org

Please state the position you are applying for. No phone calls please. We thank all interested applicants in advance, but will only be contacting those selected for an interview.