The ideal candidate
We are looking for a vibrant, enthusiastic, visionary individual to take House of PainT to the next level. We want someone who is passionate about the hip hop community in Ottawa, is prepared to step out as the face of the organization, and someone who will market, promote, grow, and develop the Festival and other HoP programming. Our next General Manager will engage with the HoP community, with program partners, artists of all kinds and the general public. The ideal candidate will have experienced what it’s like to manage events and large projects on time and on a tight budget, and who can stay cool under pressure. They will be able to plan well, manage a range of paid and unpaid staff and do it all with financial foresight by creating and administering strict budgets and undertaking financial planning. But above all we are looking for a General Manager who has big ideas for the role and can demonstrate the right skills to deliver on the organization’s vision.
About the position
The General Manager is key to the organization’s success. While there may be some tasks that are routine, there is never a routine day and the scope of the job is limited only by what the right person puts into the role. The festival cycle means that the role has high peaks and shallow troughs of workload throughout the year and the General Manager is expected to manage their time effectively to accommodate the increases in demand. Delivery of creative artistic programming resulting in a successful festival, and continued growth of the organization is a huge reward for the right person in this role.
About the workplace
House of PainT is an organization that actively promotes professional development and celebrates diversity. It offers flexible work arrangements in a highly supportive environment.
Major duties
Artistic direction and programming
- Develop and deliver an innovative and entertaining program of events that fulfills HoP’s mandate, provides professional development opportunities and engagement for artists and participants.
- Implement the organization’s strategic direction in line with House of PainT’s mission and values.
- Manage the overall planning and staging of the Festival and its other events.
- Work with the Program Advisory Committee to develop and refine all Festival programs.
- Identify and develop artistic and strategic relationships between the Festival and other hip hop festivals and organizations, both nationally and overseas.
Management
- Create, manage and monitor the Festival’s annual budget in consultation with the Treasurer.
- Recruit and manage all staff, interns, volunteers and artistic personnel by overseeing position advertising, selection, hiring and meeting ongoing training and support needs in line with the Festival’s policies.
- Oversee advertising and promotion for the Festival.
- Create and manage the Festival timeline and annual calendar of events.
- Ensure House of PainT’s policies and procedures are adhered to in all activities with all staff and artists.
- Supervise all organizational databases and administrative processes.
Funding
- Actively seek new funding opportunities including grants and philanthropic opportunities and nurture connections with current and potential sponsors.
- Identify, write and submit high-quality grant applications and manage relationships with funding partners.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for Festival partnerships.
Marketing and promotion
- Create and manage marketing strategy
- Oversee and maintain the Festival’s website and other online forms of audience engagement including producing and distributing the Festival’s newsletter and social media presence.
- Represent House of PainT at industry events and media opportunities as the public face of the organization. (Note: Some events may take place outside of regular office hours.)
Reporting
- Consult with and report to the board on strategic and relevant operational matters, preparing a monthly report and attending board meetings and strategic planning sessions as required.
- Prepare other reports, including a post-festival report, as required.
Position at a glance
Reporting to: Board, House of PainT Festival of Urban Arts and Culture
Hours: 4 days per week; flexible self-moderated work schedule; work outside of office hours is required.
Employment type: Fixed term contract; one year with option for extension of contract
Role commences: February 1, 2015
Key selection criteria
Essential
- A demonstrated passion for hip hop culture and an understanding of the audience and goals of House of PainT.
- Well-developed and effective skills in planning, executing, documenting and evaluating projects and/or events.
- A demonstrated ability to create, develop and administer strict budgets and timelines.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, to lead a team of staff, report to a management committee, to work as part of a team environment as well as manage relationships with partners and artists.
- Experience in or knowledge of arts marketing, promotion and publicity
- Ability to negotiate partnerships and experience in securing and managing funding and sponsorships
Desirable
- Experience in a festival environment
How to apply
Applications should be submitted in a Word or .pdf document via email to Erin Flynn, Chair of the Board at eireann.flynn@gmail.com.
The application should include a cover letter and resume.
Cover letter (1 page maximum) should include:
- full name, address and contact details
- a short explanation of what you would bring to the General Manager role and to the organization, and what you would want to achieve in the role and for the festival.
Resume (2 pages maximum) should include:
- all relevant employment experience (including dates and positions held), education and training, and other transferrable skills
- details of two professional references (references will not be contacted without your prior consultation)
Applications close at 5pm Friday January 16, 2015.
