The Festival Producer is responsible for the end-to-end planning and execution of PuSh Festival programming, including contract negotiation and administration, budget oversight, and project delivery across multiple productions and partnerships.
Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Producer plays a central role in operationalizing the Festival’s artistic vision—ensuring that projects are delivered on schedule, on budget, and in alignment with organizational standards. The role requires managing complex relationships with artists, agents, co-presenters, tour partners and venues, while coordinating across internal departments in a fast-paced, deadline-driven Festival environment with multiple concurrent priorities.
The role includes supervisory responsibility for Production Manager, and oversight of production planning across projects, including prioritization of work and coordination of budget implications.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Contracting & Agreements
Prepare, issue, and track contracts for artists, companies, co-presenters, venues, and other partners in a timely and accurate manner
Ensure all agreements are consistent with organizational standards and reviewed with leadership as required
Monitor contract timelines and ensure all agreements are executed in advance of project milestones
Maintain clear documentation and version control across all agreements
Budgeting & Financial Coordination
Develop, maintain, and update project budgets in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Production Manager, ensuring alignment with artistic priorities and production requirements
Monitor budgets and identify variances, proposing solutions and escalating significant changes for approval as required
Work with the Managing Director to ensure the timely execution of all payments related to artist contracts and expenses
Manage financial reconciliation with co-presenting and touring partners
Planning & Timeline Management
Develop and maintain detailed workplans and timelines for all assigned projects
Ensure deliverables are completed on schedule and proactively escalate risks, delays, or gaps
Coordinate across departments to align artistic, production, and operational requirements
Production Coordination
Collaborate with the Production Manager to assess technical requirements and associated costs for proposed and confirmed programming
Support alignment between artistic vision, technical feasibility, and budget parameters
Artist & Delegate Services
Coordinate travel and logistics for visiting artists and Industry Series delegates, including itineraries, accommodations, and visa/tax documentation (e.g., R105 waivers)
Oversee artist and delegate services to ensure a high standard of care and coordination throughout the Festival
Communications & Information Flow
Ensure timely delivery of accurate show information, copy, and assets to the Marketing and Communications team
Maintain clear and up-to-date internal tracking of project status, deliverables, and key information
Festival Operations & Organizational Support
Contribute to overall Festival planning and implementation across departments
Represent the organization in interactions with artists, partners, and stakeholders as required
Provide oversight of production planning across projects, including prioritization of project timelines, budget coordination, and escalation of cross-project production issues
Supervise and direct the work of the Production Manager, including assigning priorities and ensuring alignment of production work with overall timelines, budgets, and artistic priorities
Undertake additional duties as required to support Festival delivery
Success in this Role Requires:
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
High attention to detail, particularly in contract preparation, financial tracking, and documentation accuracy
Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Clear, proactive communication, including timely escalation of risks, delays, or issues
Capacity to collaborate across departments while maintaining ownership of deliverables
Sound judgment and discretion in working with artists, partners, and sensitive information
Attributes We Seek:
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage complex, interdependent projects with precision
Strong sense of ownership and accountability, with the ability to independently manage deliverables and follow through on commitments
Clear, direct communicator who proactively shares information, raises issues, and aligns stakeholders
Able to prioritize effectively and adapt in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with competing demands
Collaborative and solutions-oriented, with the ability to work across departments and balance multiple perspectives
Calm and resourceful under pressure, particularly in live event and time-sensitive contexts
Demonstrates sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in working with artists, partners, and sensitive information
Candidate’s Experience:
3–5+ years of experience in producing, project management, or arts administration within a performing arts, festival, or live events context
Demonstrated experience managing contracts and agreements with artists, presenters, or partners
Experience supervising staff, contractors, or project teams
Experience developing and maintaining project budgets, including tracking expenses and reconciling financials
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver on deadlines in a complex environment
Experience coordinating across departments (e.g., artistic, production, marketing) to deliver projects
Experience supporting artists or stakeholders in a presentation or touring context
Demonstrated experience using project management, budgeting, and/or CRM systems to track projects, financials, and stakeholder information with accuracy and consistency
Considered an Asset:
Experience working on a multi-venue festival or large-scale presenting organization
Familiarity with international artist logistics, including visas and tax processes (e.g., R105 waivers)
Experience working with co-presenting partners or within partnership-based delivery models
Knowledge of contemporary performing arts sectors in Canada and/or internationally
Experience working in arts contexts that engage with social justice, including practices that challenge systemic inequities and/or support artists and communities who have been historically marginalized
Work Conditions:
This role requires a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend work leading up to and during the Festival. The position is primarily in-office during peak periods and operates on a hybrid model at other times.
Please note that all PuSh staff are expected to be available for remote work during office operations over the December–January holiday period.
