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General Manager

JOB TYPE
Full-time with part-time onboarding

COMPENSATION
$45,000 – $50,000 Annually

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
Three years with option to renew

START DATE
Part-time onboarding April 6 – May 29, 2026
Full-time beginning May 30, 2026

LOCATION
The General Manager is required to live in the Parrsboro region year-round. Work is onsite full-time from May – October, and from home November – April with a requirement to regularly access the theatre for walkthroughs, alarm checks, and maintenance. 

BENEFITS
Health benefits plan with Blue Cross and optional RRSP contribution matching program through RBC.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the General Manager oversees the financial and daily operations of the company and works with the Artistic Director to fulfill the artistic vision of the theatre. The General Manager assists in producing the season and fundraising events, works in tandem with the Artistic Director to lead the theatre’s fund development initiatives, and leads budgeting, bookkeeping, payroll, financial reporting, facilities maintenance and repairs/projects, HR & employment, internal policies, customer service, and the theatre’s bar & cafe. They work together with staff to ensure policies and procedures are followed while contributing to achieve the company’s mandate.

The full list of duties and responsibilities can be found below. 

CANDIDATE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate has the following skills and experience:

Experience

• A minimum of five years in a management role
• A minimum of three years in customer service
• Accounting software experience (Wave or Quickbooks an asset)
• Experience in building budgets and budget tracking/reporting
• Grant writing and reporting experience
• Experience in HR, employment and contracting (Experience with theatre-specific contracting an asset)
• Experience in facility and operations management, especially in procedure and processes development, and building maintenance

Skills

• Excellent team management and leadership skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent mathematical skills and financial literacy
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate
• Excellent time management skills, with ability to build and maintain work schedule and timeline expectations
• Able to work in a person-first environment with a lens of care for self, co-workers, staff, volunteers, artists, and audience members

A driver’s license and regular access to a vehicle are required. A love and knowledge of theatre and live performance is preferred and/or a love for Cumberland county and the Parrsboro area. 

*The successful candidate of this role must be able to lift heavy objects up to 50lbs, be around scented products such as paint and antifreeze, and must be able to frequently navigate staircases and ladders.

Ship’s Company Theatre is committed to creating and maintaining an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all cultural backgrounds, genders, and abilities. 

Applications are open until December 31st. Please email your CV including cover letter and three references to Blaze Fraser at gm@shipscompanytheatre.com with subject line General Manager Application. Any questions about the position or contract may also be directed to Blaze.

GENERAL MANAGER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning and administration

• • In support of the Artistic Director and with approval of the Board of Directors, develop both long and short term strategic planning to advance the Theatre’s mission.
  • Develop and monitor the company’s budget to ensure financial resources are properly managed.
  • Ensure that all federal, provincial, and municipal operating grants, interim reports and final reports are submitted on time.
  • Hire and supervise seasonal administrative and operations staff.
  • Manage Financial and Human Resources, contracting artistic and administration personnel.
  • Prepare job descriptions, employment contracts, and conduct all new employment interviews in conjunction with the Artistic Director
  • Supervise the day-to-day office activities and provide managerial support to the office and staff team.
  • In conjunction with the Artistic Director, hold thorough knowledge of the agreements of the Canadian Actors Equity Association (CAEA), the Directors’ Guild of Canada (DGC), the Playwright’s Guild of Canada (PGC), the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT), and other relevant organizations that pertain to contracting for the Theatre.
  • Manage current policies and procedures, ensure policies and procedures are executed, and develop new policies and procedures with the Board.
  • Represent the Company within the arts community, in tandem with the Artistic Director, by attending conferences, community events, and performances.
  • Attend and report at board meetings and, in absence of the Secretary, record and distribute minutes.
  • Oversee accommodations for artistic and creative teams and crew.
  • Oversee staff and production safety, and safety training.

Financial Management

• • In collaboration with the Artistic Director, prepare annual budgets as part of the business plan for the Board and maintain records to contribute to long-term planning.
  • Monitor and implement internal accounting controls to ensure appropriate business processes are in place, which includes the timely payment of accounts.
  • Manage the Theatre’s accounts payables & receivables, payroll, taxes and tax returns, annual charity return, cash flow, cash management, and banking.
  • Report to all regulatory and funding bodies as required, including Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and all municipal, provincial, and federal funding bodies.
  • Prepare government grant applications, including budget (CADAC), in collaboration with the Artistic Director.
  • Prepare monthly financial updates and explanations to the Board Finance Committee. Provide financial reports for the board in absence of the treasurer.
  • Oversee preparation of the annual financial review.
  • Authorize capital expenditures for the Theatre.
  • Provide analysis of budgets and revenue growth for all areas of responsibility.

Operations & Facility

• • Manage the facility and property, attending to repairs and upkeep.
  • Manage the cleaning of the facility in the off-season, and hire cleaning staff during the summer season.
  • Coordinate annual inspections for sprinkler, fire, lighting, and alarm systems.
  • Manage the winterizing of the building annually in October and the de-winterizing annually in May.
  • Coordinate contractors for any and all construction, repairs, or projects.
  • Oversee and manage the operations of the Theatre’s Bar & Cafe, including hiring, ordering, menu development, licensing, and alcohol regulations.

Fundraising and Events

• • In conjunction with the Fundraising Committee, the Artistic Director, and relevant staff, support the Theatre’s fund development, marketing and promotion initiatives.
  • Supervise annual fundraising, sponsorship campaigns, and membership drives.
  • Provide leadership regarding strategic fundraising plans, fundraising campaign development, special events and targeted fundraising requests.
  • Build positive relationships with local businesses, members, volunteers, sponsors and donors.
  • Create and execute individual fundraising and donation campaigns with the Fundraising Committee.
  • Contribute to executing successful fundraising and special events in collaboration with the Board and other staff.
  • Cultivate opportunities for in-kind sponsorships, advertisements, and promotions related to activities.
  • Identify new opportunities for fundraising, including public funding, sponsorship, and partnerships.
  • Ensure timely notice of receipt of donations, including issuing of tax receipts, and continue to foster relationships with donors.

Development and Grant Writing

• • Establish budgets for all applicable programs and maintain records to contribute to long-term planning.
  • Apply for funding opportunities, including for operations and individual projects, from various funding bodies, coordinating with team members as required.
  • Develop applications from select funding agencies and foundations, and complete reporting.
  • Support other team members in grant-writing, ensuring consistent messaging.
  • Manage strategy and activities for donor cultivation, solicitation, and relations.
  • Collaborate with the relevant staff/board to expand the Theatre’s membership drives as well as the overall campaign.

Relationships

• • Report to the Board on all areas of responsibility, including related budget information.
  • Collaborate with the Artistic Director in all areas of responsibility, supporting shared initiatives.
  • Collaborate with all other staff and creative teams as necessary.
  • Provide leadership and feedback for any seasonal relationships with volunteers, sponsors, businesses, donors, members, and patrons.
  • Oversee the Board of Directors accountability, development, bylaw and record keeping, committee work, sponsor liaison activities, annual reporting to stakeholders, and campaign-related sponsor correspondence.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with the local community.

Publicity, Promotion and Marketing

• • Contribute to executing media and publicity initiatives in collaboration with the Board and other staff.
  • Support the Marketing Director in the production of advertising, press releases, interviews, editorials, and reviews as required.
  • Review and contribute to the marketing of the season branding and for each production, including the development of the season program booklet and brochure.
  • In collaboration with lead staff and creative teams, assist in the creation of posters and other promotional materials for fundraising and community events.
  • Manage marketing and promotion budgets that align with the Theatre’s annual budget and maintain records to contribute to long-term planning.

General

• • Contribute to a safe, fair, encouraging, and dynamic workplace.
  • Develop excellent relationships with the audience and community at large.
  • Occasional travel as required.
  • Cultivate an atmosphere that is welcoming, positive, and fun.
  • Exercise good public relations when representing the Theatre, maintaining strong community connections.
  • Maintain excellent record-keeping, delivery of reports and feedback.
  • Participate in planning sessions as required.
  • Manage time and tasks effectively, tracking efficiently and using resources to ensure success.
  • Approach appropriate team members with concerns regarding health and safety, harassment and bullying.
  • From time to time, perform other duties as required, including but not limited to facility management as well as tasks to support creative teams.