Background

Driftwood Theatre is driven by a vision of theatre for everyone in Ontario. For over 25 years we have been sharing our annual Bard’s Bus Tour of outdoor summer theatre with communities across the province. Though the plays of William Shakespeare have been central to our work, we are increasingly committed to nurturing, developing and sharing new work by geographically, economically and culturally diverse Ontario-based artists who are interested in exploring the dialogue between the urban and rural communities in our great province. 

During this moment of pause, Driftwood Theatre is taking the opportunity to reimagine and reinvigorate its commitment to theatre for everyone and is taking steps to ensure long-term growth and stability.

We’re looking for a Development and Communications Manager to work with us to build a foundation for Driftwood’s future success as we look beyond the current pandemic.

Driftwood Theatre is committed to reflecting Canada’s rich diversity in all aspects of our work We encourage and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and will prioritize applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, Women, Gender minorities, 2SLGBTQ+, d/Deaf, Disabled/People with Disabilities, and/or Neurodiverse.

Development and Communications Manager – Position Summary

Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Development and Communications Manager manages the daily activities of the Theatre’s development and communications projects, building connections with our many supporters while promoting the theatre’s vision and work to the public.

Development

• Evaluate and audit the Theatre’s donor and funder database, fundraising activities and events
• Research, identify and build relationships with foundations, sponsors and funding organizations; engage with program officers, effectively and persuasively present Driftwood’s case for support; build and submit applications, proposals, supporting documents and reports in collaboration with the Artistic Director
• Create and execute a strategy for growing base of annual individual donors; manage and execute annual giving campaign
• Steward and manage all donor, sponsor and partner relationships and benefits
• Create and execute a fundraising event strategy for the Theatre

Communication

• Create strategic content for a range of audiences with a goal of broadening the Theatre’s reach and establishing our voice through a variety of platforms
  • Printed materials: brochures, appeals, newsletters
  • Digital presence: social media platforms, emails, website
• Track and analyze engagement metrics to meet targeted goals and refine messaging for increased effectiveness
• Initiate new marketing endeavours that elevate the presence, mission and accomplishments of the Theatre
• Identify key audiences for the Theatre and design targeted communications to reach these segments
• Supervise and manage seasonal Development and Communications staff

 Governance

• Prepares and submits reports for all Board meetings
• Attends all Board meetings
• Work with the board and its committees to support the theatre’s activities

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Detail oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment
• Experience in and understanding of non-profit performing arts organizations
• Comfortable picking up the phone or meeting face-to-face (or electronically, until it is safe) to pitch our organization with passion and credibility
• Excellent public speaker: able to compellingly communicate passion about the organization to a variety of audiences
• Strong writing and editing skills: ability to communicate clearly, persuasively and effectively
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Proficiency in all MS Office and Google Suite Applications
• Design skills and facility with Adobe Photoshop, inDesign, WordPress an asset
• Facility with Customer Relations Management CRM) applications and online e-marketing tools an asset; the ability to learn new computer programs.
• CFRE (certified fundraising executive) designation an asset

Salary/Job Details

• This is a full-time (30hrs/wk), contract position with some flexibility in the schedule
• Salary range: $35,000 – $40,000 + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract (12 months)
• All Driftwood staff work from home, participating in regular meetings online and/or in-person (when it is safe to do so)
• Driftwood is committed to a five-day work week, however this position may require evening and weekend work, and occasional travel. Time off in lieu of payment will be given for overtime.

To Apply

Please send, as a single PDF file, a letter of interest, resume and three references by email to Artistic Director, Jeremy Smith at jsmith(at)driftwoodtheatre(dot)com.

Application Deadline

May 26, 2021

PRODUCER JOB POSTING

Driftwood Theatre is looking for a producer to work with us in presenting our 2020 Bard’s Bus Tour in communities across Ontario

The Bard’s Bus Tour is an annual summer Ontario tradition, touring to outdoor venues in communities across the province for 25 years.

Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Producer assumes principle responsibility for the supervision and completion of all production, marketing and public relations, volunteer, outreach and front of house aspects for the season in keeping with the Company’s artistic vision, mandate and production budgets. The Producer acts as primary liaison between Driftwood Theatre and over 25 presenting partners across the province.

The successful candidate will have: at least two years of related work experience including producing or management; a high degree of professionalism and time management skills; the ability to build positive and respectful relationships with a variety of organizational partners; the ability to communicate effectively and work productively with artists, theatrical staff and volunteers; and most importantly will demonstrate grace under pressure.

This position offers the flexibility of home-based work with bi-weekly meetings in Toronto, Ontario. The Producer is required to be in Toronto during the two weeks leading up to opening (late June, early July).

Driftwood Theatre is dedicated to reflecting Canada’s rich diversity on and off stage in all of its work. Equity-seeking individuals of all backgrounds regardless of age, ethno-cultural identity or gender are encouraged to apply.

Contract dates: May 18 – August 30, 2020 (15 weeks consecutive, full time) + 35 hours flextime on outside ends of the contract

Salary: $750/week

Candidates are invited to make application by sending a brief cover letter and resume (as one pdf file) by email to Artistic Director, Jeremy Smith (jsmith@driftwoodtheatre.com).

Application deadline: February 15, 2020

---

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR/SOUND TECH JOB POSTING

Driftwood Theatre’s 2020 Bard’s Bus Tour is looking for a technical director/sound technician for its 2020 Bard’s Bus Tour

The Bard’s Bus Tour is an annual summer Ontario tradition, touring to outdoor venues in communities across the province for 25 years.

The Technical Director is responsible for coordinating production resources in an efficient, safe and effective manner within budgetary and schedule parameters, and will travel with the tour to set up and run live sound while providing hands-on support and supervision for the technical aspects of the production. The Technical Director reports to the Producer and supervises crew members.

The successful candidate will have: at least two years of training in technical theatre and production; a high degree of professionalism and time management skills; a full class G driver’s license with experience driving 16’ cube trucks (or equivalent); and an ability to communicate effectively and work productively with artists and theatrical staff. Experience in LED lighting mixing/control an asset, live wireless microphone mixing required.

Driftwood Theatre is dedicated to reflecting Canada’s rich diversity on and off stage in all of its work. Diverse artists of all backgrounds regardless of age, disability, ethno-cultural identity or gender are encouraged to apply. Funding may require candidates within certain parameters.

Contract dates: June 22 – August 30, 2020 (outside dates: 8 f/t weeks, 2 p/t weeks).

Salary: $720/ f/t week + per diems during overnight touring

Candidates are invited to make application by sending a brief cover letter and resume (as one pdf file) by email to Artistic Director, Jeremy Smith (jsmith@driftwoodtheatre.com).

Application deadline: February 15, 2020

---

FRONT OF HOUSE & CUSTOMER SERVICE JOB POSTING

Driftwood Theatre’s 2020 Bard’s Bus Tour is looking for a front of house/customer service manager

 The Bard’s Bus Tour is an annual summer Ontario tradition, touring to outdoor venues in communities across the province for 25 years.

The Front of House/Customer Service Manager is responsible for delivering a safe, orderly, timely and enjoyable theatre experience for Driftwood’s audiences, presenting partners, volunteers, donors and company members.

The FOH/Customer Service Manager is responsible for managing onsite relationships with presenting partners in each community; preparing, setting up and running box office, seating and concessions at each performance; supervising summer student and volunteer assistants; maintaining financial and attendance records for performances and outreach activities; handling online and in-person banking while on tour and participating in the daily set-up and strike of the performance site.

The successful candidate will have: at least two years of related work experience including client/customer service and some degree of management; a high degree of professionalism and time management skills; cash-handling experience; a full class G driver’s license with clean driving abstract and experience driving large vehicles (Ford E350 chassis or equivalent); the ability to communicate effectively and work productively with artists, theatrical staff and volunteers; capacity for lifting and carrying supplies and equipment; and most importantly will demonstrate grace under pressure.

Driftwood Theatre is dedicated to reflecting Canada’s rich diversity on and off stage in all of its work. Equity-seeking individuals of all backgrounds regardless of age, ethno-cultural identity or gender are encouraged to apply.

Contract dates: June 29 – August 30, 2020. (outside dates: 7 f/t weeks, 2 p/t weeks).

Salary: $720/ f/t week + per diems during overnight touring

Candidates are invited to make application by sending a brief cover letter and resume (as one pdf file) by email to Artistic Director, Jeremy Smith (jsmith@driftwoodtheatre.com).

Application deadline: February 15, 2020