---

Theatre Nova Scotia is searching for an Executive Director

Application Deadline: 11:59 pm, Wednesday April 30th, 2025 

Position Start Date: Negotiable. Onboarding starting early September 2025

Contract Type: Year-Round, Full Time (32 hours/week), onsite with some remote work

Salary: $50,000 annually 

Location: Kjipuktuk (Halifax) 

___________________________________________ 

What is Theatre Nova Scotia? 

Theatre Nova Scotia is a registered charity dedicated to celebrating live theatre in Nova Scotia, on unceded Mi’kmaw territory. We are a small, but mighty team that provides awareness, marketing, and production assistance to a vast network of members including theatre artists, professional and community theatre companies, and associate organizations. We celebrate theatre with three major programs annually - the Robert Merritt Theatre Awards, the PERFORM! Artists in Schools program, and the Nova Scotia High School Drama Festival. (Links to all three programs can be found on the TheatreNS.ca website.) 

 

What the Executive Director is to Theatre Nova Scotia: 

The Executive Director is the senior staff member of Theatre Nova Scotia (TNS) and provides leadership and direction in ensuring the organization’s programming and services. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for organizational effectiveness, financial management, working collaboratively with staff, contractors, and the Board of Directors to serve TNS membership and further the organizational vision. 

The ED will actively engage with and advocate for the Nova Scotian theatre and arts community, and will be engaged in the national conversation, acting as an advocate for the theatre sector within NS and representing NS theatre’s interests on a regional and national level. 

This will be a full-time, 32 hour/week position, requiring periodic evening or weekend scheduling, with a salary of $50,000. 

 

The Executive Director will lead the organization in: 

• Operations Management - ensuring the efficient administration of day-to-day activities, delegating duties as required 
• Financial Management and Revenue Generation - ensuring a financially sustainable organization through budget management, as well as diversified earned, private, and public funding streams, including grant writing, donations, and applications to foundations, and sponsors 
• Membership Services and Support - development and delivery of services, programming, and support for our members and the community, and maintain relationships with current and potential members, providing meaningful support for the community and professional theatre sector in NS. 
• Communications and Advocacy - working with and for its membership, ensuring a strong and united voice on behalf of theatre in Nova Scotia to the public, government, funders, and private sectors and effective communications with and for members. 
• Human Resource Management - management of staff, contractors and volunteers, creating an effective and collaborative working environment; 
• Board Relations and Strategic Direction - working with the Board on strategic planning and policy development, recommending appropriate policy issues for the Board’s attention 

 

The following skills will be considered an asset: 

• Capacity to lead collaboratively, with care, integrity, and vision 
• Passion for theatre and the performing arts 
• Financial acumen and budgeting experience 
• Experience with Quickbooks, Ceridian, and Wild Apricot 
• Experience leading EDIA focused projects (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility)
• Familiarity with non-profit organizational structures 
• Experience overseeing timelines for multiple projects/initiative and meeting deadlines for internal and external requirements 
• Strong communication skills (speaking, writing, and listening) 
• Ability to think strategically, and set priorities 
• Capable of creating respectful, nurturing, and empowering relationships
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team, fostering a climate of shared respect 

 

What specific responsibilities are expected of the Executive Director? 

To accomplish the goals for the this position and the organization, the Executive Director has the following oversight and responsibilities (with other duties as required): 

Operations and Office Management:

• Hiring and oversight of staff and contractors; 
• Keeping the office is well maintained and equipped, developing work plans and deadlines, and review internal systems for effectiveness; 
• Ensuring paperwork, filing, memberships, and reporting are up to date;
• Maintaining compliance with all regional, provincial, and national regulations and standards; 
• Overseeing program administration as appropriate. 

Financial Management and Revenue Generation:

• Develop annual budgets for the organization as a whole and for projects where appropriate; 
• Oversee effective use of resources and anticipate future requirements;
• Monitor adherence to budget on a regular basis including cash flow tracking;
• Provide regular year end forecasting, monitor and undertake financial analysis for new initiatives; 
• Lead revenue generation initiatives to obtain operational goals including writing grants and applications; 
• Oversee financial policies and financial operations (such as bookkeeping and financial record-keeping), and advise the Finance Committee; 
• Review and sign off on all bank reconciliations, outgoing payments, and supporting documentation; 
• Liaise with Board Treasurer and Board Chair(s) regarding financial transactions;
• Work with External Auditor to ensure financial system management and produce year end statements. 

Membership Services and Support:

• Meet with and engage members of the theatre community to determine needs in the community with respect to funding, advocacy, and service duplication while facilitating the building of relationships between organizations; 
• Facilitate new program development and implementation in alignment with the TNS Strategic Plan; 
• Planning, coordination, execution, and periodic review of core programs, projects and activities; 
• Actively engage with members to ensure TNS is fulfilling its promise and actively recruiting new members from the theatre community in NS. 

Communications and Advocacy:

• Meet with and engage leaders, decision makers and the public across industries including the art and cultural sector, government and business community (ensure seats at the table for the arts and cultural sector); 
• Advocate the value of theatre and the wider arts sector in a progressive economic and social development strategy and encourage active support and participation in the arts and cultural sector through social media, blog entries, reports to the Province, and regular opinion pieces submitted to local media; 
• Be a strategic presence in the media to maintain and continue to build a public dialogue and illustrate the achievements of theatre in NS; 
• Speak at and attend public functions and events; 
• Evaluate and respond to any negative comments or concerns from the community and membership; 
• Provide leadership and support the mobilization of the theatre and cultural community and act a spokesperson for, and with, those communities; 
• Promote the role and importance of Theatre Nova Scotia to the public, to members and to potential members; 
• Be an active participant with sister associations regionally and nationally such as the Cultural Federations of Nova Scotia, Atlantic Presenters Association, and the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres. 

Human Resources:

• Ensure a safe working environment, to both labour and public health standards
• Develop, review and update staffing policies 
• Hire employees and contractors: with knowledge of current HR best practices and labour guidelines, develop position descriptions, circulate postings, review applications, hold interviews, review references, select candidates, negotiate conditions, send notifications, create and implement contracts. 
• In accordance with best practices, conduct oversight, training, mentorship of, and support for employees and contractors, including performance goal setting and reviews for staff and contractors 
• Foster an open and collegial environment 
• Support options for professional development 
• Assignment of responsibilities to staff and contractors 
• Restructure duties as appropriate to best meet the goals of the organization
• Work collaboratively with Dance NS and NS Choral Federation to provide leadership to the Perform program 
• Support Internship Opportunities for young administrators 

Board Relations and Strategic Direction 

• Serve as an ex-officio member of the Board, completing regular staff reports and assembling meeting packages and AGM materials; 
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to achieve the organization’s vision;
• Identify issues for Board discussion, and make recommendations for Board consideration; 
• Support the Board and Committees in understanding the implications and consequences of decisions on the organization as a whole; 
• Participate in Strategic Plan and policy development; 
• Assist in Board recruitment; 
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate and jointly with the Board when appropriate. 

 

Hiring Values: 

In light of historical and ongoing underrepresentation, Theatre Nova Scotia will prioritize applications from IBPOC folks, persons with disabilities, and those from the 2SLGTBQ+ communities. Applicants from these or other communities wishing to self-identify may do so in their application. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, candidates will be welcomed and encouraged to contact TNS for assistance.  

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume (or any other documents that expresses your interest in applying and outlines your skills and abilities) to board@theatrens.ca. We are also happy to accept applications via phone, video, or audio file if email or text-based format is not accessible to the applicant. Please get in touch via email or give us a call. 

Disclosure: The current Interim Executive Director will be eligible to apply for this permanent position.

Please reach out to board@theatrens.ca with any questions or for more information.

 

Job Call: Neptune Theatre

Head of Staging

About the Position
Working as an integral member of the production team of Neptune Theatre, the Head of Staging will provide efficient and reliable preparation, operation, and maintenance of all stage machinery, rigging, scenery and management of labour resources within the established budgets and schedules for their department. The Head of Staging will ensure a safe and clean work environment on stage.

Terms of engagement are per the collective agreement between IATSE 680 and Neptune Theatre. Hours of work for this position will regularly be Tuesday to Sunday, 45 hours per week. During production tech weeks, hours may be longer and irregular. During the run of a production, hours will be primarily evenings and weekends.

This position will be engaged from June 9th, 2025 – June 21st, 2026. The hourly rate, as set by the previous IATSE CBA and currently in negotiation, is $27.95 Physical Requirements The Head of Staging will be required to climb ladders, lift weights in excess of 50 pounds, work on uneven surfaces, work in dimly lit environments, and wear personal protection equipment properly during a full shift.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal Head of Staging has extensive experience working in a theatre environment with a single purchase fly tower, is responsible, detailed orientated, and conscious at all times of safety and the well-being of the cast and crew. This individual demonstrates attention to detail, and a willingness to collaborate with other team members in the resolution of production challenges. The Head of Staging is a knowledgeable team player who is alert to opportunities for improving the set up and staging of scenic elements, and who is able to communicate challenges and opportunities in a concise, timely manner to management. Additional skills that would be an asset to this position are: pneumatics (the use of stage castors, brakes and actuators), scenic carpentry, and scenic art. Additionally, the following training certifications will be considered an asset:
● Fall protection/arrest training
● High angle rescue
● First Aid / AED
● Theatrical Pyrotechnic Operation
● Firearms Safety, Possession/Acquisition Licence
● ETCP Theatrical Rigging Certification

Submission Details
Application deadline is April 14th, 2025.

Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume by email to the attention of Garrett G. Barker, Production Manager at:
work@neptunetheatre.com

Include “Head of Staging” in the subject, and be prepared to provide three or more references. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted further.

 

Job Call: Neptune Theatre

Head Scnenic Carpenter

About the Position
Reporting to the Technical Director, and working as an integral member of the production team of Neptune Theatre, the Head Scenic Carpenter oversees the construction of all required scenic elements for our productions as specified by the production’s design team and supervises all carpentry crew engaged for each production. The Head Scenic Carpenter also oversees the
installation, and maintenance of all scenic elements and carpentry equipment as required by the Technical Director, according to established budgets and schedules.

Terms of engagement are per the collective agreement between IATSE 680 and Neptune Theatre. Hours of work for this position will regularly be Monday to Friday, 45 hours per week. During production tech weeks, overtime including evenings and weekends may be required.

This position is typically engaged from September until April with a 3 – 5 week layoff period over the December Holidays and New Year.

The successful candidate will be hired for May 5th, 2025 – April 5th 2026 with a 3 weel layoff from July 7th - July 27th, 2025 and another from December 15th, 2025 - January 4th, 2026. The hourly rate, as set by the previous IATSE CBA and currently in negotiation, is $27.95

Physical Requirements
The Head Scenic Carpenter will be required to climb ladders, lift weights in excess of 50 pounds, work on uneven surfaces, work in dimly lit environments, working on and around sets that are under construction, and wear personal protection equipment properly during a full shift.

The Ideal Candidate

A strong Head Scenic Carpenter has demonstrated proficiency with scenic carpentry tools, techniques and stagecraft, proficient in reading and interpreting technical drawings. They are reliable and conscientious, and able to adapt to a changing array of production needs. They are a team player, who is consistently aware of their personal responsibilities to the production team. This individual adheres to safe working practices, and is forward-thinking in their response to production needs. They are also able to communicate potential challenges to their supervisors in a clear, effective, and professional manner.

Additional skills and training that would be considered an asset:
● Proficiency with Vectorworks / CAD
● Fall Protection Training
● Arial Work Platform ( ie Genie Lift ) Operation
● First Aid / AED

Submission Details
Application deadline is April 14th, 2025.

Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume by email to the attention of Garrett G. Barker, Production Manager at:

work@neptunetheatre.com

Include Head Scenic Carpenter in the subject, and be prepared to provide three or more references. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted further.

Ethno-Cultural Mandate
Neptune Theatre seeks to promote equity, inclusion and access by amplifying voices that have been historically marginalized or underrepresented, and we factor this into every decision we make. We encourage submissions from all genders, ethnicities, abilities and identities, and will give priority consideration to those who self-identify as IBPOC, LGBTQ2S+, d/Deaf, living with disabilities, and/or facing other systemic challenges in our industry.

About Neptune Theatre
Neptune Theatre is located on sacred land that has been the site of human activity since time immemorial. We are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and un-ceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People, and we acknowledge them as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land.

As artists, we are grateful to work and build community here. As stewards of culture, we are in the process of learning more about how our company can improve our relations with Indigenous People and uphold the values of collaboration and inclusivity in all that we do.

Neptune Theatre is Atlantic Canada’s premier destination for live, professional theatre. On our stages, you’ll experience theatre that is uplifting and thought-provoking. Our roots are deep in
this region. With 59 years under our belt, we’re deeply supportive of and connected to our local community, and are committed to creating outstanding experiences that enlighten and bring joy to our audiences.

We are the cultural heart and soul of the Halifax community. Our values are grounded in the belief that the power of live theatre can transform and connect. With a mindful and inclusive approach, we are committed to bringing stories that represent the history and diversity of our region and its people to life on our stages.

Anti-Harassment Policy
Neptune is committed to maintaining a positive, harassment-free culture. We do not tolerate any form of harassment of our employees, clients, volunteers, or any persons visiting or spending time on our premises or online spaces. Please note that violation of this policy could result in revoked access. Neptune Theatre takes part in the Not in Our Space! initiative, a national anti-harassment and respectful workplace collaboration campaign between Equity and the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT), which seeks to ensure healthy and productive working conditions for all professionals working in live performance across the country.

---

Back to All Listings

 

Want to see your job opportunities featured here? Fill out the member submission form here