The TAPA Executive Director works together with a volunteer Board of Directors and is responsible for the direction and management of the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and the Performing Arts Information Services (PAIS). The Executive Director will be a dynamic, collaborative and insightful leader. Critical to the role is a passion for and a sound knowledge of the performing arts industry in Toronto. As well, a comprehensive understanding of the processes of advocacy is essential. The Executive Director plays a strategic role, responsible for ensuring that there is coherence across all of TAPA activities including Performing Arts Information Services (PAIS) – the charitable arm of TAPA that supports many valuable TAPA programs, including, but not limited to:

• hipTIX — Offering $10 theatre, dance and opera tickets to students ages 14-29.
• The Dora Mavor Moore Awards — Celebrating excellence on Toronto stages in professional theatre,
dance and opera with 48 awards in six divisions.
• TAPA Industry Listings — A free daily resource that includes job postings, volunteer opportunities, calls
for submissions, spaces for rent, artistic residencies, workshop and event notices, and auditions.
• TRIP — Travel retreat initiatives program providing TAPA member organizations assistance with travel
and touring-related costs.

The Executive Director also oversees the operation of B Street Arts Hub, the new home of TAPA, and works in partnership with fellow B Street Tenant, B Street Collaborative on initiatives with the joint mission of empowering Toronto artists with the space, facilities and programs they need to thrive. This brand new facility provides performing artists with a variety of affordable and accessible creation spaces including The Mirvish Productions Rehearsal Space, a Recording Studio, the state-of-the-art Self-Tape Studio, The Jon Kaplan Community Lounge and Library, The Dora Mavor Moore Mentorship Studio, a Board Room, and two phone booths. The B Street Arts Hub is a creation space first and foremost, that strives to empower artists to create their most impactful work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership, Strategy and Planning
• Develop and implement TAPA organizational strategy and policies in collaboration with the staff and
board, to deliver the organization’s programmatic vision.
• Provide the conceptual direction for TAPA, through planning, organizing and directing the major activities
of TAPA.
• Create a positive working culture and support the staff team to ensure timely financial information,
effective communications, member support and any other programs and activities.
• Ensure that TAPA has the appropriate staff structure to deliver its programs and services in a healthy,
effective and sustainable way.
• Lead through example and reinforce a culture of engagement, high-performance, continuous
improvement, free from harassment and fear of judgement.
• Attract partnerships and work effectively with other arts leaders and organizations to expand the
programs and reach of TAPA into the performing arts community.

Governance, Finance and Revenue Development
• Enable the Boards of Directors of TAPA and PAIS to successfully fulfill their governance and fiduciary
responsibility by providing accurate, timely, comprehensive, and insightful operational, financial and
business risk information.
• Prepare annual operating budget.
• Work closely with the Finance Committee to set fundraising targets, track and review cash flow and
budgets, shared in full transparency at monthly meetings.
• Research, write and submit grant proposals to government agencies, foundations, and other funding
bodies.
• Manage grant reporting requirements and ensure compliance with grant agreements.
• Positively contribute to a constructive relationship with the Board Chairs of TAPA and PAIS. A genuine
relationship that is respectful, open to challenge and healthy debate resulting in shared commitment,
mutual understanding and accountability for follow-through that achieves desired results for the ongoing
success of TAPA.
• Work closely with the board leadership to recruit and educate board members.

Advocacy & Government Relations:
• Produce annual ARTS DAY AT THE CITY.
• Establish strong relationships with political and public service leadership at all levels of government.
• Develop strong working relationships with the Mayor, City Councillors, Business Improvement Areas,
community advocates and others in order to lead a united effort to meet the present and future
challenges of the TAPA membership.
• Participate and engage in annual municipal budget deputations.

Staff Leadership & HR
• Lead by example to ensure healthy, positive and supportive work environment grounded in principles of
equity and inclusion.
• Actively contribute to all policies and procedures supporting equity and inclusion, health and safety,
accessibility, and environmental sustainability.
• Open to new ideas and alternative suggestions by encouraging and supporting new initiatives proposed
by staff.
• Encourage professional development activities.
• Provide general oversight and direction for staff managers who take responsibility for the operations of
TAPA including: Development, Communications, and Operations.

Performing Arts Information Services (PAIS)
• Manage all general, administrative operations, and programming services necessary and appropriate to
the operation of PAIS, including the annual Dora Mavor Moore Awards as well as approve and oversee all
cash prizes associated with the DMM Awards.

This is not a hybrid position, it requires in person leadership. Depending on circumstances, there is the
possibility of working remotely one day per week.

Please send a cover letter (Maximum 2 pages) and CV in a single pdf attachment with attention to Jane Marsland at jmarsland@sympatico.ca, with the subject line TAPA ED Application, by September 9, 2024, by 5:00pm EDT.

Hiring Committee: Michael Sinclair (Chair), Lucy Eveleigh, Chris Goddard, Heather Jessiman, William Milne, Gloria Mok, Susan Wright

If you would like further information, support with access requirements or need accommodation, please contact Jane Marsland at the email above. Jane is the independent party engaged for managing TAPA’s application process and can answer your question by email. Please be assured your application will remain completely confidential.

In accordance with the accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) accommodation will be provided during the recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.

Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts

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