Harbourfront Centre is an innovative not-for-profit cultural organization that provides internationally renowned artistic, educational and recreational programming across a beautiful 10-acre campus at the heart of Toronto’s waterfront. For more than 45 years, Harbourfront Centre has celebrated the best in Canadian culture and the rich mosaic of cultures from around the world, presenting thousands of events annually that enliven, educate and entertain a diverse public, from music festivals to contemporary dance, to craft and design, to visual arts and more. Welcoming visitors year-round, there is something for everyone at Harbourfront Centre!
We are currently on a search for a dynamic, collaborative and imaginative Assistant Producer, eager and self-motivated to assist in the planning, execution, and oversight of diverse and multidisciplinary programming for festivals and events at Harbourfront Centre.
Position Title: Assistant Producer
Department: Cultural Engagement (CE)
Reporting to: Senior Producer/Manager
Type of Employment: Contract, one year,35 hours per week
Salary: $43,000 - $48,000
DUTIES:
Assistant Producer
- Assists the programming teams in the planning of events, including brainstorming programming ideas, researching potential artists and groups, and keeping track of deliverables.
- Provides administrative assistance in carrying out the critical path leading up to the festival, including preparing contracts, arranging décor, helping with artist services, and sharing updates and festival overviews with other departments.
- Assists with festival set-up, execution & strike, serves as lead venue contact.
- Works with the volunteer team to request volunteers and acts as a point of contact for volunteers on the day of the event.
- Attends meetings for events, festivals, and others (with production staff, artists, curators, and other partners) and records minutes as required.
- Works within the contract software database Artifax.
- Assists with supporting Partner Festivals as required.
- Completes special projects and helps to collect information from program participants and other departments, assists with the preparation of evaluation reports, and makes recommendations on if, when, and how to repeat the event.
- Assists as needed on special assignments designated by the Chief Programming Officer, the Director, Cultural Engagement, or the Senior Producer, Manager.
Event Programming
- Supports the development of program ideas and assists with writing proposals.
- Identifies groups and individuals to participate and support the program.
- Supports program content and determines length of program, appropriate facilities, schedule and volunteer requirements.
- Researches and identifies key contacts and organizations to assist in meeting programming objectives.
- Attends outside events to aid in overall programming goals as required.
- Identifies new talent by screening live performances and responding to inquiries from artists, agents, etc.
- Maintains list of contacts for use by others in the organization.
- Works on-site during events to supervise, liaise with staff on-site and evaluates success of the program.
- Assists with supporting Partner Festivals as required.
- Completes special projects/ assignments as assigned.
Marketing & Promotions
- Liaises with Marketing & Communications departments to ensure accuracy and appropriateness of publicity and marketing strategies for programs.
- Where required and/or requested, drafts copy about the programming to be used by marketing.
- Assists in reviewing copy and in evaluating whether plans will reach the target audience.
- Assists in the identification of unique methods for reaching target groups through an outreach initiative.
Administration
- Supports the gathering of information for the preparation of the booking and billing contracts, and keeps other departments informed of program plans.
- Helps to establish and/or work within an established critical path for each event that incorporates key internal and external departments i.e. production, marketing, finance.
- Helps to determines signage requirements and assists with submitting requests.
- Supports the evaluation of program success and effectiveness in meeting programming objectives.
- Helps to collect information from program participants and other departments, assists with the preparation of evaluation reports and makes recommendations on if, when and how to repeat the event.
SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS:
- Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, and database management.
- Must enjoy and be capable of working in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with many different teams.
- Knowledge of and demonstrated experience with festivals and events.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required in dealing with outside peers, the general public and media, and diverse communities.
- Excellent demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple activities and programs.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability in dealing and collaborating with diverse communities, and other departments.
- Very strong attention to detail and a keen eye for accuracy in data entry and document management.
- Ability to handle conflict or high-stress situations with compusure, tact and diplomacy.
- Availability to varying work schedules and weekend work and ability to manage periods of substantial overtime during events.
- This position is based in Toronto. Currently staff are working remotely as we continue to respond to the health and safety recommendations from the local, provincial and federal health agencies in regard to Covid-19. Initially, this position will work remotely for the majority of the hours, however, the successful candidate will be required to attend some training and/or working hours on-site at our downtown lakeside campus. We are working on a Return-to-Work plan.When it is deemed safe to re-open, this position will be required to work on site unless alternate arrangements have been approved by the Manager.
- Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Non-Canadian applicants must have a valid employment Visa and proper documentation authorizing their ability to work in Canada.
HOW TO APPLY:
Harbourfront Centre values and is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in our teams, creative communities, programmes and services. We invite qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Acceptable applications must include a current resume and a cover letter indicating why you wish to join the team, how you would meet the criteria of what we are seeking, and your salary expectation.
Qualified applicants can submit their candidacy by contacting jobs@harbourfrontcentre.com by no later than August 20, 2021. Please quote Assistant Producer in the subject line of the application.
We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. Suitable accomodations will be available upon request during the hiring process.
