Head of Programming and Participation

  • Saint Catharines, ON
  • Permanent
  • Temps-plein
  • Il y a 1 mois
ABOUT THE PACThe FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) is a vibrant cultural hub and charitable organization located in downtown St. Catharines, the largest city in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada. The PAC aims to engage people in exceptional live arts experiences and to enrich the lives of the citizens of St. Catharines and the Niagara region, while providing a world-class venue for local, national and international artists and community arts organizations to flourish. The PAC opened its doors in 2015 as part of a transformative effort to rejuvenate St. Catharines’ downtown area. and has been a key catalyst for downtown development and an economic driver for Niagara, with over 40 new businesses opening with an economic spin-off of $17 million. The PAC team believes that healthy communities are built through arts and cultural engagement, and that our individual and collective identities are shaped through the stories told. They engage audiences across the Niagara region and work to remove barriers for under-served community members to experience the arts.The PAC features four performance venues: Partridge Hall, Recital Hall, Robertson Theatre, The Film House as well as the outdoor The Mann Raceway Plaza. Current PAC programs include: PAC Presents Live Performance Series, The Film House – an indie film house offering unique films and community screenings in a modern cinematic environment as well as facilitated community discussions, imPACt Education Series and access initiatives such as Pay-What-You-Can, discounted ticket prices for patrons under 30 years of age and partnership with the CANOO program to provide newcomers with access to free performing arts and film experiences. The PAC employs 27 full-time staff, 48 part-time staff, a pool of IATSE union workers and over 75 engaged and dedicated volunteers.THE OPPORTUNITYLocated in the heart of Niagara’s vibrant cultural corridor, the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) is a flagship destination for more than 100,000 visitors and hundreds of artists annually. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the PAC is ready to deepen relationships with the talented artists and arts organizations in the region as it continues to play a vital role in enriching the region’s creative and civic life.The PAC presents a diverse range of programming, from popular to provocative, including signature initiatives such as the 2026 Art in Action: Climate Festival, which will feature Edward Burtynsky’s In the Wake of Progress, Ailey II, Elisapie, Tom Morello, Tenille Towns, the Tenors and more. These bold artistic undertakings reflect the PAC’s commitment to creative leadership and impact.This is an exciting moment for a bold and creative leader to join the PAC’s team. The incoming Head of Programming and Participation will create an inspiring artistic and creative vision brought to life in collaboration with the talented PAC team, deepening resonance throughout the Niagara region and beyond.THE ROLEReporting to the Director of Programs and Services, the Head of Programming and Participation plays a central role in shaping the artistic and community arts vision of the Performing Arts Centre (PAC). This position is responsible for designing and delivering a robust and inspiring range of programs that connect meaningfully with the community, build partnerships, and position the PAC as a dynamic cultural hub.The Head of Programming and Participation leads all aspects of cultural entertainment bookings, including the negotiation and cultivation of relationships with artists, agents, and producers and all live and cinematic events. A skilled community-builder, the incumbent will cultivate sustainable partnerships and champion programming that supports cultural vitality and long-term audience development.Collaborating across departments and with external stakeholders, the Head of Programming and Participation will guide the creation and delivery of original programs and events that reflect the PAC’s strategic priorities, encourage community participation, and strengthen the regional performing arts ecosystem. This role demands a keen awareness of current trends in arts and entertainment, as well as a commitment to inclusive and forward-thinking programming.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Bring knowledge of emerging performing art forms and artists as well as trends in the industry to develop a quality presentation series and a relevant and current entertainment program that reflects the interests and experiences of our community.
  • Reporting to the Director of Programs and Services, design, develop and execute annual programming strategies and partnerships including the PAC Presents season, ensuring adequate timelines, professional contract management and monitoring event progress.
  • Negotiation of artist and performer fees and all contract details for performers and artistic acts.
  • Develop presenting partnerships with local, regional, national, and international agents, managers and performers.
  • Represent the FirstOntario Performing Arts Center within regional and national networks including Ontario Presents and CAPACOA, including networking with presenters from other cities, regions, and countries.
  • Develop supportive relationships with local and regional performers in developing programs to further strengthen the local arts ecology.
  • Design and execute educational programs for schools, youth and the general public, including the ImPACt Educational Series, as they support the PAC’s mandate mission and strategic plan.
  • Oversee the strategy for The Film House, supporting the work of the Film Programmer.
  • Communicate the unique qualities of all programming events to various internal and external stakeholders, including media when required, to develop and implement a narrative around each project and the PAC’s artistic strategy as a whole.
  • Liaise and collaborate across PAC departments in the preparation and execution of programming events, including onsite presence at PAC Presents and ImPACt programming.
  • Assist in the preparation of grant applications.
  • Maintain a positive work environment and foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, safety, and continuous improvement.

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