Overview
CircusWest is entering a pivotal chapter. The organization has a healthy balance sheet, dedicated coaches, and programs with real community reach. It also has meaningful work ahead: growing community relationships, enhancing the strength of the leadership team, diversifying revenue, and establishing a clear strategic direction.
The incoming Executive Director will have the rare opportunity to set the course for a well-loved organization with genuine room to grow. This is not a maintenance role. The Board is looking for a leader who will stabilize the foundation, evolve CircusWest’s reputation as a welcoming and community-centred organization, and position it for growth on a provincial, and eventually national stage.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the management leader and public face of CircusWest, with full accountability for operations, people leadership, fund development, financial stewardship, and strategic execution. The position oversees an overall team of approximately 30-40 staff.
Key Responsibilities
The Executive Director leads CircusWest in delivering on its mission and strategic priorities, with accountability across strategy, operations, community engagement, fund development, and people leadership. The responsibilities below describe the core focus of the role; they are representative rather than exhaustive, and the position will evolve with the organization's needs.
Strategic Leadership
- Translate the Board's strategic direction into an operational plan with clear goals, metrics, and timelines
- Pursue opportunities to grow CircusWest's programming, community presence, and revenue
- Position CircusWest as a hub for the circus arts community in Western Canada
Community and Stakeholder Relations
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and public face of the organization with members, media, funders, and the public
- Strengthen relationships across the circus arts community, including coaches, performers, and peer organizations
- Develop collaborative arrangements with schools, arts organizations, and civic partners
People Leadership
- Provide direct leadership to three senior managers, coaching them to strengthen the leadership team
- Establish clear accountability structures and performance expectations across the organization
- Ensure HR practices align with BC employment standards
Fund Development and Financial Management
- Prepare and maintain the annual budget and provide accurate financial reporting to the Board
- Diversify revenue through grants, fundraising, corporate workshops, and performances
- Ensure programming operates within a financially sustainable model
Board Relationship
- Provide the Board with timely, accurate information for informed decision-making
- Bring strategic issues, risk areas, and material decisions forward appropriately
- Support an effective governance relationship grounded in transparency and accountability
Operations and Marketing
- Oversee day-to-day operations, including facilities, scheduling, and program delivery
- Lead communications and marketing to enhance CircusWest's visibility and brand
- Oversee contracts, administrative systems, and effective use of the physical space
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in arts administration, business, non-profit management, or a related field is preferred. However, an appropriate combination of education and demonstrated organizational leadership experience will be considered
- Experience leading in a non-profit environment or community-based organization
- Experience with performing arts disciplines (circus, dance, gymnastics, music, theatre, or equivalent)
- Strong competence in strategic thinking and planning with an ability to envision and convey the organization’s strategic future to the board, staff, volunteers, and donors
- Demonstrated success in developing and leading high-performing teams
- Experience working with or reporting to a volunteer Board of Directors
- Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, analysis, and reporting
- Successful track record in fund development, including grant writing, fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship, or revenue diversification (especially familiarity with BC gaming grants and government funding processes)
- Proven ability to build and maintain organizational relationships and community partnerships
This position offers an exciting opportunity for a dedicated leader to shape the future of our organization while making a positive difference in the community.
Pay: $100,000.00-$120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Paid time off
Experience:
- senior leadership: 3 years (required)
- non-profit: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
