Executive Director Jobs

Position: Executive Director

Employer: Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Location: Winnipeg, MB

Deadline: June 9, 2023

ABOUT THE ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET

Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) is an arts organization like no other. Founded in 1939 by Gweneth Lloyd, O.C. and Betty Farrally, O.C., the Royal Winnipeg Ballet has garnered both critical and audience acclaim for its versatility, technical excellence, and captivating style. In 1945, the Company launched its first tour of Canada and added international touring in 1953. Since then, the 26-dancer company has performed in over 581 cities in 44 countries. Receiving its royal title in 1953 (the first granted under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II), it holds the distinction of being Canada’s premiere ballet company and the longest-continuously operating ballet company in North America.

The RWB has embarked on a Board-led exercise to create a new multi-year strategy outlining a renewed vision, mandate, and strategic priorities. It is expected to be completed in mid-2023.

The RWB Company and the RWB School (Professional and Recreational Divisions) are distinct entities operating symbiotically in one legal and reporting organization. The vision of the RWB Company is “to be a centre of excellence where we bring experiences that challenge the conventions of dance, while continuing our commitment to technically demanding classics, masterpieces, experimental works and works of broad appeal, performed to live music. We will deliver the creative and inspirational power of dance, locally, nationally and internationally, to demographically, culturally, and ethnically diverse people becoming a dynamic leader of the world dance community. We aspire for a company of exceptional artists who are nurtured through artistic and technical challenges that fulfill their destiny.”

With a vision to attract talented and diverse students, provide the highest quality of training, and foster learning, working and living environments that are positive, healthy, inclusive, respectful and reflective of contemporary best practices, the RWB School has both a professional and recreational division. The RWB School Professional division is well-known and respected across Canada and around the world for delivering excellence in dance education and training. This division is home to an average of 100 full-year students and 180 students in the summer in the full-time Ballet Academic, Anna McCowan Johnson Aspirant and Teacher Training Programs. Its mandate is to nurture and develop highly trained and versatile classical ballet dancers and dance teachers for the RWB Company and School and companies and schools around the world.

The mandate of the RWB School Recreational Division is to provide quality dance training in a variety of styles and disciplines to dancers of all ages, levels, and abilities pursuing a range of personal and professional goals in dance. This division is home to an annual average of 1,500 students between the ages of three and 103. Classes are offered in creative movement, ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, tap, modern dance, musical theatre, conditioning and hip hop, as well as specialized programs for adults.

The RWB has four (4) strategic priorities:

• Strengthen financial stability and sustainability
• Extend and enhance their touring program
• Develop and present repertoire and programming to inspire their audiences
• Meaningfully engage and secure stakeholder commitment to their artistic, creative and financial success

ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Reporting to a diverse and committed Board of Directors, the Executive Director will work closely with the Board and the Artistic Director to establish and implement a compelling vision and priority strategic directions for the RWB. The Executive Director will execute the RWB mandate ensuring the artistic and fiscal health of the organization.

The Executive Director will work closely and collaboratively with the Artistic Director and senior leaders to establish a high-performance, innovative and progressive organization, nurture an empowering culture and environment, create and present ballet productions at the highest level of artistic excellence, sustain strong, trusting relationships with donors, supporters, partners, funders and the community and steward the RWB brand and reputation.

If you have a passion for arts and culture and the desire to ensure this Winnipeg gem continues to thrive and grow, you will want to explore this rare opportunity.

A copy of the full position profile is available at https://www.mnp.ca/en/services/consulting/executive-recruiting/career-opportunities/rwb-executive-director