The Central Okanagan Performing Arts Festival (COPAF) is seeking a dynamic, organized, and professional Executive Director (ED) to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of its annual multi-disciplinary arts festival.
This fixed-term contract role (~1,000 hours/year) offers an opportunity to champion community arts while overseeing all aspects of festival operations and growth. This role requires strong skills in event management, fundraising, grant writing, marketing, and volunteer coordination. Knowledge of the performing arts sector is an asset.
The ED reports to the Board of Directors and serves as the primary operational leader, ensuring a high-quality, inclusive festival experience.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Leadership & Governance
- Attend and report at monthly Board meetings
- Collaborate with the Board on festival governance and strategic planning
- Provide transparent, professional, and timely communication to the Board
2. Festival Planning & Operations
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee all festival operations
- Manage festival registration, scheduling, venue booking, adjudicator recruitment, and contracts
- Lead logistics for adjudicated competitions and the annual Gala Concert
- Ensure compliance with festival rules, adjudication standards, and partner expectations
3. Financial Management & Fund Development
- Develop and manage the annual festival budget with the Treasurer and Board
- Prepare and submit grant applications
- Secure and maintain sponsorships, scholarships, and donor support
4. Marketing & Public Relations
- Develop and execute an annual marketing and communications plan
- Serve as the festival’s media spokesperson, representing the organization in press and public contexts
- Maintain and manage the festival website, ensuring content is accurate, up-to-date, and communicated clearly across all website channels
- Oversee festival communications including monthly newsletters, social media, press releases, and participant updates
5. Volunteer Management
- Direct the Volunteer Coordinator and assist with recruitment, training, and oversight of volunteers, ensuring adequate staffing for all festival events
- Recognize and retain volunteers to sustain engagement
6. Event Execution
- Oversee on-site operations for Dance, Music, and Voice competitions
- Coordinate venue logistics, technical requirements, and adjudicator needs
- Troubleshoot issues in real-time to ensure smooth event delivery
7. Post-Festival & Reporting
- Compile post-festival reports and debriefs for the Board
- Oversee post-event communications, thank-yous, and donor recognition
- Maintain organizational records and transition planning for future festivals
- Register accepted Provincial Nominees and Merited Participants on the PABC website
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in a related field is considered an asset.
- Proven experience (3 – 5 years) in event or festival management.
- Strong skills in fundraising, grant writing, budgeting, and stakeholder relations
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage respectfully and diplomatically with diverse individuals and groups.
- Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and emotional maturity in leadership roles.
- Effective communicator and collaborator across diverse groups.
- Marketing and public relations experience, including social media management.
- Familiarity with the performing arts sector.
- Highly organized, adaptable, and solution-oriented under pressure.
- Basic knowledge of graphic design with the ability to create marketing materials in Canva or similar design software.
- Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities, especially during the festival.
- Must be legally eligible to work unrestricted in Canada.
Additional Information:
This is a fixed-term contract position averaging approximately 20 hours per week across the year. The workload is seasonal in nature, with peak demands between January and May, where weekly hours may range from 30 to 40 hours per week to meet festival deadlines and deliverables.
During off-peak months (June through September), the workload typically reduces to an average of 5 hours per week. The individual must be adaptable and willing to flex their schedule in alignment with the festival calendar, understanding that hours fluctuate across the year to balance the overall contract average.
Compensation:
This is a fixed-term contract position with an annual compensation of $36,000, paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.
Given the seasonal nature of the role, with higher weekly hours between January and May, the ED is responsible for managing and allocating their compensation across the year to account for fluctuating workload demands.
How to Apply:
To apply please prepare the following and submit through the official online application form.
1. Cover Letter & Resume: A cover letter and resume highlighting your relevant education, experience, and specifically list the events or festivals you have managed.
In your cover letter, briefly respond to the following:
- Q1: Write 2–3 sentences of engaging copy for a social media post that encourages youth participation in the performing arts.
- Q2: In a few sentences, explain why a performing arts festival like COPAF is important for the community of the Central Okanagan and the next generation of artists.
2. Portfolio Submission: Please include a portfolio with examples of your work in event management, media or press copywriting, social media content, and/or newsletters you have curated.
Applications must be submitted through the official online application form: APPLY NOW
The Central Okanagan Performing Arts Festival (COPAF) is committed to providing a fair, collaborative, and respectful work environment. We are an equal opportunity organization, encouraging diverse applicants and fostering a healthy, inclusive workplace.
Application Deadline:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. We appreciate all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We kindly ask that applicants refrain from reaching out directly regarding application status.
Questions or Inquiries:
For questions, please contact the Board of Directors at copafboard@gmail.com
