Careers – Centre In The Square

Centre In The Square is always looking for the perfect people to work at our world-class theatre!

Centre In The Square is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices that attract and retain individuals with disabilities and ensure that its recruitment and assessment processes are fair and accessible. More information about our accessibility policy.

Director of Marketing and Development

CENTRE IN THE SQUARE (CITS) is seeking a creative and energetic individual to serve as its next Director of Marketing & Development. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Marketing & Development will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategic direction for all marketing and fundraising activities of CITS. The Director of Marketing and Development will have the responsibility to build the capacity and the teams in the Marketing, Development and Communication areas, and will work collaboratively with the senior leadership team to create strong development and marketing strategies.

The Director of Marketing & Development will build and manage the CITS brand and all aspects of marketing, communications, box office and ticketing through KW Tickets and fundraising, to raise the awareness of the organization in the community, increase audiences and drive earned and contributed revenues.

The Director of Marketing & Development will oversee and develop strategies to secure annual, planned giving, and donor-directed gifts through targeted campaigns, annual and monthly giving programs, donor stewardship efforts, and grants. The Director of Marketing & Development will personally manage and develop a prospect portfolio aimed at significantly cultivating major gifts, sponsorship support, and partnerships for CITS.

The ideal candidate will have a drive to build public and private sector support, to build audiences for CITS from the region to maximize ticket sales, fundraising, donor stewardship and marketing campaigns that drive earned and contributed revenues and visibility in the community. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative professional who can bring together their vision, experience, and passion for a wide range of artistic and community endeavours. The Director of Marketing & Development will want to invest in the success and growth of Centre In The Square and will find personal fulfillment in being part of an exciting future for the organization.

The Organization

The Centre In The Square Inc. (CITS Inc.) is a not-for-profit corporation, and registered charity, established in 1981 to maintain, operate, manage, and program the 2,000-seat state-of-the-art performing arts theatre – The Raffi Armenian Hall – and the Studio Theatre, situated in the Civic District of Downtown Kitchener.

CITS Inc. works in the public interest as a presenter and arts enabler, playing a leading role in showcasing the best in local, national and international performers, with over 140 shows and concerts a year for the benefit of the entire region and beyond. Concerts, plays, theatrical productions, lectures and comedy are but a few of the genres featured regularly throughout the year.

Housed in the CITS building is also the independently operated Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery. Local cultural groups such as the Grand Philharmonic Choir, who present their own programs at CITS, are valued partners.

CITS Inc. also values opportunities for non-traditional partnerships and is committed to providing

access in and around the theatre, and expert technical support, for rehearsals, workshops, displays, exhibits, and special events, in order to empower and enable artists of all ages and experience levels.

As a charitable organization, CITS Inc. receives an annual operating grant from the City of Kitchener that covers a portion of its expenses. Other revenue is self-generated through ticket sales, rentals, concessions, sponsorships, fundraising and grants from foundations and other levels of government. It is the vision of this organization to engage the community and bridge the space between artist and audience in a dynamic and sustainable way. The Centre In The Square has a committed and active Board of Directors of 14, led by Chair, Dan Carli and staff led by Executive Director Eric Lariviere.

The Community

Kitchener is one of three cities that make up the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. Kitchener is “a place for everyone and a city for the future.” Full of vibrant neighbourhood communities, diversity, new businesses and innovative ideas, Kitchener is home to many businesses including arts and culture, technology, manufacturing, finance, healthcare, retail, digital media and more. In 2021, the enumerated population of Kitchener – Cambridge – Waterloo (CMA), was 575,847 with Kitchener’s population at over 240,000 and positioned as the urban centre of the region.

Kitchener is also part of the second fastest growing municipality in Canada with a 12% growth rate over 5 years, which is the highest growth rate of any of the 290 metropolitan areas with 500,000 plus people across Canada or the United States. Kitchener has deep Germanic roots and offers small-town charm with big-city growth and excitement.

Kitchener is now a diverse city, with a number of ethnic and cultural groups, all who are inspired by what Kitchener is becoming and who want to be a part of its vibrant future. No matter who you are or where you come from, you belong in Kitchener.

Sources: Edited from-www.kitchener.ca, https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/, Explorewaterloo.ca, Canadapopulation.net, Waterloo Region Community Foundation Vital Signs report 2022

Director of Marketing & Development Roles and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Centre in the Square’s Executive Director, the Director of Marketing & Development is responsible for the strategic planning and delivery of all marketing and development programs and platforms. The Director of Marketing & Development will be responsible for:

Marketing, Leadership and Accountability

Understand and clearly articulate CITS’ brand programs, history, culture, values, strategic plan, and season to ensure the continuing relevance and growth of earned revenue.
Regularly report on earned revenue goals and progress to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
Demonstrate respectful, effective, and appropriate communication to achieve organizational buy-in for a variety of earned revenue initiatives.
Create effective communication strategies and develop, cultivate, and enhance CITS’s relationships in the KW community.
Speak and present in a clear and credible manner, listen to diverse perspectives, and set mutually beneficial expectations with a variety of stakeholders.

Remain current on and adapt to the cultural, economic, and political developments that affect earned revenue goals and strategies in the non-profit sector.
Model behaviours that create trust, build confidence and encourage others to follow suggested paths or approaches.

Marketing & Communication Planning and Implementation

Develop partnerships with external stakeholders and media outlets to support marketing, communication and ticketing projects, and initiatives.
Create customized subscription, group, and single ticket campaigns to support all sales activities
Process a clear understanding of the fast-changing marketing environment leading to the design, implementation and ongoing management of a strategic marketing plan, to significantly increase earned revenue.
Ensure the marketing and communication area adhere to long-term strategic and operational plan goals, coordinating and presenting regular progress reports to the Executive Director.
Use the organization’s formal and informal social and technical structures to build relationships, negotiate solutions, and accomplish goals.
Guide, build and mentor, the marketing and communication team’s successful achievement of earned revenue goals, with an emphasis on identifying, cultivating, and securing new earned revenue sources.
Lead the development, implementation, and management of company-wide short and long-term communication and story-telling strategies, plans and narratives, both internally and externally, to maximize media coverage and public awareness of key initiatives.
Monitor, evaluate and adjust plans to optimize performance.
Direct the planning and execution of strategies that increase national and international awareness of CITS as a destination.
Lead the team to determine key audiences and influencers and evaluate and revise activities to accomplish organizational goals.

Development Leadership and Accountability

Develop and implement long- and short-term strategies for fundraising with the Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and key community and business stakeholders.
Understand and clearly articulate CITS’ programs, history, culture, values, strategic plan, season, and financial strategy to foster the continuing relevance of sponsorship, philanthropic and grant support.
Identify key policy and funding issues of strategic importance and develop a comprehensive approach to address these issues to CITS’ benefit.
Regularly report on development goals and progress to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
Proactively mobilize the Board of Directors, and volunteers, and in partnership with the Executive Director, drive fundraising activity and personal engagement with top prospects, sponsorships, and special events.
Develop, cultivate, and enhance CITS’ relationships in the community.
Remain current on and adapt to the cultural, economic, and political developments that affect goals and strategies in the non-profit sector.
Model behaviours that create trust, and respect, build confidence, and encourage others to follow suggested paths or approaches.

Development Planning and Implementation

Develop partnerships with all of CITS’ departments to support annual giving programs, sponsorships, special projects, and events.
In conjunction with the Executive Director, plan, and coordinate fundraising activations and campaigns.
Create innovative funding approaches that support the financial health and future sustainability of the organization.
Create customized donor stewardship and recognition opportunities to support expanded fundraising activities.
Create, implement, and manage a strategic development plan designed to significantly increase contributed revenue.
Establish solicitation priorities, manage prospect lists, and research, develop and execute targeted cultivation plans and solicitation strategies for a range of prospects. Maintain a portfolio of donors, cultivating and soliciting major gifts for the annual fund, special events, special programs, and specific fundraising for the institutional endowment.
Ensure that the development area adheres to long-term strategic and operational plan goals, coordinating and presenting regular progress reports to the Executive Director.
Direct all aspects of development including stewardship, special events, cultivation, benefits fulfillment, daily donor interaction, and volunteer management.
Use the organization’s formal and informal social and technical structures to build relationships, negotiate solutions, and accomplish goals both internally and externally by building meaningful relationships within the Arts including collaboration with Arts Commons and other resident companies.
Build, guide and mentor the development team’s successful achievement of contributed revenue goals for individual, corporate, foundation, special events, and institutional endowment, with a personal emphasis on identifying, cultivating, and securing new sources of funding.

Administration and Oversight

Oversee the development and marketing departments and supervise the staff by setting clear expectations and ensuring their continuing growth and professional development.
Influence and inspire others to act in an energetic, committed fashion in pursuit of a positive organizational culture.
Ensure that the necessary organizational structure and adherence to CRA and Ontario Municipal Affairs’ regulations and guidelines are followed and that policies, system controls, and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed for effectiveness.
Prepare and monitor revenue and expense budgets; provide accurate reporting, analysis, and integration of data; and oversee the maintenance and integrity of donor and prospect records.
Guide a regular process of staff review and evaluation that ensures the highest ethical standards in all departmental activities.
Lead by example and mentor the development and marketing staff in utilizing available data and systems to analyze and document fundraising needs and opportunities.
Ensure revenue goals are met, proactively identifying potential shortfalls, and strategizing creative options that lead to fulfillment.

Prepare financial and statistical analysis of marketing and development initiatives and use this information to improve earned revenue and fund development activities.
Project anticipated revenue and expenses for programs and review progress quarterly with the Executive Director.
Assess current technology and refine development practices to ensure maximum efficiency and results.
Embrace other administration and oversight roles and responsibilities as needed.

Traits and Characteristics

Collaborative, proactive, dynamic, self-motivated, detail and people-oriented, the Director of Marketing & Development will be goal-oriented and will possess exceptional time management, social and verbal communication skills and value frequent interaction and collaboration with others. The Director of Marketing & Development will be an experienced professional with the vision to actively pursue the Centre in the Square’s goals with creativity and determination and will have a high degree of personal accountability – with a commitment to exceeding expectations.

The Director of Marketing & Development will lead marketing and fundraising strategies in accordance with the mandate of the organization and will be a connector between CITS and the KW communities.

This individual will balance tasks and projects with a sense of urgency and possess superlative interpersonal and communication skills that articulate compelling verbal and written messages for support. A self-sufficient and self-managed professional with a highly organized strategic approach, the Director of Marketing & Development will have the ability to achieve organizational objectives with artists, staff, board members, volunteers, donors, and prospective supporters.

This individual will bring a passion for the Centre in the Square’s vision, mission, and values, with the ability to bring those to reality, and a commitment to positively impact the organization’s long-term success.

Essential Skills & Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of proven and measurable experience in developing and implementing major marketing and fundraising programs, campaigns and initiatives for live arts, entertainment, and experiences.
Experience with branding of an organization in a diverse community or region
Have a strong knowledge of market analytics, and database development to increase audience, sales, and philanthropic support
Successful major gift, sponsorship and partnership solicitation experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a strong problem-solver
Experience developing effective marketing plans and donor outreach programs
Knowledge of CITS, its programs and the KW community and culture
Alignment with CITS’s core values
Proven ability to network and build lasting relationships on behalf of an organization
Demonstrated ability in analyzing areas for growth opportunities and where necessary building business cases
Experience collaborating with high-level, respected volunteers

Experience with CRM databases, marketing platforms and all complete Microsoft Office Suite of products is required.
Ability to identify and adapt to changing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges
Candidates must possess a willingness to mentor and develop team members to create a high-performing team.
A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or Master’s Degree.

Compensation

The Centre In The Square offers an annual salary of $110,000 to $125,000 commensurate with experience. Additional benefits include annual vacation, participation in an extended health plan and retirement benefits.

Application Instructions

The Centre In The Square Director of Marketing & Development Search is led by Martin Bragg, Nicola Dawes and Sarah Geddes of Martin Bragg & Associates. To apply in confidence please email your letter of interest and resume in Word or PDF format to Martin Bragg & Associates at citsdirector@mbassociates.ca The deadline for application is 5:00 pm EST on August 19, 2024. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and will receive an acknowledgement of their application. Preliminary interviews will begin immediately, and candidates are encouraged to apply early. No phone calls, please.

The Centre in the Square is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Access, and Reconciliation. We recognize that the Kitchener/Waterloo communities have changing demographics, and we are

committed to reflecting those changing demographics and our different cultural communities. Centre In The Square and Martin Bragg & Associates are committed to an open and transparent hiring process and we welcome all applications from women and gender nonconforming people, people of colour, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of the Centre In the Square. We encourage all candidates who are legally able to work in Canada to apply.

Downtown Kitchener is situated on land that is the traditional home of the Neutral, Haudenosaunee (Ho-deh-no-show-nee) and Anishinaabe (Ah-nish-nah-bay) Peoples. We extend our respect to all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples for their past and present contributions to this land. We also recognize and respect the cultural diversity that First Nations, Métis and Inuit people bring to both Downtown Kitchener and the City of Kitchener.

We recognize and appreciate their historic connection to this place and the contributions Indigenous peoples have made in shaping and strengthening this community.

Senior Financial Accountant

Get to Know Us:

Centre In The Square (CITS) seeks a high-performing Senior Financial Accountant to join our finance team at one of Canada’s finest performing arts centres.

CITS values opportunities for non-traditional partnerships and is committed to providing access in and around the theatre and expert technical support for rehearsals, workshops, displays, exhibits, and special events to empower and enable artists of all ages and experience levels.

As a charitable organization, CITS Inc. receives an annual operating grant from the City of Kitchener that covers a portion of its expenses. Other revenue is self-generated through ticket sales, rentals, concessions, sponsorships, fundraising and grants from foundations and other levels of government. The organization’s vision is to play a role as the leading live experiences destination in the region, engage the community and bridge the space between artist and audience in a dynamic and sustainable way. The Centre In The Square has a committed and active Board of Directors of 14, led by Chair, Dan Carli and staff led by Executive Director Eric Lariviere.

The Role:
Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Senior Financial Accountant is accountable for the accounting operations of the company. This includes the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the company’s reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles.

Key Responsibilities:
● Month-End Close Activities: Assist with month-end close activities, including preparing and posting month-end accrual, revenue recognition, prepaid entries, and other miscellaneous entries. Prepare month-end account reconciliations, research and resolve issues timely, and assist with the preparation of financial statements.
● Reporting: Issue timely and complete financial statements and reports for internal businesses and performances. Generate monthly reports focusing on actual results vs. budgeted and forecasted numbers.
● Analysis: Gather data from various sources and assess the accuracy & reasonableness of the data as required. Analyze accounts and provide outcomes of financial performance of events.
● Year-end: Complete support schedules for the year-end audit. Act as the main contact with auditors. Assist with annual charity tax returns and all government reporting.
● Payroll & Taxes: Oversee payroll and benefits administration, including the setup of benefits and onboarding for new employees. Compile all tax reporting and ensure accuracy.
● Teamwork: Oversee support staff and approve work. Act as the primary financial liaison for other managers and staff at CITS. Manage and assist co-workers and review work, providing advice on complex accounting matters.
Key Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have a university degree and an accounting designation (CPA), with 5-7 years of experience in general accounting, account reconciliations, and financial management within the not-for-profit sector. Essential knowledge includes generally accepted accounting principles, management accounting, and industry regulations.
Candidates must possess strong attention to detail, advanced computer skills (specifically Excel), and excellent organizational and time management abilities. Flexibility, strategic thinking, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment are crucial. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, particularly the ability to explain complex financial matters in simple terms. Skills and knowledge of Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT and ADP payroll are an asset.

Position Details:
Salary is: $80,000 – $95,000
Typical weekly hours are: 40 hours
Availability: The work week is Monday to Friday. It is possible to be required evenings and weekends.
Benefits: annual vacation, extended health coverage, and OMERS pension

Application Process:
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter quoting the job title in the subject line by August 19, 2024 to iwanttowork@centreinthesquare.com

Director of Finance
The Centre In The Square Inc.
101 Queen Street North
Kitchener, ON N2H 6P7

Thank you for your interest. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as qualified candidates are received. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Centre In The Square Inc. is committed to the principles of equality and diversity in the workplace. We welcome applications from Indigenous peoples, minority communities, immigrants, persons with disabilities, and the LGBTQ2S+ community. We will provide accommodation in all phases of the hiring process up to the point of undue hardship upon request.

We recognize and appreciate their historic connection to this place and the contributions Indigenous peoples have made in shaping and strengthening this community.

Parking Services/Concessions Attendant (Part-time Contract)

Centre In The Square – Kitchener-Waterloo, ON

Part-time

Centre In The Square always looks for the perfect event people to work at our world-class theatre, and we are doing it again!

If you are interested in applying for a PT position in our parking services/concessions team, please send your resume to iwanttowork@centreinthesquare.com

– 18 yrs old

– Smart Serve Certified

– Availability during weekday and weekend evenings. (some daytime weekends)

We are an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity in people and is committed to excellence and inclusion. We welcome resumes from underrepresented groups including visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. If you have a disability and require assistance with the application process, please call us at 519-578-5660 x 5306 or email us at comments@centreinthesquare.com

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Bartender (Part-time Contract)

Centre In The Square – Kitchener-Waterloo, ON

Part-time

Centre In The Square always looks for the perfect event people to work at our world-class theatre, and we are doing it again!

If you are interested in applying for a PT position on our bartending team, please send your resume to iwanttowork@centreinthesquare.com

– 18 yrs old

– Able to work in a fast-paced environment

– Smart Serve Certified

– Availability during weekday and weekend evenings. (some daytime weekends)

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in people and we are committed to excellence and inclusion. We welcome resumes from underrepresented groups including visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. If you have a disability and require assistance with the application process, please call us at 519-578-5660 x 5306 or email us at comments@centreinthesquare.com

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Ushering Attendant (Part-time Contract)

Centre In The Square – Kitchener-Waterloo, ON

Part-time

Centre In The Square always looks for the perfect event people to work at our world-class theatre, and we are doing it again!

If you are interested in applying for a PT position as an ushering attendant, please send your resume to iwanttowork@centreinthesquare.com

– 16 yrs old

– Smart Serve Certified

– Availability during weekday and weekend evenings. (some daytime weekdays and weekends)

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Porter/Cleaning Attendant (Part-time Contract)

Centre In The Square – Kitchener-Waterloo, ON

Part-time

Centre In The Square always looks for the perfect event people to work at our world-class theatre, and we are doing it again!

If you are interested in applying for a PT position on our Porter team, please send your resume to iwanttowork@centreinthesquare.com

– 18 yrs old

– Able to work in a fast-paced environment

– Smart Serve Certified

– Availability during weekday and weekend evenings. (some daytime weekdays and weekends)

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.