Position: Program Officer

 

Debut Atlantic seeks an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual to join the organization as Program Officer at our office in Halifax. This position is full-time (37.5 hours per week).

 

Working closely with the Executive Director in a broad range of marketing, administrative, and tour related duties, the Program Officer works to fulfill Debut’s mandate of promoting innovative classical music in the Atlantic Region. This position plays a large part in mentoring emerging Canadian artists and making them available to Atlantic Canadian Presenters and their audiences, as well as to music educators, and various community groups.

 

The Program Officer will be expected to use current computer and social networking tools and to be able to interact professionally with a wide variety of industry stakeholders.  It is essential that the Officer be well organized and enjoy being a detail-minded multi-tasker.

 

To apply, please send resume and cover letter, to Erin Sparks, Executive Director at erin@debutatlantic.ca.  Deadline for applications is March 17, 2019. Salary commensurate with experience and industry standard.

 

Organization Background

The 2019-20 season will mark Debut Atlantic’s 40^th year of providing communities across the Atlantic region with access to high quality emerging Canadian artists. Debut supports a thriving classical music scene by providing emerging Canadian classical artists with an opportunity to perform to a wide range of audiences and be mentored as part of their professional career development. Canadian artists apply to participate in Debut’s five annual tours and successful candidates are then made available to Atlantic Canadian presenters.  The majority of these presenters have a long established relationship with Debut and are locally based organizations who provide classical music and music education opportunities in their communities. Through its innovative programs and diverse offerings, Debut Atlantic has established itself as one of the country’s most dynamic touring organizations. It is the only organization in the Atlantic region of its kind, and is dedicated to enhancing Atlantic Canada’s vibrant artistic communities by nurturing these shared musical experiences.

 

In addition to its touring and educational mandate, Debut offers an annual Award for Musical Excellence, which consists of a $1,000 cash prize (as well as a performance and mentorship opportunities) to an outstanding Atlantic Canadian high school music student, as selected by one of our esteemed Alumni artists.

 

Visit www.DebutAtlantic.ca to learn more about Debut Atlantic.

 

 

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Passionate and knowledgeable about classical music and performers. Music training is a definite asset.
• Competence in using current administrative, communication, and computer/social networking tools.
• Well organized, self-directed, and able to work to meet deadlines. Comfortable working with a variety of personalities and often under pressure.
• Able to work flexible hours as required (i.e. attend evening concerts, weekend board meetings, touring with artists as needed).
• Communicate effectively and able to speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, professional manner.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Assess challenging situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
• Technology skills: Office machines (printer/photocopier etc), MS Office, In Design, Adobe Professional, Website management (WordPress), basic IT troubleshooting skills (Windows 8 & 10 and basic networking).
• Possess a valid Nova Scotia driver’s license. Driver’s Abstract may be required.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Core Program Delivery & Touring

With the Executive Director:

• Support the selection of artists for the five tours by:
  • Fielding applicant questions pertaining to guidelines and application system
  • Developing and disseminating recruitment materials
• Support touring activity by:
  • Coordinating and maintaining the schedule of activities (concerts, educational activities etc)
  • Coordinating and booking all logistics including travel (air & ground), accommodation
  • Creating itineraries
  • Facilitate videoconferencing including scheduling, set-up, and coordinating equipment testing
  • Managing the tours while on the road and/or travelling with the artists as required
  • Communicating with Presenters and Educators regarding scheduling and artist requirements
  • Processing per diems and artist reconciliations
• Support Award for Musical Excellence activity by:
  • Preparing and updating guidelines and forms
  • Developing and disseminating recruitment materials
  • Communicating with applicants
  • Receiving, processing, and preparing applications for review by Alumni Jury
  • Follow-up communication as required
  • Coordination of performance and mentorship opportunities

 

Marketing, Communications, & Development

• Write and distribute media releases & newsletter and manage social media including cross promotion with presenters and other partners
• Developing implementing strategies to grow Debut’s brand
• Website updates & maintenance including posting of information and videos to Education page.
• Work closely with contract graphic designer to prepare print material including concert programs & posters, and manage print numbers and distribution to presenters
• Prepare brochures and other promotional material as required using prepared graphics and updating content.
• Timely communication with Debut’s stakeholders (artists, presenters, board, funders etc)
• Monitor and maintain an up-to-date archive of media and communications about current tours, upcoming artists, and alumni
• Research and maintain up-to-date contact lists for media, education, music organizations, alumni, board, and other stakeholders as required
• Assist as needed with research, communications, and stewardship of sponsors and donors
• Assist as needed with research, statistic, and data for funding applications and reports

 

Administrative & Financial Management

• Process accounts payable & accounts receivable ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and appropriate back-up
• Prepare accurate bank reconciliations and deposits
• Maintain an up-to-date spreadsheet of accurate tour statistics (performance & workshop attendance)
• Attend and record meeting minutes for Debut Atlantic Board Meetings (4 times per year). Assist in planning and preparing as required including logistics, catering, and travel for in-person meetings (1-2 times per year)
• Accurate filing and record keeping
• Communicate with suppliers, printers, and service providers regarding quotes and accounts
• Ensure proper back-up of electronic files
• Ensure basic office supplies are stocked and available for use
• Other responsibilities as assigned