Artistic Director

Artistic Director

Manitoba Opera is one of the premier performing arts companies in the province, Manitoba Opera (MO) is the only full-time professional opera company between Toronto and Calgary, presenting staged productions with a full orchestra. Now in its 52nd season, MO delivers two fully staged productions annually in the 2,145-seat Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall. MO regularly tours schools and other venues in the province and offers a rich array of educational and community engagement programming in the promotion and support of opera.

The Opportunity: Appointed by the Manitoba Opera Board of Trustees in conjunction with and reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Artistic Director will provide the artistic vision and direction required for the successful functioning and continued advancement of Manitoba Opera. Collaborating with the ED, the Artistic Director (AD) will budget for cohesive, artistically exceptional, and financially sound seasons and build long-term, trusting relationships with artists, creative teams, and staff.

Key Responsibilities

- Establish and communicate an inspiring, aspirational artistic vision reflecting MO's heritage, future ambitions and guide all programming choices, operational artistic priorities and community interactions accordingly.

- Develop and implement a multi-year repertoire strategy blending traditional and contemporary innovative works across languages, styles, and composers to engage audiences while maintaining financial sustainability.

- Curate productions, community engagement, and education programs that align with MO’s values, considering diversity, equity, inclusion, and Indigenous reconciliation.

- Produce approximately two major works each season at the Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall leveraging new mediums and digital spaces to expand MO’s reach and attract new audiences.

- Collaborate with the ED and production team to ensure the smooth and safe execution of each production.

- Provide artistic guidance, engage, supervise, and inspire performers, directors, designers, and production personnel, mentor both emerging and established artists, fostering a creative environment.

- Contribute to communications, publicity, and media relations related to productions, the promotion of MO, and work with Marketing to develop materials that capture the artistic essence of each season.

- Coordinate with Production to select sets and costumes that reflect community aesthetics and are fiscally responsible.

- With the ED, manage key external relationships with granting organizations, government, agency officials and maintain knowledge of major provincial, federal and civic agency funding criteria.

- Build close relationships with key donors, partners, sponsors, and audiences to increase engagement with and appreciation of MO.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s Degree, ideally in performing arts, arts management, or related discipline.

- Advanced education in performing arts is an asset, but equivalent lived/work experience and development will be considered.

- 10+ years of progressively senior responsibilities in the performing arts or related sector, involved in the planning, development and production of operatic or related works.

- 5+ years of experience as a senior manager with multiple direct reports.

- Involvement and accountability for budget management, risk mitigation, and fund development.

- Experience in fundraising, donor relations, and public speaking.

- Familiar with the non-profit sector operating model and understanding of board governance and relations.

- Collaborative, adaptable, effective listener with the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships.

To apply forward your cover letter and resume to Alora@harrisleadership.com quoting project 25122.

Manitoba Opera is committed to achieving employment equity and therefore invites applicants to confidentially self-declare in the cover letter if a member of an equity‑seeking group.

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