Executive Director

Black Theatre Workshop (BTW)
Where Leadership Meets Legacy in Canadian Theatre

About Black Theatre Workshop (BTW)

Black Theatre Workshop (BTW) is Canada’s oldest Black theatre company and a national leader in promoting Black voices on the stage. For over five decades, BTW has championed representation, nurtured talent, and shared urgent, inspiring stories with audiences across the country.

BTW currently produces one to two mainstage plays per year, a touring production, a biennial playwrights’ festival, and a theatre training program, alongside smaller events and fundraising activities.

Today, we are seeking our first-ever Executive Director — a visionary leader who can build on this legacy, strengthen our position as a national cultural voice, and guide the organization into an ambitious new chapter.

This isn’t just administration — it’s an opportunity to:

• Shape culture: Lead conversations about art and representation in Canada.
• Amplify voices: Advocate for emerging Black artists and open doors for diverse creators.
• Build legacy: Leave your mark on Canadian theatre while working in a mission-driven, collaborative environment.
• Lead with values: Join an organization where equity, diversity, and inclusion are lived commitments — not just policies.

The Role

This is a full-time position based in our Montreal office. The role occasionally requires evening and weekend hours based on production schedules.

As Executive Director, you will:

• Lead a team of 5 to 8 employees.
• Collaborate closely with the Artistic Director in co-leading the company.
• Oversee finances, operations, and long-term sustainability with strong business acumen.
• Identify and manage grant and funding opportunities.
• Strengthen BTW’s national reputation.
• Build strategic partnerships that reach beyond anglophone and Afro-Canadian communities.
• Engage staff, board members, and volunteers in meaningful, mission-aligned work.
• Support the Board of Directors in advancing strategic planning and governance.
• Supervise marketing, advertising, promotion, and communications for BTW.

• Ideal Candidate Profile
• The ideal candidate will have:
• 5 to 7 years of management experience in the arts, performing arts, festivals, or related cultural sectors.
• Strong business and financial management skills, with proven experience overseeing budgets and ensuring organizational sustainability.
• Demonstrated success in organizational grant writing.
• Knowledge of both the local and national theatre landscape.
• Working familiarity with professional theatre associations and union agreements (CTA, APASQ, UDA, PACT).
• Strategic and organizational leadership skills to guide an artistic company with vision and consistency.
• A growth mindset, creativity, and composure under pressure.
• Proven experience in community engagement and inclusive leadership.
• A passion for the arts and a commitment to equity and representation in Canadian culture.
• Professional fluency in English and French.
• Knowledge of Salesforce, SharePoint, and other business platforms.

What We Offer

• Salary: $65,000–$70,000, commensurate with experience.
• Health and dental insurance.
• Paid vacation: Two weeks during winter holidays and three weeks in July.
• National visibility and influence within the Canadian arts and culture sector.
• Professional development opportunities and participation in festivals, exchanges, and international partnerships.
• A collaborative, innovative workplace that values creativity and accountability.
• The opportunity to co-lead a cultural movement that continues to inspire, challenge, and energize audiences.

How to Apply

Please upload your CV and a cover letter describing your vision for leadership at BTW through our online application form. The position is open immediately, and applications will be reviewed as they are received.

In keeping with our commitment to reflect the diversity of our community, Black Theatre Workshop encourages all qualified individuals to apply.

Questions can be directed to the BTW hiring committee at board@theatrebtw.ca.