Seeking for a Co-Executive Director and Artistic Director

Job Posting: Co-Executive Director and Artistic Director

About Mackinaw

Based in Drummondville, Mackinaw is a dance company that creates work for diverse audiences. It draws on the language of traditional dance to create performances, offer training activities, and organize events. Mackinaw is recognized as a leader in traditional dance training and creation in Québec. Its volunteer artists share common values: creativity, enjoyment, belonging, respect, open-mindedness, and excellence. In 2024, Mackinaw celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Position Mandate

The organization has adopted a co-executive leadership model in which the Artistic Director and the Director of Business and Operations work closely together. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Co-Executive Director – Artistic is responsible for the organization’s artistic mission, ensuring its implementation and integration across all aspects of Mackinaw’s activities.

The successful candidate will oversee the Company’s artistic programming, including the development of new productions, and guide the growth of the training sector with the goal of developing and recruiting emerging artists. Alongside the Director of Business and Operations, they will uphold the organization’s mission, vision, and values in alignment with its strategic plan.

Responsibilities

• Lead the artistic committee using a collaborative and consultative approach
• Initiate and carry out projects that encourage the creation of original, high-quality work
• Develop and implement a vision for the artistic growth and professional development of Company artists
• Lead rehearsals and artistic projects
• Accompany artists on tour when needed
• Manage artistic personnel and ensure the well-being of team members under their supervision
• Participate in the development of Mackinaw’s annual budget and create artistic content for fundraising events
• Supervise the work of the training sector coordinator
• Co-write and implement the annual action plan with the Co-Executive Director, Business and Operations, in accordance with the strategic plan
• Oversee the artistic follow-up and execution of contracts and projects under their responsibility
• Ensure consistency of the organization’s brand image
• Write the artistic sections of reporting and accountability documents
• Present reports on artistic activities to the Board of Directors and participate in discussions

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate has strong credibility within the dance community, particularly in Québec traditional dance. Their multidisciplinary skills and collaborative spirit make them well equipped to inspire engagement among Company members and students in the training sector.

They are recognized for their integrity, transparency, creativity, open-mindedness, and dynamism, and excel at fostering positive and respectful relationships in a people-centered environment.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 3 to 5 years of experience as a professional artistic director or professional artist in a dance company, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated interest and skills in Québec traditional dance; knowledge of world dances is an asset
• Strong ability to mobilize teams, unite people, and encourage engagement
• Creativity, innovation, curiosity, collaborative mindset, and excellent communication skills
• Ability to manage artistic human resources
• Short-, medium-, and long-term strategic vision
• Strong spoken French and good writing skills
• Ability to travel to participate in certain activities
• Experience in the non-profit sector is an asset

Conditions

• Part-time schedule with a base number of hours that varies depending on organizational objectives and needs
• The Artistic Director must be present at rehearsals
• Possibility of evening meetings, both in person and online
• Compensation based on experience
• Workplace: Maison des arts Desjardins Drummondville
• Start date: As soon as possible, to be discussed

To Apply

Please send your application package (CV and cover letter) to: lucie@mackinaw.qc.ca

Only selected candidates will be contacted.