Associate Director, Events

The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (FSCPA) is a 2000-seat + performing arts venue in the heart of downtown Toronto. The building is the performance home of both the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada, and hosts a number of other events throughout the year including galas, meetings, corporate functions, film screenings, and social events.

We are now accepting applications for the full-time position of Associate Director, Events, reporting to the General Manager. This is an existing vacancy arising from the departure of a previous team member.

This leadership role within the Canadian Opera Company offers several key attributes:

• Competitive salary and vacation package
• Potential for professional growth and career advancement
• Opportunity to work within a progressive, inclusive and welcoming arts organization
• Employee Assistance Program
• Extended healthcare coverage
• RRSP contribution plan after one year of service

Reporting to the General Manager, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the Associate Director, Events is a department-head level position responsible for driving the sales and business development strategy for the Centre's events business, while overseeing event planning, client service, team leadership and financial performance.

A key priority for the department is to further optimize the Four Seasons Centre's potential as a premier event destination in the heart of downtown Toronto. The successful candidate will be expected to proactively identify and develop new markets, build and leverage industry relationships, grow third-party rentals and partnerships, and secure high-value events and other revenue-generating opportunities beyond the Centre's core relationships with the Canadian Opera Company and The National Ballet of Canada.

The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated track record of sales and business development success, strong industry connections, and the strategic and financial acumen required to translate those relationships and opportunities into sustainable revenue growth. They will also lead and develop the Events team, foster strong relationships with clients, vendors and internal partners, and ensure a consistently high standard of service throughout the sales, planning and delivery of events.

This is an in-person position, with limited ability to work remotely, and will require some evening and weekend shifts.

Sales and Business Development:

• Lead the Centre's sales and business development strategy, serving as the primary sales lead and overseeing all related initiatives and functions.
• Proactively identify, develop and convert new business opportunities, ensuring the Four Seasons Centre is recognized as a preferred venue within the market.
• Build and leverage strong industry relationships to grow third-party rentals, partnerships and other revenue-generating opportunities.
• Maintain and grow all sales and marketing collateral and business development activities.
• Optimize venue utilization and revenue potential by ensuring business is booked on optimal calendar dates, based on building and market demand.
• Oversee and develop all third-party vendors and partners related to special events within the Centre, ensuring we work with "Best in Class" businesses.

Planning:

• Ensure all planning activities provide an efficient, timely, proactive, consultative and warm experience for clients.
• Support and develop a business culture that encourages innovation and creates unique experiences for event clients and guests alike.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration between the department, operational teams, and partners/vendors.

Leadership:

• Ensure service excellence is delivered at all client and guest touch points, from the initial sale through event planning and day-of delivery.
• Provide direct oversight of all Event Sales & Planning colleagues, ensuring departmental success, as well as informal oversight and collaboration with operational teams.
• Hire, onboard, train, mentor and coach colleagues as required.
• Participate in and support the senior leadership team within the Four Seasons Centre, contributing to…