The Toronto Biennial of Art (TBA) is a large-scale international contemporary art event available to everyone. For 10 weeks every two years, local and international Biennial artists transform the city and surrounding regions with artworks, talks, and performances that reflect local contexts and pressing issues of our time. The Biennial’s free, citywide programming aims to inspire individuals, bridge communities, and contribute to global conversations.

For detailed information on the impact of the first Biennial, please read the 2019 Evaluation Report.

TBA is committed to transparency and to principles of anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, and inclusion and is putting these principles into practice at all levels of the organization. Please see TBA’s Statement of Accountability for more information on our commitment to racial justice.

Position Overview

Job Title: Production Manager, Public Programming and Learning
Role Type: Contract, set dates
Contract Length: Full time August 16, 2021 – June 30, 2022 (40 hours/week)
Annual Salary: $50,000
Pay: Bi-weekly
Application Deadline: June 28, 2021

The Toronto Biennial of Art (TBA) is currently seeking a Production Manager, Public Programming and Learning. This position plays a vital role in the ongoing Programs operations and production for the next edition of TBA, from March 26 to June 5, 2022. The Production Manager will work closely with the Public Programming and Learning curators and will report to Deputy Director & Director of Programs. They will experience on-the-job training in all production-related aspects of the planning, development, and execution of the Biennial’s Programs. The Production Manager will be of integral importance in the daily work of the Public Programming and Learning (PPL) department, and will act as an advocate for the organization in the city through their work with artists, partners, and other collaborators to realize TBA’s public programming and learning activities. TBA is committed to developing a range of skills in relation to the Biennial’s contemporary art programs, within a framework of close mentorship that creates future leadership opportunities in the arts.

This position is ideal for candidates with minimum 3-5 years of experience in realizing events and programs in contemporary art – biennials, festivals, or equivalent settings – who wishes to expand their knowledge and skills within a professional contemporary arts context. The successful candidate must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and cross-departmentally as they attend to various aspects of the Biennial, including logistics, production, finance, and partnerships.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the production of all public and learning programs, including a Residency: research, logistics, production, relationship management (artists, partners, and other stakeholders), event preparation, travel arrangements for artists, setup, take-down, post-event reports, and documentation
• Support the curatorial team through research related to production and on-going administrative tasks
• Provide administrative support for PPL daily tasks through minute-taking, receipt organization and processing, project workback scheduling and updates, organization of filing systems, scheduling meetings. Occasional admin support may also be required for tasks related to curatorial content for Programs publications, marketing and communications, and development
• Coordinate junior staff/event staff working at venues or on specific programs in communication with PPL curators, (event support staff, tech support, etc.)
• Coordinate tech needs, and attend to various on-site issues
• Manage task-lists on project management platforms, to which various PPL staff contribute; prioritize tasks and manage time accordingly
• Communicate actively between PPL and other TBA departments as needed
• Support research related to production logistics and programs content as needed
• Participate in training and learning opportunities with the PPL team, as well as with the broader TBA team as they arise

Desired Qualifications:

• Minimum 3-5 years of related working experience in managing multifaceted projects, such as festivals
• Approaches all work with a commitment to anti-oppression and equity
• Holds a bachelor’s degree, or has equivalent experience in, arts administration, event production and/or related fields
• Excellent interpersonal management skills and creative problem solving in complex, multi-stakeholder settings
• Works collaboratively, and brings a positive attitude, a doer
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and task lists; ability to multi-task and prioritize accordingly
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills; detail-oriented
• Ability to take initiative and be responsive; active team player
• Independent thinker and doer, and comfortable communicating needs as necessary
• Highly developed communication skills; attentive listener
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced organization; committed to deadlines
• Employ tact, discretion, and responsibility in all areas
• Experience with supporting accessibility needs for event production
• Strong familiarity with Microsoft Office (particularly Excel) and Mac iOS; working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and G-Suite desirable; experience with Wrike and Milanote platforms an asset
• AV tech familiarity or experience; online programs experience
• Ability to manage virtual programming production on digital platforms, including website, video, and social media
• Holds a G/G2-level driver’s licence
• Additional assets include: audio-video editing experience; languages spoken other than English; graphic design, communications experience (online and print); familiarity with publications project management

Applications:

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume totaling no more than 3 pages to opportunities@torontobiennial.org with the subject line “Production Manager, Public Programming and Learning” by June 28, 2021. Please also indicate where you saw this posting. Only selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Toronto Biennial of Art is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in all of our work. We work proactively to be fair and equitable in practice and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. We encourage those who identify as women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, persons of colour, individuals of non-conforming gender and sexual orientations, and all groups protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code to apply. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to Toronto Biennial of Art.