Obsidian Theatre Company is situated on the ancestral lands of the Dish with One Spoon Territory (wampum belt covenant) and, more recently, Treaty 13. This includes the Mississaugas of the Credit, who are part of the Anishinaabe Nation, the Wendat and Petun First Nations, as well the Haudenosaunee Confederacy of Six Nations, the Seneca, and any other Nation, recorded or unrecorded. Obsidian is privileged today to live, work, and thrive on the territories that have been stripped from the very people who have protected it. The lands and waterways that we enjoy have been inhabited and taken care of by Indigenous, Inuit, and Métis people for thousands of years (since time immemorial), many of whom still call Toronto their home. It is our duty not only as a theatre company but specifically, as a Black theatre company, to recognize how our plight intersects with the struggle of Indigenous People from Turtle Island. As displaced people and settlers on this land, we have a responsibility to acknowledge the harm, past and present, from which we benefit from, as well as turn that acknowledgement into action.
The Opportunity
For more than two decades, Obsidian Theatre Company has been a defining force in Canadian theatre, championing Black artistry, developing exceptional talent, and bringing powerful Black stories to stages and audiences across the country. As Canada’s leading culturally specific theatre company dedicated to the exploration, development, and production of the Black voice, Obsidian has earned a national reputation for artistic excellence, ambition, and impact. Its Dora Award-winning work draws from a worldwide canon, with a particular commitment to acclaimed and emerging Black playwrights whose stories, perspectives, and creative voices continue to enrich and shape Canadian theatre. That reputation has made Obsidian a sought-after creative partner, collaborating with other prominent cultural institutions, including Mirvish Productions, Harbourfront Centre, Canadian Stage, The Shaw Festival, Citadel Theatre, Soulpepper Theatre, Nightwood Theatre, and many others. Of note, Obsidian’s influence is equally powerful beyond the stage. Through artist development, training, mentorship, and creative partnerships, the company has helped cultivate generations of Black playwrights, performers, directors, designers, and arts professionals - creating space not simply for Black artists to participate in Canadian theatre, but to lead, experiment, take risks, and thrive beyond it.
After nearly a decade of leadership from its outgoing General Manager, Obsidian Theatre is preparing for an important leadership transition. At this significant moment, Obsidian invites nominations and applications for the newly titled role of Managing Director - a rare opportunity for a driven and accomplished leader to help shape the future of one of Canada’s most celebrated theatre companies.
About the Role
The Managing Director is one of two senior executives leading Obsidian Theatre Company, working in close partnership with the Artistic Director and reporting to the Board of Directors. While the Artistic Director leads the company’s artistic vision and programming, the Managing Director leads the organizational infrastructure that makes that vision possible - ensuring financial sustainability and operational excellence, supporting the Board in delivering its governance mandate, and strategically positioning Obsidian for continued growth and impact.
With oversight of finance, administration, revenue development, people and culture, operations, governance, and external relations, the Managing Director has a broad mandate. They will work with the Artistic Director and Board to establish organizational priorities and translate them into clear plans, budgets, and measures of success; ensure the effective stewardship of the company’s resources; and maintain the systems, policies, and practices required for a healthy and high-performing organization. They will also oversee Obsidian’s approach to government and granting bodies, fundraising, sponsorships, and other revenue opportunities, ensuring the company has the resources required to sustain and expand its work.
Externally, the Managing Director will be an important representative of Obsidian, building relationships across the theatre sector and with funders, government, community partners, donors, sponsors, and other stakeholders. Working alongside the Artistic Director, they will seek out opportunities for collaboration, investment, and greater visibility - helping ensure that Obsidian continues to grow its reach, strengthen its standing, and remain an influential force in Canadian theatre.
Qualifications
Among the qualifications sought in candidates, the incoming leader must have a deep and abiding commitment to advancing reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all its forms and must believe, intrinsically, in the importance of leading with curiosity and welcoming ideas that can later be synthesized and turned into possibility. While all candidates are encouraged to apply and, in so doing, share how they see themselves adding value to the Obsidian environment, the following credentials and/or experiences are seen as possible markers of the candidates most likely to realize success in the role:
- A demonstrated commitment to advancing Black artists and Black cultural expression, together with an understanding of the purpose, significance, and potential of Black and/or culturally specific institutions;
- Strategic leadership experience, including the ability to develop a compelling organizational direction and translate vision and artistic ambition into concrete plans, priorities, and results;
- Knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to quickly understand, the theatre sector and its operating environment, with an appreciation for the opportunities, realities, and relationships that shape the creation and production of theatre;
- Strong financial literacy and commercial acumen, with demonstrated comfort overseeing budgets, financial planning, organizational sustainability, risk, and the responsible stewardship of resources;
- Experience growing and diversifying revenue, including knowledge of granting bodies and funding cycles, the ability to develop compelling grant applications, and experience cultivating partnerships, sponsorships, donors, and/or other sources of support;
- Strong interpersonal and people leadership skills, with the ability to build trust, develop others, navigate different perspectives, and foster an inclusive, accountable, and collaborative organizational culture; and
- Demonstrated ability as a persuasive and influential relationship builder who can serve as an effective ambassador for Obsidian - deepening relationships across the theatre and cultural sectors, expanding the organization’s exposure, and further elevating its profile and influence nationally and beyond.
This is a full-time position based in Toronto, with a salary range of $75,000 to $90,000 commensurate with experience. Obsidian currently operates in a hybrid working environment, with an expectation that staff will work collectively in the office at least three days each week. The position requires occasional evening and weekend attendance at performances, rehearsals, fundraising events, Board meetings, community engagements, and special events. The position also calls for occasional travel, as needed.
How to Apply
Obsidian is a strong advocate for diversity in all its forms and is partnering with BES Executive Search to ensure an equity-integrated search process. Applicants are guided through what BES calls ‘The BES Experience’ - a thoughtful, candidate-centred process that meets candidates with support and care throughout the search process. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking HERE.
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), applicants living with a disability will be provided with accommodation throughout the search process. Should accommodations be required, please make Jason Murray and/or Melissa Sumnauth aware by emailing [email protected].
BES is deeply grateful to all who express interest in this opportunity and recognize the time and effort that goes into submitting an expression of interest. While only those most closely aligned with the position requirements will be contacted for an interview, all applications are reviewed with thoughtfulness and will receive correspondence from the firm as part of our commitment to delivering a respectful and inclusive candidate experience.
BES Executive Search Inc. does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants.
