Programming Associate

Description

Reports To:           Programming Manager
Department:         Programming
Location:                Downtown Toronto (Hybrid)
Vacancy Status:   This posting is for a current vacancy on our team
Salary Range:        $57.5k – $62.5k 

About Us 

The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall is a not-for-profit charitable organization that operates two of Toronto’s most iconic venues: Roy Thomson Hall and Allied Music Centre—home to legendary Massey Hall, TD Music Hall, Allied Music Centre Theatre, Deane Cameron Recording Studio, and more. Guided by a professional management team and volunteer Board of Governors, the Corporation is dedicated to enriching communities through the cultural, social, and economic power of music. The Corporation is actively engaged in Artist Development and Education & Community Engagement initiatives as an investment in the next generation of artists and audiences.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Programming Manager, the Programming Associate is responsible for providing support and coordination in event and departmental administration as directed by the Programming Manager. The Programming Associate will also be involved in researching artists, negotiating contracts, and cultivating relationships with key music industry representatives including agents, managers, label representatives, publicists, co-presenters, etc.

The ideal candidate is passionate about live music and artist development, committed to engaging with diverse artists and communities, and brings strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills. They show initiative, professionalism, adaptable communication style, and can manage details in a busy environment, bring and build genuine, collaborative relationships with artists and industry partners. They are eager to grow and learn in a fast-paced setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Programming Manager and Programming Director in the planning, and delivery of concerts, special events, and departmental initiatives.
• Prepare event budgets and offers for assigned presentations in collaboration with the Programming Manager and Programming Director, and support tracking performance against financial and attendance targets.
• Administer performance agreements, riders, and related documentation for assigned presentations and programming partnerships, ensuring that key terms are clearly communicated and fulfilled in accordance with guidelines provided.
• Coordinate financial and settlement administration for assigned shows, including invoices, purchase orders, deposits, settlements, and payment transactions using internal systems.
• Support the department with researching and identifying artists, trends, and opportunities that align with the venues’ programming strategy and the organizational strategic plan.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with artists and industry contacts, including presenting partners, promoters, agents, managers, record companies, and publicists. Existing relationships and network in live music are a strong asset.
• Coordinate details with artist and internal teams for assigned presentations, ensuring that marketing, box office, production, events, and finance teams have accurate and timely information.
• Coordinate assigned presentations in external venues, liaising with venue staff, facilitating production requirements with artist teams, coordinating artist hospitality and merchandise sales, and supporting accurate and timely settlements.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to review marketing and publicity materials for accuracy and alignment with programming objectives in advance of distribution.
• Provide support and coordination for the preparation of grant and other funding applications and reports.
• Attend events, such as concerts and networking events, on behalf of the department.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Programming Manager and/or the Director of Programming.

Qualifications:

• Minimum three (3) years’ experience in the arts or entertainment presentation industry, or equivalent.
• Post-secondary education in Arts Administration, Music, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience, is an asset.
• Passionate about music, artist development, partnerships, and community-building, and a genuine interest in expanding that knowledge.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills, with high attention to detail and the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Experience in a multi-use, multi-venue performance facility is an asset.
• Ability to excel while working both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work in financial and administrative processes (budgets, offers, contracts, riders, settlements, and payment transactions).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office generally, with Excel proficiency specifically.
• Familiarity with or interest in systems and technologies such as FileMaker Pro and Momentus is an asset. Aptitude for database administration is also an asset.

Core Competencies 

• Organizational and Administrative Ability
• Music or Arts Industry Knowledge & Programming/Curation Application
• Communication & Relationship Building
• Event and Project Management
• Adaptability & Problem Solving

Work Conditions

• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• Interacts regularly with internal and external industry colleagues by telephone, email, and in-person meetings.
• Comfort working in both office and facility settings, with the ability to conduct walkthroughs across large-scale, multi-level venues.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel as required by programming needs.
• Travel between venues will be required on an ongoing basis.

Additional Information (if applicable) : This is a hybrid role based in Toronto with a combination of remote work and on-site presence at Massey Hall, Roy Thomson Hall, and Allied Music Centre. Some evening and weekend availability will be required depending on event schedules.

The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants requiring accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process should contact the Human Resources Department. The Corporation is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.