Now Hiring - Director of Programming at The GRAND

DATE : July 9, 2026

Now Hiring: Director of Programming

Job Title: Director of Programming

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: The GRAND - Calgary, AB (some remote work as needed) 

Term: 6+ months (with potential for extension)

35 hours per week

Start Date: July 2026

About The GRAND: 

The GRAND is a historic theatre and gathering place in downtown Calgary, Alberta, dedicated to bringing people together through arts, culture, and community. Alongside offering artistic programming, The GRAND hosts a wide variety of events and experiences, including performances, film screenings, corporate functions, festivals, community gatherings, and more.

Position Summary:

The GRAND is seeking an experienced, hands-on Director of Programming at one of Calgary’s most historic and dynamic cultural venues. 

This senior leadership position is responsible for advancing The GRAND’s vision and mission through the development of innovative programming, successful grant acquisition, and increased community and audience engagement. 

In addition to curating dynamic and compelling artistic experiences, this role provides leadership to a multidisciplinary team and works collaboratively with the Executive Director and all departments to ensure excellence in execution, strategic alignment, and a cohesive organizational approach to programming, grants, engagement, and impact. 

This is an opportunity for a confident and collaborative leader who thrives in live environments, can balance big-picture thinking with real-time decision-making, and is ready to step into a key leadership role during a period of organizational transition.

Key Responsibilities:  

1. Programming Leadership & Curation

• Develop and implement a programming strategy that advances The GRAND’s vision, mission, values, and organizational objectives.

• Curate and secure diverse, inclusive, and relevant artistic programming that balances artistic excellence, audience appeal, community impact, and financial sustainability.

• Serve as the primary point of contact throughout the programming lifecycle, ensuring seamless coordination and execution.

• Oversee programming schedules and calendars in collaboration with the Events team, while negotiating agreements, fees, and contract terms to maximize venue utilization and revenue potential.

• Work with the production, technical operations, and front-of-house teams to execute the programming vision.

• Monitor and evaluate key performance indicators, audience insights, and stakeholder feedback to inform decision-making and continuously enhance programming outcomes.

• Foster clear communication and cross-functional alignment on programming priorities, goals, and strategic initiatives.

• Lead, mentor, and support your team, cultivating a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing culture.

2. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build, strengthen, and nurture relationships with community organizations, artists, partners, audiences, and funders to advance The GRAND’s mission and strategic goals.

• Lead initiatives that deepen The GRAND’s connection with equity-deserving communities, fostering meaningful dialogue, trust, and long-term collaboration.

• Identify and create opportunities to connect artists, audiences, and partners through impactful, shared programming experiences at The GRAND.

• Collaborate closely with the events, production, technical operations, and front-of-house teams to deliver exceptional experiences that strengthen stakeholder satisfaction, encourage repeat engagement, and cultivate lasting partnerships.

• Serve as a trusted ambassador for The GRAND, representing the organization with professionalism, inclusivity, and a commitment to community-building.

3. Strategic Grant Acquisition:

• Work with the Executive Director to develop and implement strategic fundraising initiatives that support organizational priorities and long-term sustainability.

• Lead the identification, development, and submission of grant applications, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities.

• Cultivate and steward strong relationships with grant funders and partners to expand support and investment in The GRAND’s programming.

• Collaborate across departments to effectively communicate programming impact and organizational outcomes to key stakeholders.

4. Public Relations and Marketing Support:

• Work closely with the Executive Director and marketing team to ensure that programming is strategically positioned and effectively communicated to audiences, stakeholders, and the broader community.

• Serve as a key spokesperson for The GRAND alongside the Executive Director, representing the organization to elevate The GRAND’s profile, strengthen its reputation, and increase its visibility locally, nationally, and internationally.

5. Strategic Planning and Financial Management:

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and implement long-term organizational strategies that advance The GRAND’s vision, mission, and sustainable growth.

• Contribute to organizational planning, identifying opportunities, risks, and priorities that support the achievement of strategic objectives.

• Build, track and report on budgets for designated functions, providing regular reporting, forecasting, and recommendations to support informed decision-making.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Demonstrated experience in programming, curatorial practice and audience development, preferably within the arts and culture, and non-profit sectors.

• Strong artistic, cultural, and market awareness, with the ability to identify and develop diverse, relevant, and inclusive arts programming that resonates with audiences and responds to community interests and needs.

• Well-connected within the arts and cultural ecosystem, with an established network.

• Deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging, with experience applying these principles in programming.

• Strong business and financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, contract negotiation, and resource management.

• Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and initiatives in a dynamic environment, and the ability to navigate complexity and change.

• Exceptional communications, storytelling, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills.

• Highly customer- and community-focused, with a commitment to delivering meaningful and positive experiences for artists, audiences, partners, and supporters.

• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to lead, mentor, inspire, and develop teams while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture.

• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.

What Success Looks Like:

• Curate and deliver a year-round program of high-quality, diverse, and compelling artistic experiences that reflect The GRAND’s mission and resonate with audiences and community stakeholders.

• Growth in audience awareness, attendance, participation, and engagement, fostering deeper and more meaningful connections with The GRAND.

• Strong relationships with artists, community organizations, partners, funders, and guests, resulting in increased collaboration, trust, and community impact.

• Secured and expanded funding is achieved through successful grant submissions.

• Achieves or exceeds strategic, financial, and community impact goals, demonstrating measurable progress toward organizational priorities and long-term sustainability.

• Development of a collaborative, high-performing team culture where staff are aligned, empowered, supported, and accountable for results.

• The GRAND is recognized as a leading cultural institution and best-in-class theatre.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic, creative work environment at the heart of Calgary’s art scene.

• The opportunity to shape the future of an iconic cultural institution.

• A competitive salary and benefits package.

Thank you for considering a career with The GRAND! To apply, please email programming@thegrandyyc.ca with your resume and cover letter.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your application!