This call for applications is now closed.
Deadline extended: Monday, April 11, 2022 at 5:00pm ET / Original deadline: Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 5:00pm ET
Generator is seeking Co-Leadership to shape and cultivate a collaborative vision for the next chapter of our work; building the capacity and resilience of the independent performance sector.
We are inviting bold, creative applications for Creative Director: Operations and are particularly interested in applicants who are intrigued by dynamic co-leadership and shared decision-making models.
Generator recognizes that producing is a creative practice. We reject the binary that separates ‘boring, efficient office worker’ from ‘passionate, clueless creative’ and embrace the exciting, fertile, and collaborative space where arts management and live performance meet. We prioritize applications from folks from equity-seeking groups, including those who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Trans, Nonbinary, Queer, Disabled and intersections of those identities. We enthusiastically invite submissions from individuals from a diversity of performing arts practices.
Please note Generator’s office space is only accessible by stairs. You can read more about office accessibility on our website here. Please refer to the ‘Generator Office & Remote Work’ section of the Application Package for details about our office status.
Leadership Posting Formats
Listen to an audio recording of this leadership posting here.
View this posting as a PDF with black, orange, and grey font here.
View this posting as a PDF with black font and yellow and green highlighting here.
Download this posting as a Word file with black font here.
About Generator
Generator was founded as STAF (Small Theatre Administrative Facility) in 1991, and has existed in the current model since 2015.
Generator’s Current Mission
Generator is a mentoring, teaching, and innovation incubator that expands the skills, tools, and competencies of independent artists, producers, and leaders.
Our current programs include Artist Producer Training, ArtistProducerResource.com, Resident Companies and Company Collaborators, Financial Literacy, and our Blog series. Some of these programs are under evaluation in this current year, as new models and ways-of-working are considered for the future.
Who We Serve
Generator serves Toronto’s independent performance community. We primarily work with individual artists, producers, collectives, and non-profits who:
Complete or work on 1-2 live performance projects/year (including workshops)
Have a small budget for annual operating costs and 0-3 staff or year-round contractors
Receive - at most - project-based funding or one level of government operating/composite funding
Why We Serve Who We Serve
The division between art and business has led to generations of artists who think they aren't good at ‘the business side,’ and that they never will be. We are committed to building the next generation of artists who control all their means of production. They have confidence when they perform and when they build their budgets. They have mastered the tools required for all elements of their art, and apply creative thinking to all that they do.
As we look to Generator’s future, the Board and current staff are committed to the ‘why’ and ‘who’ of who we serve, but we are open to, and inviting, change in ‘how’ we serve this community.
More information about Generator’s current programs, vision, and history, can be found in the Application Package.
Leadership Structure
Historically, Generator has been led by a single individual. In October 2021, Michael Caldwell (he/him) was hired as Creative Director: Programming, with a mandate to imagine and propose new leadership, governance, and staffing structures for the organization. Following a period of evaluation and ideation, this Call for Co-Leadership is the next step into Generator’s new iteration.
We are looking for a dynamic Co-Leader for Generator, who will work collaboratively with Michael and the governance team to help shape and grow a decentralized leadership structure, with a focus on how Generator can best serve a vibrant ecology of independent artists and producers.
The Board and Hiring Committee recognize that support will be needed to envision, and transition to, a new leadership structure, and they are committed to providing that support.
Salary Information
At present, the Creative Director: Programming is the primary salaried staff member at Generator, with 7-8 individuals offering part-time support for daily operations and program coordination. The current budget for all staff is ~$102,000. The salary for the Creative Director: Operations will be based on a $54,000 FTE, and pro-rated according to how the two co-leaders choose to balance their work.
Incoming co-leadership will not necessarily inherit this staff or budget structure, as they will work closely and collaboratively with the Creative Director: Programming to determine a new path forward.
Please see the Application Package for more information.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for applicants who:
have 5+ years of experience working in and with live performance or in creative industries
have a strong understanding of what’s required to develop and deliver content for in-person and online learning
have strong networks in local and/or national performance ecologies
are versed in ethical and sustainable working practices—especially the kind that don’t demand that artists plug every leak with self-exploitation
We are committed to bringing a strong lens of social justice to the organization’s strategic direction, and are prioritizing IBPOC applicants and other members of equity-seeking groups who can bring their living and learned experience to guide Generator’s next iteration.
Key Responsibilities
Mission and Strategy: Work with the Board, Creative Director: Programming, and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs and strategic planning.
Operations: Oversee and implement resources appropriate to the evolving needs of the organization.
Financial Performance and Viability: Develop resources sufficient for ensuring the day-to-day and long-term financial health of the organization.
Board Governance: Work with the Board and Creative Director: Programming in order to fulfill the organization’s mission.
Programs: Contribute to the development, execution, and evaluation of Generator’s programs.
An overview of co-leadership’s responsibilities and a full proposed job description for the Creative Director: Operations can be found in the Application Package.
Qualities & Experiences
Press play below to explore an interactive representation of qualities and experiences for future leadership, generated by board, staff, and Strategic Advisors at Generator. You can view alt text for the presentation here.
Dates
April 11 (extended) : Application due date (5pm ET)
*April 21: 1st round Interview process begins
*May 9: 2nd round interview and presentation
*Beginning of June: Potential start date (flexible)
Please note: dates are subject to change. *Dates updated on April 12th.
Application & Hiring Process
In the first round of interviews, we will be looking to understand applicants’ relationship to the key responsibilities for the role, and overall values and vision. For the second round, we will be looking at how these values and vision can be carried out collaboratively with the Creative Director: Programming.
All interviews will be conducted on Zoom.
Hiring Committee
Applications will be reviewed by all Board members, Generator staff, and the members of the Hiring Committee, and may be reviewed by some members of Generator’s Strategic Advisors. The Hiring Committee is: Michael Caldwell (Creative Director: Programming), Karthy Chin (Strategic Advisor/Program alumni), Robyn Grant-Moran (Program alumni), Kafi Pierre (Producer), and ted witzel (board chair).
Second Round Interviews
Second round interviewees will be paid to develop and deliver a short presentation about how they would work with Creative Director: Programming to best use Generator’s limited resources in support of a collaborative vision. Interviewees will have two weeks to complete this exercise, in consultation with the Creative Director: Programming. It will be paid at a set fee of $500, assuming 10 hours of work at $50/hour.
In the second round, interviewees will also be asked to provide the names of up to three references (someone you report to, someone who reports to you, and another of your choosing). In addition to the Hiring Committee, all Generator staff members, board members, and Strategic Advisors will be invited to these presentations.
How To Apply
If you need accommodations to make this application happen, please reach out to info@generatorto.com, and a staff member will be able to support you through the application process via email, phone call, and/or video chat.
Video and/or audio applications are welcome.
Opportunities to Learn More
We have a number of opportunities to learn more about the co-leadership search and the organization from Generator staff, board and hiring committee:
(view the highlights) ‘Ask Me Anything’ on Instagram Stories (@generatorTO) - Wednesday, March 23, 5-6:30pm ET - with Creative Director: Programming Michael Caldwell
(view the recording) Info/Q+A Session on Facebook Live - Monday, March 28, 6-7pm ET - with Strategic Advisor Sedina Fiati and Creative Director: Programming Michael Caldwell
(view the recording) Info/Q+A Session on Instagram Live (@generatorTO) - Sunday, April 3, 1-2pm ET - with hiring committee member Kafi Pierre and Creative Director: Programming Michael Caldwell
Interested applicants are also welcome to book a time one-on-one to learn more about the organization and this ongoing transition:
(past) Book a 30-minute phone call with Strategic Advisor Karthy Chin - Friday, March 25, 11am-2pm ET
(past) Book a 30-minute phone call with board chair ted witzel - Monday, March 28, 2-5pm ET
(past) Book a 30-minute phone call with Creative Director: Programming Michael Caldwell - Friday, March 25, 3-7pm ET or Friday, April 1, 10am-2pm ET
The links above require a Google email address to book; if you would like to book another way please email info@generatorto.com for support. You can find bios for everyone named above here. Please note that these conversations are for information purposes only, and will have no bearing on the decisions of the hiring committee.
What to Include in Your Application
Please submit your applications using our AirTable form. We’d like you to include a statement (2-3 pages), a 5-7-minute video or voice memo, or a combination thereof (the idea is to engage the Hiring Committee for around 10 minutes).
Please address the following:
What intrigues you about working collaboratively in a co-leadership model to reimagine organizational governance?
How will you bring your values and vision to fulfill Generator’s mandate (please see ‘Who We Serve’ above) and serve the independent performance community?
How do you prioritize social justice and equity in your leadership?
We welcome using stories and specific examples to articulate these three points.
Please also include an up-to-date CV/resume that highlights the experiences that most inform your approach to leadership. We welcome a CV/resume in written, video, and/or audio format.
There is also space to provide self-identification information and anything else you’d like to share.
We will follow up with all applicants, including those not selected for an interview.
Questions
Please direct any questions to info@generatorto.com and we will connect you with the best person to get you an answer.
Application Package
Before applying, we ask applicants to review the Application Package in addition to the Job Posting above:
View the application package as a PDF with black, orange, and grey font here (this is the format linked to in the ‘Read Application Package’ button below).
Listen to an audio recording of the Application Package here.
View the package as a PDF with black font and yellow and green highlighting here.
Date Posted: March 15, 2022
Date Updated: April 12, 2022
This call for applications was written by Michael Caldwell and ted witzel, with input from the current hiring committee. Original writing was drawn from a previous call for applications written by ted witzel, Kristina Lemieux, and Annie Clarke, with input from Generator’s staff, board, Strategic Advisors, and artist Angela Sun.
The Generator office is located in Tkarón:to (Mohawk word for “where there are trees standing in the water”). The original caretakers include the Mississaugas of The Credit First Nation and other Anishinaabe nations, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Wendat peoples and other nations acknowledged and unacknowledged, recorded and unrecorded.
We recognize their ongoing stewardship and seek meaningful relationships with local Indigenous artists and communities as we listen to and learn from their stories.