Now Hiring: Manager, Events & Experience

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: The GRAND – Calgary, AB (Hybrid; some remote work as needed)

Status: Temporary (Maternity Leave Replacement – approx. 18 months)

Role Overview:

The Manager, Events & Experience provides full leadership across event execution, client relations, event sales, and team coordination.

This role owns the event lifecycle, from inquiry through execution, ensuring alignment between client expectations, operational capacity, and The GRAND’s standards for experience and revenue performance.

You will act as a central connector across departments, ensuring events are not only delivered smoothly, but contribute meaningfully to audience growth, partnerships, and financial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Event Leadership, Execution & Operations

  • Lead all event activity from planning through execution across rentals, partnerships, and internal programming

  • Oversee front-of-house operations and ensure exceptional audience experiences

  • Manage scheduling, staffing, logistics, and on-site execution

  • Act as the primary escalation point for event-related issues

  • Coordinate closely with technical, bar, FOH, and programming teams to ensure seamless delivery

  • Balance multiple events and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

2. Client Relations & Event Sales

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders

  • Support and drive corporate, rental, and partnership-based event bookings

  • Lead communication for key clients and complex events

  • Oversee proposals, quotes, agreements, and event summaries

  • Ensure alignment between client expectations and operational delivery

  • Identify opportunities to grow bookings and long-term partnerships

3. Team Leadership & Coordination

  • Lead and support a small, cross-functional team responsible for event delivery

  • Provide clear direction, priorities, and accountability across roles

  • Coordinate staff, contractors, and FOH teams during events

  • Foster a collaborative, solutions-focused, and positive work environment

  • Lead team meetings, scheduling alignment, and post-event debriefs

4. Programming & Experience Support

  • Support the delivery of artistic programming, including performances and film events

  • Contribute to internal programming initiatives (e.g., cinema series, community events)

  • Ensure programming vision is translated into strong operational and audience experiences

  • Monitor audience feedback and continuously improve the event experience

5. Marketing & Cross-Team Alignment

  • Collaborate with marketing to ensure alignment between event strategy, campaigns, and timelines

  • Support audience development and promotional efforts

  • Ensure consistency in messaging, client communication, and event positioning

6. Operational & Financial Oversight

  • Track event performance including revenue, expenses, and key metrics

  • Support budget management across events and programming

  • Monitor risks, flag issues early, and make real-time operational decisions

  • Maintain clear reporting and internal coordination across teams

What Success Looks Like:

  • Events are executed smoothly and consistently meet experience and revenue goals

  • Clients receive clear, professional, and timely communication

  • Staff are aligned, supported, and accountable

  • Event operations run efficiently with no gaps in leadership

  • The GRAND continues to grow its reputation as a best-in-class event experience

Qualifications

We’re looking for a confident, adaptable leader who thrives in live event environments.

Ideal candidates will have:

  • 5+ years experience in event management, venue operations, or live event production

  • Proven experience leading events from planning through execution

  • Strong client relations and event sales experience

  • Experience managing teams in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

  • Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

  • Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution

  • Experience in arts, culture, hospitality, or live venues is an asset

  • Familiarity with ticketing and marketing tools (e.g., Showpass, Canva, Mailchimp) is an asset

What We’re Looking For:

The ideal candidate:

  • Takes ownership and steps confidently into complex situations

  • Can zoom out to strategy and zoom in to execution instantly

  • Leads with clarity, calmness, and decisiveness

  • Communicates effectively with clients, artists, and teams

  • Thrives in an environment where no two days—or nights—are the same

Salary

$65,000 –$70,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Benefits:

  • Hybrid work environment

  • Comprehensive benefits package

  • Internal growth opportunities

  • Personal and professional development opportunities

  • Paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s

  • Two weeks paid vacation

Interested applicants must submit their resume and cover letter to jobs@thegrandyyc.ca.

The deadline for this application is April 3, 2026

Why work at The GRAND?

The GRAND is a historic theatre and working cultural hub in the heart of downtown Calgary. We are a non-profit arts organization committed to collaboration, creative risk-taking, and meaningful community impact.

As part of our small and dedicated team, you will help strengthen the systems and relationships that allow artists, arts groups, and communities to gather, experiment, and share their work. Every role at The GRAND contributes to the long-term sustainability of a 100+ year-old venue and the creative ecosystem that surrounds it.

We value curiosity, accountability, and initiative. We believe good administration is creative work - it’s what makes bold ideas possible.

Who we are: 

The GRAND is one of Western Canada’s oldest theatres, with over a century of history supporting Calgary’s theatre and live performance communities. Today, we are a charitable organization focused on creative placemaking — offering space, support, and partnership to artists, arts groups, and communities across the city.

We present work across disciplines, amplify diverse voices, and foster a collaborative environment where local arts organizations can experiment, grow, and create meaningful impact.

Learn more about The GRAND at our website.

Where you’ll be working: 

The GRAND is situated on the land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is Mohkinstsis, also referred to as the City of Calgary. We honor and acknowledge Mohkinstsis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations, as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations. This territory is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.

We are an equal opportunity employer:

The GRAND is an equal opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination in employment on any basis including age, race, ethnicity, indigeneity, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

We encourage and welcome applicants of Indigenous heritage, racialized and marginalized communities, people of diverse cultural backgrounds, and persons with disabilities. We are committed to providing accommodations throughout the hiring process and invite candidates who require assistance to let us know.

Thank you for your interest in joining The GRAND. We appreciate the time and care that goes into every application. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We look forward to hearing from individuals who are excited to contribute to the ongoing story of this historic theatre and its future in Calgary’s arts community.