Under the Spire’s Board of Directors is seeking an Executive Director to lead and steward the organization into its next chapter. Our vision is for an ever-evolving legacy of exceptional musical (& magical) experiences for audiences and musicians alike for generations to come. If you feel that you are well-suited to fill this position, we encourage you to apply by emailing your cover letter and resume to board@underthespire.ca.
Job Summary
This role is envisioned as full-time; however, the Board is open to considering part-time or alternative arrangements.
Under the Spire offers a summer long series of concerts in a magnificent heritage building located in idyllic rural Prince Edward Island. This former church was built for music by famed PEI architect William Critchlow Harris, who took his inspiration from the inside of a violin. Today, the exceptional acoustics in this French- Gothic building have gained an international reputation, making it a favourite for both performers and fans alike.
Celebrating its 30th season in 2025, this summer-long concert series attracts thousands of music lovers annually to the acoustically perfect Historic St. Mary’s.
The Executive Director is the front-line leader of Under the Spire, responsible for all aspects of organizational operations, from finances to programming to venue maintenance. They lead a small team of contractors and a large contingent of seasonal part-time staff and volunteers. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors to develop and execute organizational mission and strategy.
The expected annual salary for this position is $55,000 – $65,000, and includes competitive paid vacation and additional perks such as mileage reimbursement, time in lieu, and professional development opportunities.
Main Responsibilities (Overview)
- Organizational leadership
- Financial oversight
- Fund development
- Marketing and communications
- Programming and production
- Overseeing general venue maintenance
Job Requirements
Note: We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification listed. This job description is a guideline, not a strict requirement. Your unique skills and experiences could bring something valuable to our organization!
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years experience in events and arts administration, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Experience in management and leadership of not-for-profit or volunteer based organization
- Experience of working in collaboration with a Board of Directors
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including in relation to grant writing, making funding requests, delivering business presentations, developing information pieces, and issuing communications regarding fundraising with existing and prospective donors
- Proven ability in managing staff and interacting with a wide range of individuals
- Extraordinary listening and collaborative skills
- Experience with Microsoft Office suite, Canva, and various social media platforms
- Develop and execute integrated communication plans alongside social media, print, and radio strategies and calendars for all shows; create, plan, and deliver original multi-platform content that aligns with brand tone, messaging, and identity
- Experience developing and managing a budget successfully
- Experience addressing issues of financial sustainability and new business models
- Willing to adjust to flexible hours, with evening and weekend work during the summer months; time in lieu provided
- Post-secondary education in arts or business management an asset
- Involvement in the arts community in Prince Edward Island and in Atlantic Canada more broadly an asset
Personal Qualities
- As this is a small organization, the ED must be both hands on to deal with immediate needs and future thinking, as well as being an incredibly resourceful and innovative leader, seeking opportunities for appropriate expansion and enhancements
- Values-driven. Must align with organization’s values, including:
- Build and engage our communities
- Strive for cultural and artistic excellence
- Celebrate and invite diversity, equity & inclusion
- Be progressive & welcome change
- Be transparent and accountable
- Have fun & look for the magic
- Pride yourself in your rigour and attention to detail
- Collaborative in working with the various stakeholders of the organization, including staff, Board, funders, artists, industry peers, and community.
- A self-starter, capable of working with limited supervision and within agreed upon Board-Executive Director requirements
- Effective communicator in one-on-one settings, in writing, and in presentations
- As a steward of a valued long standing not-for-profit organization, you must behave in an ethical, accountable and transparent manner, and must agree to sign the organization’s Conflict of Interest Policy and proactively disclose any potential conflicts of interest
- Lots of energy, ideas, creativity, with a positive, solution-oriented attitude
Equal Opportunities
Under the Spire is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic including Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran and are pleased to consider all qualified applicants. To that end, upon request, Under the Spire will ensure, to the extent possible, that accommodation be made available to applicants throughout the recruitment and hiring process
Application Information
To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to board@underthespire.ca. The closing date for applications is May 15th, 2026; however, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position may be filled before this date. This deadline may also be extended if the appropriate candidate is not found. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We look forward to hearing from you.