Join Our Team

Auditions for the 2024/25 company contracts are by invitation only.

Applicants must be dancers with strong, classical ballet technique and have performing experience with a professional company. Auditions are by invitation only.

Application Process

Applications to audition for the 2025/26 Season will be accepted between September 1 – December 1, 2024.

International Audition Pre-Selection Guidelines

An applicant would be required to submit the following material only:

• A video link (YouTube or Vimeo) with no introduction or fancy editing, consisting of the following performed in leotard and tights for women and tight-fitting dance attire for men
  • A short classical variation drawn from the standard repertoire, danced in pointe shoes by female applicants
  • A short contemporary variation (that could consist of something drawn from repertoire, phrases from classwork or an applicant-created work) that illustrates the applicant’s command of a range of movement different from that demonstrated in the classical variation
• A CV (.pdf / .doc / .docx) that includes your email address, postal address, height, date of birth, citizenship, training and performance experience
• A head shot
• 2-3 dance photos (.pdf) that reveal the dancer’s body proportions and line
• Ideally, video work should not be filmed too far away. Performance video is acceptable if of good quality and filmed close-up

Contract dates: 2025/26 contracts will begin in July or August 2025, start date TBC, and conclude in June 2026.

What is the RBC Apprentice Programme?

The National Ballet of Canada offers an Apprentice Programme under the sponsorship of The RBC Foundation. This programme is intended for graduates of professional conservatories who are interested in dancing with the National Ballet. The apprenticeship consists of 12 contracts and takes place over approximately 10 months and allows dancers to continue building their technical skills while adapting to a professional schedule.

All Apprentices take part in YOU dance, an outreach programme offered by the National Ballet. This programme involves the preparation and presentation of selected repertory at performances or digitally to introduce young people to ballet.

As members of YOU dance, Apprentices also benefit from classes and rehearsals that focus on the development of the skills appropriate to their position as entry-level professionals. As well, they are welcome to approach the members of the artistic staff for career advice and coaching. Apprentices receive 50% of a first-year National Ballet Corps de Ballet member salary. The National Ballet's Artistic Director Hope Muir and the Artistic Staff evaluate the Apprentices throughout the year and may invite them to join the National Ballet as a company member at any point within the period of the apprenticeship.

In the event an Apprentice is not to be offered further work with the National Ballet every effort is made to convey this information in a timely fashion.

Eligibility

If you have not graduated from a secondary school program by the start of the contract date, you are NOT eligible for the Apprentice auditions. However, you may contact Canada’s National Ballet School for more information regarding classes, summer school and other training programmes while a secondary school student.

If you are an established dancer who has strong classical ballet technique and performing experience with a professional company, you may audition for a company contract. Read more.

The RBC Apprenticeship Programme is generously supported by the RBC Foundation.

The National Ballet of Canada (NBOC) performs works of classical and contemporary ballet around the world, across Canada, and in Toronto at the stunning Four Seasons Centre. Consistently ranked amongst the top ten ballet companies in the world, the NBOC is the fourth-largest company in North America, with its own orchestra, rehearsal, administration, and production facilities. The NBOC has grown from strength to strength during its 70+ years, thrilling audiences with some of the finest productions on the planet.

By every measure – artistic, financial, and reputational – The National Ballet of Canada is in a strong position, made possible by bold and judicious artistic, administrative, and governance leadership. This is an opportunity to partner with Artistic Director Hope Muir to advance and realize the NBOC’s vision and future plans as its next Executive Director.

Through your professional career or as an experienced volunteer board member, you have come to appreciate the nature of leadership in a complex, high-profile performing arts organization. As a trusted partner to the Artistic Director, you will embrace the dynamics of co-leadership – working together collaboratively for a single purpose and knowing when to move forward and when to pause. You will support the development of new repertoire and the Company’s drive for excellence while embedding the principles of diversity and inclusion in its work at home and on tour. Central to this will be the application of your proven experience in ensuring and strengthening the Company’s sound financial position and the executive leadership of marketing, audience engagement, new audience development, donor stewardship and diversification, EDI initiatives, education and community outreach programs, fiscal management, production, contract/union negotiations, human resource management, organizational culture and employee engagement, and information technology services.

You work effectively with a Board, and build trusted relationships with key supporters – audiences, governments, sponsors, donors, granting councils, foundations, and partners and peers in the arts community. Strategic, diplomatic, disciplined, financially astute, innovative, and a talented public speaker and negotiator, you also are a trusted coach, mentor, and inspiring team leader. This is an opportunity to engage your general management skills, your knowledge of today’s performing arts market – its challenges and its untapped potential – and realize a strategic plan that will bring to the world the incomparable delight, passion, and illumination that dance at its best can provide.

Requirements 

Relevant executive leadership experience, ideally in a co-leadership model, in the performing arts, or a combination of private sector executive leadership experience and extensive contributions to the performing arts as a volunteer.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed immediately upon receipt. Please indicate your interest in the opportunity by submitting a cover letter and resume to https://caldwell.thriveapp.ly/job/1155.

About the Position

The Officer, Corporate Partnerships will be responsible for assisting and supporting the Senior Manager, Special Events & Corporate Partnerships with the planning and execution of sponsorships and corporate partnerships for the Company. The ideal candidate for this role will be an energetic and enthusiastic team player who displays a high degree of professionalism. The role requires an excellent communicator, with the ability to create relationships with individuals, groups, and organizational stakeholders and thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of corporate donors, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts up to $25,000
• Develop and execute tailored strategies for your portfolio to deepen relationships with corporate partners, aligning their objectives with the National Ballet’s mission and programs
• Collaborate with the Senior Manager to create comprehensive corporate engagement plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
• Collaborate in the design and execution of bespoke events and activations that deliver measurable value to sponsors, strengthening their connection to the National Ballet
• Lead the development and maintenance of the corporate calendar, ensuring timely submissions of proposals, reports, and stewardship materials
• Oversee corporate tracking systems to ensure all donations and sponsorships are recorded and acknowledged accurately in the donor database
• Develop and manage a robust recognition and benefits program, including sponsor ticketing, ensuring seamless delivery of promised sponsorship activities
• Support the planning and execution of the annual fundraising gala, focusing on corporate sponsor engagement, recognition and activities
• Create and distribute the corporate newsletter, ensuring messaging is engaging, strategic, and aligned with corporate interests
• Serve as a resource for the development of promotional materials to enhance corporate partnerships’ brand

Qualifications

• Post secondary education in Business Administration, Fundraising, Event Management or related field of study
• 3+ years of related work experience in a similar role, specifically within relationship sales or corporate sponsorship,
• Experience with grant/proposal writing and a demonstrated history of securing donations of $15,000+
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to write and create compelling proposals and stewardship reports
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to find business development opportunities
• Excellent time management skills, highly organized and ability to manage multiple competing deadlines
• Experience managing data with the ability to track major activity and pull reports
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a collaborative team, communicating at all levels with confidence
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher), and experience with databases (Tessitura) considered an asset
• Understanding and appreciation for arts and fundraising within the City of Toronto, considered an asset

Compensation

We strive to offer competitive, market-based compensation. During the interview process, we will work closely with you to determine a salary package that is commensurate with your experience and background. We understand the importance of work-life balance and are committed to supporting our employees’ overall wellbeing and productivity. We offer a range of benefits and perks to assist in maintaining this essential equilibrium:

• Complimentary season tickets to performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
• Comprehensive Health & Dental and Paramedics Benefits package, including a Health Spending Account
• Company-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan
• Counselling services and wellbeing resources through our Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Summer Fridays off in July

Working Conditions

• Primarily work out of the head office, The Walter Carsen Centre, located at 470 Queens Quay West, Toronto
• Occasional work out of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, located at 145 Queen Street West, Toronto
• Hybrid work model: currently in the office three days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday)

Application Process

Qualified candidates are to forward their resume and cover letter in a single PDF document to HR@national.ballet.ca with the subject heading: "Corporate Partnerships Officer” by February 21, 2025. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check.

The National Ballet of Canada is committed to taking every reasonable precaution for the protection of health and safety for workers as required by the Occupational Health and Act (OHSA). We are also committed to compliance with all applicable public and occupational health and safety, human rights, privacy and other laws. We recommend that all employees follow the guidance regarding vaccinations and boosters provided by Health Canada.

All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We will primarily be using your phone number listed or email to communicate with you. It is your responsibility to include an updated phone number and email address and accept calls/emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence, we recommend that you check your phone, voice messages and email regularly. If no response is received within a reasonable timeframe, we will assume you are no longer interested in pursuing the opportunity. Should it be determined that any background information provided be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, we reserve the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.

About the Position

The Officer, Special Events plays a key role in assisting and supporting the Senior Manager, Special Events & Corporate Partnerships with the planning and execution of donor and company events, with a primary focus on the annual fundraising Gala. The MAD HOT BALLET Gala is one of the most highly anticipated events of Toronto’s social calendar, celebrating the excellence, creativity and joy of dance while raising over $1 million each year. A large part of the Officer’s position includes the coordination of Gala administration and acting as a liaison for event committees, sponsors and vendors. This is an exciting opportunity for an events professional with a passion for the performing arts, thrives in a fast-paced environment and wishes to contribute to the success of impactful events.

Responsibilities

Donor Events

• Lead the planning and execution of up to 45 mission-focused events per fiscal year for mid-to-high-level donor groups, bringing the organization's mission to life through in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats
• Oversee event logistics, including venue, vendor coordination, catering, staffing, guest communications, and audiovisual requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams including Individual Giving and Major Gifts, as well as the Artistic team to create unique, behind-the-scenes experiences that enhance donor engagement
• Track event performance metrics and gather feedback to refine future event strategies
• Collaborate with internal teams to define event objectives, timelines, budgets, and key deliverables
• Other tasks and responsibilities as required

MAD HOT Gala

• Play a lead role alongside the Senior Manager in the coordination, administration and logistics for the Annual Fundraising Gala
• Be a main point of contact and liaison for caterers, partners and vendors leading up to, and on the day of the Gala
• Assist in managing on-site logistics including set up and tear down
• Liaise with the Four Seasons Centre for venue logistics and coordinate with the Corporate Partnerships Officer with onsite partner activations
• Support the Gala committee by arranging meetings, preparing, and distributing meeting agendas and minutes, managing mailing lists, sending out invitations and tracking RSVP's
• Ensure all necessary team members and stakeholders are informed and kept up to date on planning initiatives and timelines
• Assist in ensuring a safe environment for all stakeholders including active management and supervision of patrons and volunteers

Other Administrative Tasks

• Assist with the planning and execution of company events including but limited to budget, venue logistics, invitations and RSVPs
• Support in maintaining and managing the Special Events calendar on Asana
• Track logistics for ongoing projects, including deadlines, deliverables, and key milestones
• Other special assignments and administrative tasks as required

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Events Management, Fundraising, Hospitality or related field
• 3+ years events experience, preferably within the performing arts industry or with not-for-profit organizations
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), with experience managing spreadsheets 
• Experience with databases, Tessitura considered an asset
• Understanding as well as an appreciation for the arts and fundraising within the city of Toronto, considered an asset
• A creative mindset, with the ability to think outside the box, work independently as well as part of a team and experience working with large- and small-scale budgets and resources 
• Highly organized, with ability to manage a variety of tasks with multiple deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills to interact and communicate with senior donors, volunteers, National Ballet staff and board members
• Smart Serve certification, as asset
• Perform well under pressure and in a fast-paced environment

Work Requirements

• Primarily work out of main office, The Walter Carsen Centre located at 470 Queens Quay West, Toronto
• Occasional work out of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts located at 145 Queen St West, Toronto
• Standard office environment with operational hours between Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 5:00 pm. Hybrid work model, two days remote, three days in the office
• Evening and weekend work required based on the event and theatre schedule (performance months include November, December, March and June)
• Position requires occasional moderate to heavy physical activity, ability to lift up to 25lbs for setup and tear down of events
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking during events
• Available to begin immediately

Compensation

We strive to offer competitive, market-based compensation. During the interview process, we will work closely with you to determine a salary package that is commensurate with your experience and background. We understand the importance of work-life balance and are committed to supporting our employees’ overall wellbeing and productivity. We offer a range of benefits and perks to assist in maintaining this essential equilibrium:

• Complimentary season tickets to performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
• Comprehensive Health & Dental and Paramedics Benefits package, including a Health Spending Account 
• Company-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan
• Counselling services and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program 
• Summer Fridays off in July

Application Process

Please submit one PDF document that includes your cover letter, disclosing your salary expectations and updated resume to HR@national.ballet.ca with the subject heading “Special Events Officer” by no later than March 28, 2025. We will be reviewing candidate submissions as they are received, and we may choose to move forward with interviews before the deadline. Early submission is encouraged.  We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. The successful candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check.   

The National Ballet of Canada is committed to taking every reasonable precaution for the protection of health and safety for workers as required by the Occupational Health and Act (OHSA). We are also committed to compliance with all applicable public and occupational health and safety, human rights, privacy and other laws. We recommend that all employees follow the guidance regarding vaccinations and boosters provided by Health Canada.

We will primarily be using your phone number listed or email to communicate with you. It is your responsibility to include an updated phone number and email address and accept calls/emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence, we recommend that you check your phone, voice messages and email regularly. If no response is received within a reasonable timeframe, we will assume you are no longer interested in pursuing the opportunity. Should it be determined that any background information provided be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, we reserve the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.