Job Description

Job Summary

We are an early pre-launch wellness and healing arts studio in Midtown Toronto seeking a Founding Director to co-create and lead the studio's foundational phase. This unique multi-disciplinary role is crucial to our planned January launch and acts with a high degree of skill in strategic planning, creative direction and implementation, wellness program development, operational systems building, and studio management. The successful candidate will have a background in wellness / spa, strategic and operational leadership, and creative direction / design with a strong technical backbone. Direct experience working internally in healing arts roles, as well as on the operational side of the wellness and creative industries sets this position apart.

This position has authority over budgeting, program development, strategic planning, and supervision. You will be responsible for achieving core business goals aligned with the studio's mission and operational growth.

We are a very small startup and the role requires someone committed to being a foundation in building the vision, programming, internal infrastructures, and our transformational studio space from the ground up.

Once we pass the opening phase of our studio, the time dedicated to each core area of responsibility will shift according to evolving needs. This requires a candidate who is adaptable and capable to move with changing priorities of the business and works seamlessly with the Owner/Founder. This reflects the senior managerial scope and cross-sector leadership essential for developing and managing a wellness-focused community organization.

As a self-funded startup company, this is not a conventional employee role: it requires initiative, innovation, collaboration, and deep alignment with the studio's mission to support personal and collective healing.

Please read and make your submission according to our Application Process.

Application Process

To apply, you will submit three things. 1) resume 2) cover letter 3) creative and website design project references.

We want to see how your experience supports the areas of Core Responsibilities.

We welcome applications from candidates with lived experience that matches the convergence of professional roles and skills required for this position and who are inspired to bring our vision to life.

Applicants who do not submit all three items requested in the package will not be considered for the position.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Programming & Business Development

(Co-Developed with Owner/Founder)

Co-develop strategic programming direction, business model development, pricing and reciprocity frameworks, communication launch plan, studio implementation, and growth plans to align with our creative vision and business practicalities. Develop transformational offerings and program structures that serve as core revenue pillars for the business and deepen patron engagement with high-value classes, workshops, trainings, immersive experiences, and membership models that balance accessibility and financial sustainability. Collaborate with guest facilitators, educators, speakers to bring innovative and unique classes and workshops to the studio. Support recruitment, supervision, and evaluation of additional staff, facilitators, and contractors to support core business needs. Regular touchpoint meetings to review success and improvements for ongoing programming, financial health, and business development. Facilitation opportunities for your own classes and programs will be available under our standard facilitator agreement.

Brand Identity & Communications

Guide and implement the creative development of brand visuals and copy, audience, messaging, and online presence through a cohesive design language and style guide creation. Lead the website design and layout, copy, and build that is brand coherent. You will take the lead on creating the website through WordPress, using best practices for mobile and user experience design, engaging content, and digital storytelling. Help maintain brand coherence across communications, promotional materials, and offerings Identify marketing and promotional opportunities that are high-impact and budget friendly for studio launch and beyond. Ability to measure campaign success. Coordinate with web developer, virtual assistant, or other team members on production and completion of branding, website, and promotional materials. Support newsletter, social media, and event communications and coordinate with Virtual Assistant or other staff as needed. Contribute to community outreach and participant support.

Physical Studio Operations & Launch

Co-create the aesthetic, interior design, and energetic blueprint for the physical studio location in tandem with the Owner/Founder. Help vision and oversee space layout, furniture, reception and altar design, sensory elements, and energetic flow to align with the brand essence, operational needs, and facilitated uses. Assist with contractors and purchases for interior projects and updates. Assist with development and curation of a specialized boutique retail space. Oversee and manage studio budget in alignment with business priorities. Strong leadership for the planned Fall Soft Opening and post-launch period. Lead daily studio operations and energetic stewardship of the physical space to maintain a clear, warm, welcoming environment for patrons and facilitators. Maintain clear communication with patrons, collaborators, vendors, and staff to ensure all scheduling, logistical, and supply needs are met.

Backoffice Operations & Launch

Develop and hold primary Project Timelines and plans, using complementary tools as needed to streamline Recommend and oversee the development of core internal systems and workflows setup (e.g., scheduling, registration / intake, booking/payment platforms) Help to codify workflows into Standard Operating Procedures as needed. Coordinate and oversee other staff members or external collaborators to support launch -- Wordpress Dev, Virtual Assistant, Facilitators

Required Qualifications

Minimum 7+ years experience in a multidisciplinary role involving wellness, facilitation, business development, and creative / design strategy. Proven experience developing and leading transformational programs, workshops, or community offerings. Experience building wellness, spiritual, spa programs as a practitioner and educator. Familiarity with healing arts, trauma-informed care, and community building Demonstrated ability to build and oversee systems and operations in a small business or startup environment. Strong background in brand or creative direction Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills. Commitment to uphold an environment of warmth, clarity, and psychological safety for staff and patrons. Excellent content creation and communication skills.

Preferred Assets

Background in psychology, sociology, or adult learning, Proficient with digital tools and platforms (e.g., Google Workspace, Wordpress, booking systems, newsletter platforms, Canva, ChatGPT, social media, etc.) Experience creating wellness and spiritual aesthetic interior spaces

Employment Details

Location: In-person, Midtown Toronto, Ontario

Hours: Full-time (30 hours/week)

Compensation: Starting at $36/hr with potential for increase and bonuses based on performance and business growth.

Start Date: Anticipated start - January 1

About Us

Zana Well is a pre-launch wellness and healing arts studio located in Midtown Toronto. As a Wellness Studio and Holistic Centre, our mission is to create a sanctuary for deep personal transformation and creative development through high-caliber community programming, trauma-informed education, and embodied wellness practice. We aim to serve our community through curated experiences and practitioner services that elevate both individual and collective wellbeing. As a woman-led startup, we are building an organization and space rooted in our feminine leadership core values of presence, resonance, sanctuary, and grace. Every part of our ecosystem and all chosen representatives for our organization will be carefully selected for a match with our mission and vision.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $36.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events
Application question(s):

Are you for available for an in-person role that includes weekends and evenings?
Experience:

multidisciplinary: 7 years (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-12-10
Expected start date: 2026-01-02