Job Description

The Production and Merchandising Assistant (a.k.a. Retail Merchandiser per the CSJ job bank) reports to the Production Manager and works closely with the Project and Event Manager at all Festival venues. This position acts as an assistant liaison between various groups, including the staging and production contractors, performers, media, Artistic Director, The Elora Singers, guest artists and Festival staff and volunteers. They participate in the production of events by ensuring all pre-concert production and merchandising requirements are in place, responding to issues relating to the event in progress, and responding to concerns regarding venue operations.

Terms of Contract: $18 / hr, on average 35 hours per week, possibly more during the Festival from July 7 - 16, 2023. The successful candidate must be available to work evenings and weekends from May to the end of the Festival, and must have a valid drivers license and vehicle. The Production Assistant will be asked to use their own personal computer and cell phone for this position. There will be nominal compensation for this requirement. The term of contract is from May 1 - August 11, 2023 (15 weeks). Although not a requirement, it is strongly suggested that all contract and permanent employees, volunteers and artists employed by the Elora Festival be fully vaccinated.

Note: this position is pending approval of funding from Canada Summer Jobs
Responsibilities include:

• Assisting the Production Manager to ensure all venues/staging conform to the site plan and specific concert requirements are in place
• Responsible for the setup, management and sales of artists merchandise and CDs during and after concerts
• Reconciling inventory and payments due to artists at the end of each concert together with Project and Event Manager
• Reconciling cash boxes and preparing daily deposits together with Project and Event Manager
• Assisting Project and Event Manager and Production Assistant with venue access control, site cleaning and maintenance, securing venues and ensuring that building, fire and emergency regulations and room capacities are adhered to
• Additional projects as determined by Project and Event Manager and Production Manager

A background in classical / choral music or arts management would be an asset. Since the duties of this role are diverse, students will have the opportunity to apply their studies to this position and learn new skills that they can relate to their ongoing studies and future employment opportunities, including:

• Communications
• Not for profit management
• Arts management
• Theatre arts
• Hospitality and tourism management
• Office administration
• Liberal arts
• Recreation
• Media studies
• Event management

Requirements: Required Skills: A professional and respectful approach to all manner of work, including excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, ability to multi-task in a fast-paced team environment, and professional demeanor towards colleagues and patrons. Experience working with Microsoft Office and managing financial transactions.

Additional Info: Supervision and Mentoring Plan: The Production and Merchandising Assistant will be directly supervised by the Production Manager, who will ensure they receive intensive orientation and training during the first week of employment. Training will include orientation of the office and staff, a full review of the 2023 Festival line-up, training on ticketing software, organizational policies and procedures and an inventory of support/mentoring resources available to the student. The Production Manager will be onsite for direct supervision. The Production and Merchandising Assistant will be expected to report activities to the Production Manager and attend all weekly staff meetings. They will have the opportunity to make discoveries, offer new ideas, and participate in or shadow tasks that might not be in their job description, but are of interest.

The lead mentor will be the Production Manager, and the Production and Merchandising Assistant will have many opportunities to develop their skillset through direct interaction with all staff. Mentoring will include setting learning goals and bi-weekly reviews of progress toward those goals.

Health and Safety Practices in the Workplace: Our Health and Safety Officer will orient the youth during a detailed office and venue tour, including first aid kit locations, fire extinguishers, fire exits and local emergency contact information. St John's Ambulance attend all concerts to offer medical assistance. The Production and Merchandising Assistant will not undertake any work that they feel unsafe doing. All staff are required to take AODA and WHIMS training, and Dementia Friendly training through the Waterloo\xc2\xadWellington Alzheimer's Society. The Production and Merchandising Assistant will also receive an orientation to the Festival's Harassment and Safe Work Environment policies.

Work Environment: The Elora Festival is committed to ensuring that every employee has a safe work environment free of discriminatory practices, violence and harassment. Employees are provided with a copy of the organizations Code of Conduct as part of the on-boarding process. In addition, the organization has contracted with Clearview Connects Inc. to provide employees with a safe, ethical and independent reporting process should a need arise.

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