The Canadian Heritage Arts Society (CHAS or the Society) delivers programming that aims to foster artistic appreciation and engagement in the performing arts for all ages. The Society offers live performances, workshops and training, resources to support the development and/or production of new works, and opportunities for artists to connect with the community.
Beginning with the Spirit of a Nation tour in 1992, a core principle of the Society has been to offer training and opportunities for emerging artists to support their successful launch into professional careers. The Society continues that legacy today with ongoing artistic and career development programs, the most significant being the operation of the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA or the College).
Situated in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, the College was founded in 1998 and is a dynamic educational center dedicated to excellence in the performing arts.
We employ world renowned artists to support training of the next generation of artists to create performing arts that reflect our society, challenge us, and inspire human transformation. In addition to our College program, we produce 5 mainstage live theatre productions and numerous performance events from September to May annually. These create meaningful connections between artists and the community through inclusive and creative experiences.
THE POSITION
Assistant to the Managing Director, is a unique internship opportunity to work alongside an experienced arts leader and gain experience across a variety of business and administrative aspects of running a creative organization.
Reporting directly to, and mentored by, the Managing Director, the Assistant will provide hands on support in areas including fundraising and development, governance, human resources, communications, and event support.
From May to September each year, the staff are focused on the planning and preparation for the coming season of productions and events. It is a busy period, culminating in a series of events to launch the season.
Overview of Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The Assistant will be involved in the following tasks and responsibilities:
- Support logistics and plan fundraising events including direct contact with donors at events, processing donations, supporting the setup of online raffle and auction campaigns and follow up thank you correspondence.
- Support season launch events including email reminders, final confirmations, ordering food, venue set-up and take-down, and patron support.
- Support preparation for Board meetings and AGM, contributing to the creation of annual reports, governance manuals and induction materials.
- Administrative support with annual updates to HR and program manuals including creating digitally accessible versions.
- Fundraising research and application writing support.
- Data analysis to support impact reporting.
- Event coordination including arrangements with artists and logistics.
- Additional day-to-day administrative support as directed by the Administrative Manager including but not limited to note taking, data entry, photocopying, sorting mail, and ordering supplies; and attending weekly staff meetings, communications meetings and other operational meetings as required.
Qualifications
Eligibility
As this position is linked to a specific, funded scheme there are eligibility requirements. The applicant must be:
- a post-secondary student enrolled in a recognized Canadian PSE institution (university, college, CEGEP, polytechnic)
- a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with provincial/territorial legislation and regulations
Due to the confidential nature of this role, current CCPA students are not eligible to apply.
Competency requirements
- Computer literate, with skills including basic experience with Microsoft Office365 and Google Suite
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and dedication to completing projects in a timely manner
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Research capabilities with the ability to summarise and report
- Experience with information management and analysis
- Customer service skills
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Salary: $20.00 per hour / $700 per week
- Full-time (35 hours / week) hourly contract position
- Statutory holidays are paid time off
- Position contract date: June 15, 2026 for 11 weeks until August 28, 2026
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should provide a one-page letter of interest outlining how they would benefit from this internship, a current resume, and two references with contact information.
Applications will be reviewed and contacted for an interview. For priority consideration, complete applications must be submitted by June 1 to [email protected], attention: Sam Workman, Administrative Manager. Interviews will likely take place the week of June 8.
INCLUSION
The Canadian Heritage Arts Society is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. Consistent with those values, CHAS is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. We know that we all share responsibility for creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive community. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law.
We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodation is made available to persons with disabilities during the recruitment cycle and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
CHAS is committed to maintaining a people-first approach to the arts. As such, we do not use any AI screening tools in our hiring process, and all applications are reviewed by a member of staff.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract, Internship / Co-op
Contract length: 11 weeks
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Are you currently enrolled in a recognized Canadian Post-Secondary Institution(university, college, CEGEP, polytechnic)?
Work Location: In person
