Facilities and Operations Manager
/ORGANIZATION:
Vancouver Symphony Society
DEADLINE:
September 29, 2025
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
About the VSO School of Music
VSO School of Music, founded in 2010, is a 25,000 square foot state-of-the-art music school located adjacent to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. With a mission to enrich lives through the joy of learning, playing and performing the world’s great music, the VSO SoM develops experiences that are accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, playing level, or economic circumstances; and by nurturing creative and engaged members of society through achievement in the musical arts. With a roster of over 1,900 students, the School offers individual or group instruction by members of the Vancouver Symphony and other high-quality music educators.
The school also features a performance theatre (Pyatt Hall) and reception space which hosts a wide range of arts, entertainment, and corporate events.
About the VSO
Founded in 1919, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada and the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada. The VSO is one of the few orchestras worldwide with its own music school: the VSO School of Music. The organization delivers extensive education programs reaching over 50,000 young people annually, and community engagement initiatives reaching an additional 100,000+ people. Maestro Otto Tausk is the VSO’s Music Director and Artistic Advisor of the VSO School of Music.
WEBSITE:
http://www.vsoschoolofmusic.ca
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Facilities and Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the overall success and smooth operation of the VSO School of Music (VSO SoM), working closely with faculty, staff, and students to maintain the highest quality standards in arts administration and musical education. This role is responsible for the physical infrastructure and building operations of the VSO School of Music and administrative offices, including maintenance, mechanical systems, safety and security, and Pyatt Hall venue operations.
In collaboration with the IT team, the Manager also provides support regarding IT infrastructure and systems at the SoM. The Manager leads the planning, implementation, and management of all aspects of facilities operations and building administration, ensuring safety, functionality, and appearance of the School’s spaces. They supervise relevant staff and contractors, and ensure cost-effective and sustainable operations. The Manager also supervises venue technicians and liaison staff, ensuring technical readiness for events in Pyatt Hall and other spaces.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Facilities Responsibilities
Oversee maintenance, repair, and replacement of all SoM facility infrastructure and capital assets, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, elevator maintenance, AV systems, IT infrastructure, appliances, and amenities
Manage and implement safety and security measures across the SoM and VSO administrative offices, including access control, health and safety protocols, alarm monitoring, and emergency preparedness
Oversee and manage vendor and contractor relationships for facilities services, including janitorial, HVAC, security, parking, café subleases, piano maintenance, and other building-related contracts
Plan, budget, and coordinate off-site expansion strategies and ongoing maintenance of satellite locations
Manage the access control system, issuing keys and card access for staff and partners
Maintain the School and administrative offices, coordinating contractor work as needed
Lead administration of municipal amenity agreements, including coordination with the accounting team and reporting to senior leadership
Supervise venue technicians/liaison and other staff for readiness of all venue spaces, particularly Pyatt Hall
Conduct regular facility inspections to ensure safety, cleanliness, and compliance
Ensure venue and facility systems are fully functional and meet professional production standards
Event Production and Venue Operations Responsibilities
Serve as lead operational contact for event execution in Pyatt Hall and other spaces
Receive direction from Events Team regarding event logistics and requirements, and activate plans with appropriate staffing, technical setup, and facility readiness
Ensure venue and technical infrastructure (lighting, audio, video, stage) are prepared to professional standards prior to events
Coordinate with venue technicians and teams to deliver successful event execution
Maintain communication with internal departments, guest artists, and clients for smooth event operations
Ensure compliance with fire and safety codes, accessibility requirements, and venue usage protocols
Provide on-site support during select events as required
Monitor and report on production-related incidents or equipment needs post-event
Operations Responsibilities
Manage operational budget for building and facilities, including forecasting, cost control, and reporting in partnership with accounting
Oversee upkeep, inventory, and repair of School-owned instruments and equipment
Develop and enforce operational policies and procedures related to building use, maintenance scheduling, and vendor performance
Ensure effective operation of all building systems to support teaching, rehearsals, performances, and administrative activity
Collaborate with IT to support infrastructure upgrades and technical systems integration
Maintain comprehensive documentation on building compliance, service contracts, maintenance schedules, and operational procedures
Build and maintain strong relationships with staff, faculty, students, and contractors
QUALIFICATIONS:
Demonstrated experience in facilities and venue management, building systems, or operations leadership in a performing arts or education setting
Proven ability to manage budgets and facility-related expenditures with accountability and attention to detail
Experience supervising venue technicians or building operations staff with strong leadership and communication skills
Knowledge of live event production and technical support (AV systems, lighting, stage management) in a venue environment
Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills with hands-on approach to daily operations and event readiness
Ability to collaborate across departments, translate event plans into actionable operations, and respond in real time to live event needs
On-site availability Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm, with occasional evenings and weekends
Managers do not accumulate overtime but may coordinate workload with supervisors
HOW TO APPLY:
Please email your resume and cover letter to jobs@vsoschoolofmusic.ca. Include “Facilities and Operations Manager” in the subject line. The VSO and VSOSoM thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
REMUNERATION:
$70,000 – $75,000 (Based on Experience)
