Oulu Theatre is looking for an Artistic Director

Oulu Theatre produces high-quality, ambitious, meaningful, and forward-thinking theatre art with bold innovation. We are looking for the next visionary Artistic Director for Oulu Theatre, under whose leadership the theatre’s future will be balanced artistically, economically, socially, and ecologically.

As the Artistic Director, you will be responsible for the theatre’s artistic direction and content. You will plan the theatre’s repertoire and lead its artistic implementation. You will contribute artistically to one of the theatre’s productions annually. Additionally, you will act as the supervisor for the artistic staff and the production manager, and be responsible for the operations, skill development, and finances of the artistic department.

You will develop the theatre’s operations according to the strategy in collaboration with the theatre’s CEO, represent the theatre, and maintain and strengthen industry networks. In theatre communications, you will play an important role in highlighting and advocating the artistic direction.

Qualifications

Higher education in the field and/or demonstrated competence in the role of theatre director.
Excellent knowledge of the theatre industry, with at least three years of work experience in performing arts.

We expect applicants to have

A strong artistic vision and the ability to justify their chosen direction.
The ability to plan high-quality, diverse, bold, and inspiring repertoire in northern conditions.
Proven high-level artistic work.
Excellent supervisory and leadership skills demonstrated in work.
Good collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Understanding of financial monitoring and management.

Considered a plus

Experience in repertoire planning.
Knowledge of collective agreements applicable in the theatre industry.
Negotiation and contract skills.
Good presentation, interaction, and communication skills.
Networking skills and established industry networks.
Experience in strategic work and implementing strategy.
Interest in industry statistics and the ability to lead with data.
A genuine desire to develop industry practices.

Why Oulu Theatre?

Oulu Theatre offers you a unique opportunity to lead the largest professional theatre in Northern Finland in a growing and renewing European Capital of Culture.

Oulu Theatre is an open and curious theatre with strong production resources, committed and professional staff, and the ambition to leave a lasting mark on Finnish theatre art. Our passionately dedicated staff wants a visionary leader who dares to challenge and surprise the northern Finnish theatre audience with engaging, touching, and society-changing theatre repertoire.

The work starts on January 1, 2027, or as agreed. The director’s contract is initially for three (3) years, with the possibility of two (2) option years. A six (6) month probationary period will be applied.

Interested? Apply now!

Send a free-form written application and CV with recommendations by June 6th at careers.mps.fi.

Selected candidates for the interview will receive invitations and a preliminary task in June, which must be returned by July 25th. We do not publish the names of the applicants.

For more information about the position, please contact

MPS Consultant Riikka Vaaraniemi, phone 040 557 5353:
June 2nd from 14:00 to 16:00, June 3rd from 14:00 to 16:00, and June 4th from 14:00 to 16:00.

CEO Anu-Maarit Moilanen, phone 044 703 7010:
May 7th from 14:00 to 16:00, May 15th from 8:30 to 10:00, May 19th from 14:00 to 16:00, May 27th from 8:30 to 10:00.

Oulu Theatre is the home of northern theatre art, offering colorful experiences, insights, and unforgettable stories. We are a forward-looking, nationally significant theatre that dares to become a topic of conversation by reaching out to new audiences and ways of working. The theatre produces 7–8 premieres annually and employs about one hundred permanent staff.