Communications Co-ordinator

Company Overview

About the Shaw Festival
Helmed by Artistic Director Tim Carroll (TC) and inspired by the spirit of George Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival creates unforgettable theatrical encounters. Home to Two-Way Theatre, the Festival is a place where people who are curious about the world gather to share the unique experience of live theatre. For more information, please visit www.shawfest.com

We acknowledge and honour the land upon which we gather as the historic and traditional territory of First Nations peoples. We recognize and thank the Neutral Nation, the Mississauga and the Haudenosaunee for their stewardship of these lands over millennia.

Working at The Shaw
As one of the world’s leading repertory theatre companies and Niagara’s 20 largest employers, the Shaw Festival is dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in our audiences, programs, and in the hiring of staff, artists and recruitment of Board members. The Shaw is committed to a future where our theatres are inclusive of all peoples, while being fully reflective of our diverse communities and the world around us. As such, the Shaw Festival is an equal opportunity employer committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We encourage and invite applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, Black or persons of colour (IBPOC); and 2SLGBTQIA+. In accordance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and in keeping with our wish to ensure a fully inclusive and equitable environment, please advise Human Resources if you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process. Assistance will be provided.

Job Description

Position Title:  Communications Co-ordinator
Department:     Communications
Reports to:       Senior Manager, Communications

The Position
The Communications team is responsible for strategic media relations, social media engagement and public relations for the Shaw Festival. The Communications department implements proactive initiatives to ensure clear, consistent and appropriate messaging for the Festival and organization at large. The department’s goal is to maintain a positive brand image, while driving audiences to the Festival.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate alongside the Senior Manager, Communications, and Publicist to develop a communications strategy to secure media coverage for the Shaw Festival and its season playbill.
• Provide critical support and contribute to the overall success of communications initiatives.
• Ensure the Shaw Festival’s message is communicated effectively to all its various audiences and stakeholders.
• Draft a variety of written content to support internal and external communications efforts, including media advisories, releases, invitations and biographies.
• Review and proofread internal and external written communications as needed.
• Respond to media inquiries, assist with requests and fulfill media ticket requests in a timely manner.
• Cultivate new relationships with members of the media and key influencers, while maintaining existing ones.
• Pull media lists and maintain the Shaw Festival’s media database.
• Pitch, coordinate and facilitate interviews.
• Track and document media coverage daily; compile publicity reports as required.
• Oversee cast and creative headshots.
• Arrange for the taping of publicity b-roll.
• Curate and prep production publicity stills for media use.
• Prep materials and maintain front of house displays for all three theatres, tours and Directors Projects.
• Populate media site with releases, production images and footage.
• Attend first read-throughs, dress rehearsals and opening performances throughout the season.
• Distribution of media releases and coordinate mailings.
• Accompany spokespeople/talent to media interviews.

This is not an exhaustive list and other duties may be assigned as permanent or temporary, where needs are required.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree or equivalent experience in communications, public relations, journalism or arts administration.
• 1 – 3 years professional experience in a support role or equivalent in communications or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of communications best practices and procedures, and prior exposure to various communication channels.
• Experience pitching and facilitating interviews.
• A passion and understanding of live performance, especially theatre.
• A high level of creativity and the ability to think analytically, with a keen interest in communications strategy.
• Familiar with social media platforms and communications best practices.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including creating engaging content, reviewing materials for various audiences and fact-checking.
• A positive self-starter with the ability to work collaboratively as a strong team player in a diverse environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong research skills, solid project management skills and proven ability to work well under pressure.
• Superior organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively time manage in an environment with tight deadlines.
• Understanding of the Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) and knowledge of the Canadian Press Stylebook.
• Experience with media-monitoring platforms, web management/content management systems and knowledge of communications analytics tools.
• Well-versed in traditional and new media platforms.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, photography platform Pixie Set (or equivalent) and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Bridge and Acrobat).
• Experience working with email marketing software such as Mail Chimp, Constant Contact or equivalent.
• Comfortable working with both Mac and Windows OS.
• Working knowledge of Tessitura is an advantage.
• Understanding of patron relations and experience in event planning are assets.
• Ability to uphold confidentiality and handle delicate matters with tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
• Knowledge of DEI best practices.
• Expertise in internal communications is a benefit.
• A valid driver’s licence and passport are essential.

Annual Salary:
$48,000.00

Please note:
All new hires must provide Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination (2 doses) plus booster, prior to their  start date.