Communications Specialist

Company Overview

 ABOUT WWPT

Now in its 45th season, WWPT is unique in Edmonton and in Alberta. We are the only arts organization specifically committed and dedicated to supporting and developing the work of Canadian playwrights from the inception of their first ideas through to the full professional production of their work on Edmonton stages. We offer an array of programming that seeks out, supports, hones, and ultimately breathes life into new Canadian writing. Serving Edmonton writers as a priority, WWPT empowers Canadian artists and the Canadian voice. WWPT was the first Alberta theatre to dedicate itself solely to new Canadian writing and it remains one of very few producing theatre companies in Canada to retain the mandate of developing and producing Canadian work as its sole focus.

Job Description

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

LOCATION: Edmonton, AB.

HOURS: Part-Time, 20 hrs/week

SALARY: $21.00/hour

CONTRACT: 12 months, with the possibility of renewal and renegotiation

The Communications Specialist is an essential contributor to a small team working closely together to promote Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre’s (WWPT’s) professional theatre programming. The position encompasses public relations, communications, marketing, and community outreach. We are looking to hire an individual who is a collaborative self-starter, who thinks strategically with meticulous attention to detail, and who thrives in a fast-paced environment, with multiple stakeholders and diverse task management. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities. The Communications Specialist will be innovative, organized, and self-motivated, with a keen interest and knowledge of the performing arts, preferably of Edmonton’s theatre community.

You will be working in collaboration and overseen by WWPT’s General Manager and Artistic Producer. This is a part-time position (20 hours per week +/-) and our expectations will be commensurate with the terms of this contract. Dialogue involving priorities and outcomes within the parameters of the engagement will be ongoing to ensure the goals of the position remain realistic to ensure our mutual success. The position may expand for the right candidate with the possibility of increasing hours and remuneration as WWPT grows.

WWPT strives to be a welcoming and inclusive environment. We are a small collaborative team, and this allows for each staff member to have a voice and be heard. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions gained from your work experience, education, culture, ethnicity, nationality, and gender identity.

JOB DESCRIPTION

PUBLIC RELATIONS / COMMUNICATIONS:

• Develop and implement WWPT’s communication strategies including building our newsletters, website, and social media content and leading media outreach activities, with the goal of supporting the growth of our audience development and the promotion of our artists and events.
• Research and write press releases, create and generate text, images, and video content for WWPT social media, as well as infographics, blogs, and newsletters.
• Keep up to date with relevant developments in our sector.
• Stay on top of social media trends and engage with emerging platforms.
• Liaise with the media, pitching stories and coordinating media coverage including interviews, and social media content, and providing timeline cross promotion of media/WWPT online coverage.
• Ensure that WWPT produces high-quality and error-free content and communications.
• Collaborate with WWPT’s management to establish approaches and strategies to support the company’s mission, mandate, and programming.
• Support and evaluate the results of communication campaigns with the team.
• Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders to build the profile of the company.
• Assist with developing copy and or materials for fundraising/development activities.

MARKETING & ADVERTISING:

• Develop and implement a marketing strategy that includes newsletter, website, and social media content creation, as well as strategic paid advertising, to build WWPT’s audiences and promote our programming locally and nationally.
• Manage a marketing budget and apply knowledge of how to make the most strategic decisions for online, digital, and print ads.
• Oversee the creation of marketing collateral that delivers clear brand messages, ensuring the effective implementation of timelines across channels.
• Coordinate advertisement content and purchases.Organize, produce, and coordinate targeted mail-outs, and other marketing campaigns.
• Design content using excellent composition and graphics skills (layout, graphic design, etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

• At least one (1) year of professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, fund development/fundraising, or a related field (essential), ideally in a non-profit environment.
• Current knowledge and understanding of Edmonton’s theatre and/or performing arts sector.
•  Working knowledge of the capacity of small non-profit organizations.
• A positive attitude with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• The ability to engage with and inspire Edmonton’s community, WWPT stakeholders, subscribers, and volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including proofreading and adaptations in tone to suit specific circumstances.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Familiarity with Canva, Squarespace, MailChimp, Wufoo, Social Media Ads, Google Ads. Familiarity with video editing software is also an asset.
• Thriving in fast-moving environments meeting deadlines with style and precision.
• Highly computer literate with capability in Google Office Suite, MS Office, and related business and communication platforms.
• Excellent writing and content creation skills.
• Social media and networking expertise.
• Strategic and creative mindset.