Digital Engagement Specialist

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: Digital Engagement Specialist
Department:  Communications
Reports to:    Senior Manager, Communications

The Position
As part of The Shaw’s Communications Team, the Digital Engagement Specialist will boost the Festival’s social media presence through the creation of visually appealing content and engage with its online audience.

Key Responsibilities

·        Work in conjunction with the Senior Manager of Communications to develop creative and engaging social media campaign strategies.

·        Monitor and engage daily on all Shaw Festival social media channels.

·        Map out overall social media content calendars and scheduling of content and relay the key information to the Communications team.

·        Take the initiative to develop content ideas, create engaging posts with the right combination of images, original written content, reels, short video content and hashtags that appeal to The Shaw’s target audience.

·        Regularly schedule content for deployment across all Shaw Festival social media channels.

·        Shoot and edit photographs and promotional videos.

·        Edit and proofread content before publication to ensure quality and accuracy.

·        Cultivate and maintain an engaged social media audience across multiple platforms.

·        Manage social media and digital content requests from all other departments.

·        Monitor engagement trends and provide guidance on management of the Shaw Festival online community.

·        Liaise with multiple departments to obtain required approval on materials and ensure the Shaw Festival is appropriately represented online.

·        Deliver exceptional customer service and build meaningful connections by providing prompt and accurate responses to online queries.

·        Moderate user-generated content and messages appropriately, based on company and community policies.

·        Manage existing and cultivate new relationships with social influencers.

·        Demonstrate thought leadership and actively stay current with social media trends, best practices and current events within the theatre industry.

·        Monitor website traffic statistics and provide multi-platform analytic reports for internal stakeholders to provide insight on traffic, demographics and campaign effectiveness; apply this information to positively affect future social media outcomes.

·        Attend meetings with management, other departments and outside organizations on behalf of the Communications team.

·        Attend first read-throughs, rehearsals and opening performances throughout the season.

·        Develop solid relationships and collaborate with company members, artists and artisans that allow The Shaw to best promote their work.

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

Qualifications

·        Post-secondary education with a degree in Public Relations/Communications, Marketing, Social Media or any other relevant field of study. Equivalent relevant work experience will also be considered.

·        Proven 1-3 years of work experience in social media, with a passion for creative storytelling.

·        A thorough knowledge of social media platforms including (but not limited to) Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn and their algorithms.

·        Must have an appreciation and love of theatre.

·        A keen interest in communications strategy.

·        An innovative, creative and tech savvy self-starter and team player.

·        A proven ability to design and create online content, with a proficiency to write clear, concise, and compelling social media copy that resonates.

·        Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks and time manage in an environment with tight deadlines.

·        Exceptional grammatical skills with a high attention to detail and accuracy, strong research skills, and proven ability to work well under pressure.

·        Experience with SEO and social analytics.

·        Comfortable working with both Mac and Windows OS. 

·        Previous experience running paid ads through and working with Meta Business Suite and Business Manager is an asset.

·        Experience working with content scheduling tools such as Sprout Social and Social Pilot is an asset.

·        Experience following brand guidelines and a working knowledge of graphic design software like Adobe Creative Suite or Canva.

·        Knowledge of accessible design principles.

·        Should be comfortable liaising independently with people from all levels of seniority.

·        A valid driver’s license and passport are assets.

·        Understanding of brand management and the Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) is an asset.

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.