Digital Engagement Specialist

Company Overview

As one of the world’s leading theatre companies and Niagara’s 20 largest employers, The Shaw is dedicated to an ongoing process of increasing diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs, and in all our hiring for staff, artists, and in the recruiting of board members. The Shaw is committed to a future when our theatres joyously draw on and include all peoples, fully reflective of 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 applicants who identify as Indigenous, Black or as persons of colour (IBPOC), the LGBTQ2+ communities and those identifying as gender fluid. In accordance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and in keeping with our wish to ensure a fully inclusive environment, please advise Human Resources if you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process. We will be happy to assist.

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

Inspired by the spirit of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival creates unforgettable theatrical encounters in any way we want. The Shaw Festival is a place where people who are curious about the world gather to share the unique experience of live theatre and real human encounters. For more information, please visit www.shawfest.com.

Job Description

 The Department

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. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Communications, the department’s goal is to maintain a positive brand image while driving audiences to the Festival.

Key Responsibilities:

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

·         Develop content ideas, create posts (original text, images, video, etc.) and schedule content for deployment across all Shaw Festival social media channels

·         Shoot and edit photographs and promotional videos

·         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 stay up-to-date with social media trends, best practices and current events within the theatre industry

·         Provide multi-platform analytic reports for internal stakeholders to provide insight on traffic, demographics and effectiveness; utilize this information to positively affect future 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 with company members, artists and artisans that allow The Shaw to best promote their work

·         Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications:

·         Degree in public relations/communications from a college or university program or the equivalent relevant work experience

·         1-3 years of experience in a similar role

·         A thorough knowledge of social media platforms including (but not limited to) Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc.

·         A keen interest in communications strategy with an appreciation of theatre

·         A self-starter and strong team player with the proven ability to design and create online content

·         Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

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

·         Exceptional attention to detail, strong research skills, and proven ability to work well under pressure

·         Comfortable working with both Mac and Windows OS   

·         A working knowledge of graphic design software like Adobe Creative Suite, Canva or other

·         Knowledge of accessible design principles

·         A valid driver’s license and passport are essential

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

Salary range  $40,000 - $48,000 per year

Please note*  all newly hired employees must provide Full Proof of COVID Vaccination ( 2 doses ) + booster prior to their start date