Communications Assistant - Young Canada Works Building Careers in Heritage

Position Summary 
22-Week Position 

Starts: October 23rd, 2023 

Ends: March 22nd, 2024 

Wage: $17.00 for 37.5 hrs/week 

Application Deadline: September 29th, 2023  

The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington (VAC) is seeking a friendly, energetic, and organized individual interested in gaining valuable experience in communications and marketing. Working in a creative and vibrant setting, the Communications Assistant will work in the gallery's main office as an integral part of the team to manage the VAC's marketing and communications portfolio and engage with visitors and members of the public. 

The candidate will communicate the VAC's mission and vision via its recent rebranding strategy. This position crosses over the VAC's curatorial, educational, and development departments. The Communications Assistant will focus on planning and realizing online marketing campaigns, measuring audience engagement, developing content for social media marketing, copywriting for fundraising events, and other duties as assigned. 

Description of tasks:

• Implementing/developing the VAC rebranding and digital strategy 

• Engaging with and assisting our online audience across various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Google Analytics

• Supporting the Marketing Coordinator, Curator, and Education Coordinator by collating content to promote classes, exhibitions, and events 

• Assisting with press releases and copywriting 

• Capturing audience feedback and testimonials 

• Setting up tracking systems for marketing campaigns and online activities 

• Content management of the VAC website, including SEO 

• Producing clear and concise written correspondence in the form of letters and Emails (newsletters, fundraising campaigns, and copy for social media marketing) 

• Perform administrative office duties as needed, including filing, copying, sorting, mailing, etc. 

• Supporting gallery staff in events, meetings, and fundraisers

Candidate Profile:

• Recent graduate (within twenty-four months) from studies in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Visual Arts, Art History, Arts Management, or a related field is mandatory

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking and presentation experience

• Excellent organizational and research skills 

• Knowledge and experience working with social media platforms, including Facebook, and Instagram 

• Ability to multitask and work well independently and within a team 

• Photography skills/basic photo editing using a DSLR and iPad

• An enthusiastic and energetic communication style 

• Strong interpersonal skills 

• Proficiency in the use of Standard Office software as well as communications/document sharing software (such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive) 

• Ability to work all twenty-two (22) weeks (mandatory) 

• Ability to speak French is an asset 

The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington is an equal-opportunity employer committed to employment equity and building strength through diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage women, visible minorities, and Indigenous peoples to apply. Acknowledging that we are not a fully accessible building, we make every accommodation possible to ensure that we are inclusive in our hiring process.  

Note: Priority will be given to graduates that have not previously participated in YCW internship programs.

An individual may be eligible for an internship if they:

• are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible);

• are legally entitled to work in Canada; 

• are between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment 

• are willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment 

• will not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) while employed with the program 

• are unemployed or underemployed 

• are a college or university graduate; and 

• are not receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while employed with the program

Applicants are encouraged to apply through the YCW website and communications@vac.ca on or before Friday, September 29th, 2023.