Job Description

POWELL STREET FESTIVAL SOCIETY

The Powell Street Festival Society (PSFS) cultivates Japanese Canadian art and culture to connect communities. Its main activity is producing the Powell Street Festival (PSF)--an annual celebration of Japanese Canadian arts, music, and culture in Vancouver's historic Japanese Canadian neighbourhood, Paueru Gai, in the Downtown Eastside (DTES). Supported by over 350 volunteers, this two-day, free event is the largest of its kind in Canada and the longest-running festival in Metro Vancouver. In addition to the festival, PSFS offers year-round programming and community engagement initiatives. The Society is a progressive, inclusive, and community-driven non-profit arts presenter and is proud to be celebrating its 50th anniversary year in 2026.

POSITION SUMMARY

PSFS is seeking a Communications and Administration Specialist for a 1-year maternity leave contract. This position is an exciting opportunity to lead the organization's communications and administrative functions during a milestone year for the Festival.

A training and handover period will begin in December 2025, with the full contract term running from January 2026 to January 2027. The successful candidate will be a key member of a small, dedicated team, supporting marketing, event coordination, and administrative operations.

Communications & Media Outreach

Implement marketing and communication strategies to promote the festival and strengthen brand visibility. Create and manage engaging content for social media, website, newsletters, and promotional materials. Ensure brand consistency across all platforms, including messaging and visual identity. Coordinate media outreach, including press releases and media engagement. Analyze and optimize marketing strategies using analytics tools, creating regular reports on areas of interest. Working knowledge of Japanese is an asset. Coordinate external translators for larger translation projects (i.e. during the festival) to ensure accuracy and cultural relevance. Develop media kits and maintain an updated press list to strengthen media relationships.

Merchandising & Event Logistics

Oversee festival merchandising, including design, production, inventory control, online shop management, and POS (Square) setup for online/offline sales. Manage festival signage to align with branding and wayfinding needs. Coordinate vendor communications, print orders, and photography/videography. Lead live media coverage during the festival, capturing real-time content (photos, videos, stories). Work with the Development Associate to administer the Festival Lottery, including licensing, ticket production, sales, and reporting. Assist with coordinating volunteers involved in marketing and administrative tasks.

Finance and Development Administration

Ensure compliance with privacy regulations and gaming licenses. Assist with donation data entry, tracking, and administration. Coordinate the issuance of donation tax receipts. Support financial reporting and grant administration by tracking engagement metrics. Work closely with the Development Associate to align fundraising efforts with marketing strategies, ensuring sponsor recognition across all platforms. Assist the Finance Associate with administrative tasks, including following up on invoices and collecting necessary information from individuals and vendors.

General Administration

Serve as the primary liaison for IT, managing website updates and troubleshooting marketing tools. Monitor shared mailboxes (e.g., "info") and respond to inquiries or forward them to the correct recipient promptly. Update the Society's contact management system (MS Power Apps) database. Assist with maintaining festival manuals, Society documents, multimedia, and assets (e.g., surveys, inventory). Maintain organized records of marketing activities, sponsorship agreements, and media contacts. Provide general cross-departmental support to ensure smooth festival operations. Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, including tasks that arise due to seasonal needs, event-related requirements, or strategic initiatives.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS

Position type: Temporary, full-time maternity leave contract (approx. 13 months) Hourly rate: $25.00-$28.00/hour (commensurate with experience) Hours: 37.5 hours per week Work arrangement: Hybrid--combination of remote and in-office work at PSFS's Vancouver office Benefits: Extended health and dental coverage after 3 months; vacation pay in accordance with BC Employment Standards Schedule flexibility: Evening and weekend work may be required during the Festival and related events

QUALIFICATIONS & TECHNICAL SKILLS

Intermediate proficiency with WordPress (content updates, media uploads, basic troubleshooting). Basic understanding of HTML/CSS to coordinate with web developers when needed. Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); basic familiarity with After Effects, Premiere Pro or other software for short video edits. Knowledge of printing production (exporting print-ready PDFs, liaising with printers). Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint). English-Japanese translation ability and/or experience coordinating translators is an asset.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

PSFS is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities, including people of Japanese and other Asian heritages, Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized people, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a resume and cover letter (PDF) to:

jobs@powellstreetfestival.com

Subject line: "Communications and Administration Specialist - Maternity Leave Contract."

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note:

Applications submitted through Indeed's "Apply Now" button will

not

be considered.

No phone calls, please.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 13 months

Pay: $25.00-$28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

Extended health care
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Vancouver, BC V6B 1H4