Job Description

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 3rd consecutive year as one of Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Best Employers, and ranked in the top three for Government Services by Forbes and Statista Inc! The City of Markham is a dynamic and change-oriented leader that stands out from other Canadian municipalities. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as much as for our fiscal accountability. More than 353,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the Manager/Director, of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham, the Communications Officer is responsible for collecting, producing and distributing information about the Varley Art Gallery of Markham and the Markham Museum and their programs to members, volunteers and the general public.

This is accomplished through the design and production of marketing collateral such as newsletters, advertisements and announcements to promote exhibitions, public programs and events. The Communications Officer will design and produce printed and electronic material to support all programmes.

The Communications Officer manages and updates the information for the Gallery\xe2\x80\x99s and Museum\xe2\x80\x99s website, creates and disseminates content for their social media channels, and where applicable, any additional Communications tasks.

The Communications Officer is also responsible for establishing and maintaining media relations for the Varley Art Gallery, Flato Markham Theatre and Markham Museum through media releases and announcements to promote specific events and programs.

The position works in close collaboration with the PR staff of the Flato Markham Theatre and Markham Museum as well as the City of Markham\xe2\x80\x99s Corporate Communications Department.

Note: Evening/weekend work; some off-site work may be required

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

For the Varley Art Gallery and Markham Museum

• Coordinates the overall design, editorial, production and distribution of e-newsletters from start to finish
• Prepares, designs and coordinates all publicity and promotional materials related to exhibitions and events, including invitations, e-newsletter material and signage
• Contributes to the design and implementation of the marketing plan including community, art and tourism audiences

• Develops marketing campaigns for individual programmes and exhibitions
• Manages the annual budget for all marketing expenses
• Produces ads and flyers for programmes and maintain all ad accounts
• Maintains unified \xe2\x80\x9chouse styles\xe2\x80\x9d through the consistent production of print and electronic materials;

• Contributes to the development of visual identities
• Maintains the currency and style of websites and contributes to the planning and direction of the websites, ensuring consistency and currency and performing updates
• Designs, or supervises the design of, promotional material on all programmes and services offered at the Gallery and Museum
• Distributes brief information (listings) on programmes
• In consultation with other staff develops the program for opening receptions and other events as required and circulates it in advance to all staff and other event attendees as required
• Archives, or supervises the archiving, of all promotional material and media clippings
• Attends related seminars, lectures and workshops for professional development
• Assists with any task related to the organization\xe2\x80\x99s activities as requested by the Directors
• Contributes to overall staff efforts towards the development of new audiences
• Maintains and creates content for the Gallery\xe2\x80\x99s and Museum\xe2\x80\x99s social media accounts for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Eventbrite, Meetup, etc.
• Liaises with Corporate Communications to promote programmes and initiatives
• Sets content deadlines for staff to ensure all marketing items are produced in a timely manner
• As part of a team provides oversight for marketing and communications co-op students
• Other duties as assigned.

For the Culture Venues

• Acts as liaison with the media and provides all necessary information and assistance
• Prepares media releases for exhibitions and events
• Develops contacts with writers and solicits reviews of events and exhibitions
• Maintains an up-to-date database of media contacts and e-lists
• Researches media strategies and outlets

Requirements: REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong knowledge of art practices and history, especially within Canada
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; very strong knowledge of English language required; Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin) language is an asset
• Excellent computer skills; knowledge of social media and basic knowledge of website development required;
• Familiarity with Adobe Design Suite, particularly Illustrator and In Design along with ability to execute basic graphic design
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to multi-task; attention to detail essential
• Experience in field of communications
• Completed degree in Art History, Visual/Media Arts, Cultural Studies, Communication Studies, Journalism or other related degree.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment

Core Behaviours:

• Service Excellence: Leads and supports staff in meeting or exceeding service standards when interacting with customers.
• Change & Innovation: Effectively implements change and supports and involves staff through change transitions.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Leads and supports staff in working together collaboratively, fosters teamwork and inclusion, and cultivates relationships.
• Communication: Models active listening and clear communication, and supports staff members in communicating effectively.
• Accountable Results Oriented: Role models ethical behavior and accountability; clarifies expectations, policies and legislation and supports staff in meeting them.
• Management & Leadership: Supports a positive work environment, develops and enables staff, sets clear expectations, provides regular feedback, and addresses performance.

Additional Info: The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

The City of Markham has established a mandatory vaccination requirement for staff related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, should you be a successful candidate for a position with the City of Markham you will be required to provide proof of 2 Health Canada approved vaccination doses upon a conditional offer of employment. Should you require accommodation in accordance with the Human Rights policy with respect to your vaccine status, you will be required to disclose that at the time of conditional offer so that an accommodation can be developed prior to your start date.

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