Internship: Marketing and Communications Assistant

OCAD University

  • Toronto, ON
  • $24.42 per hour
  • Training
  • Full-time
  • 30 days ago
is the flagship professional gallery of OCAD University and an experimental curatorial platform for art, design, and new media. Onsite Gallery is located within the entertainment district’s cultural corridor of Downtown Toronto at 199 Richmond St. W. Onsite Gallery presents contemporary, Indigenous, and public art and design to advance knowledge creation and stimulate local and international conversations on the urgent issues of our time. The gallery’s exhibitions are complemented by vibrant outdoor mural projects, hybrid in-person and accessible digital public programming, and research engaging Onsite Gallery’s permanent collection. Alongside working with artists and curators of diverse backgrounds, cultural and embodiment contexts, Onsite Gallery promotes engaged citizenship and arts appreciation through powerful and thought-provoking exhibitions and public events.Onsite Gallery fosters positive social change and contributes to cultural transformation through increasing public understanding of the value of the art and design in contemporary society. Supporting the art and design community, the gallery provides ongoing support and collaboration opportunities for local and international artists, curators, designers and visual culture researchers, as well as partnering organizations. Onsite Gallery’s annual programming also impacts the OCAD University community comprised of students and faculty and the general public by offering innovative learning experiences in arts and culture. Furthermore, an integral part of the gallery’s goals is to provide wide-ranging experiential opportunities, such as mentorships, co-productions, placements, contracts and partnerships to stimulate curricular, non-curricular and experiential learning and innovative experiences in art, design and curatorial practice.Onsite Gallery at OCAD University is seeking a Communications and Marketing Assistant to play a vital role in supporting communication strategies and marketing initiatives.Reporting to the Executive Director, Onsite Gallery and Programs & Community Coordinator, and working closely with the gallery staff, the Marketing and Communications Assistant will play a pivotal supporting role in advancing Onsite Gallery’s communication strategies and marketing initiatives. The Communications and Marketing Assistant will assist Onsite Gallery through their role as a social media producer/influencer as related to the gallery’s exhibitions and programs, which includes producing research promoting artist biographies and practices, exhibition themes and related topics, and relevant news items through the circulation of social media and website content designed for public-wide community engagement. Additionally, they will support the gallery’s in-person and virtual events through documentation, coordination, promotion and hospitality-related interaction with artists, curators, guest lecturers and workshop leaders, caterers, event attendees and technicians. They will also be invited to propose and produce a live and/or virtual program to complement gallery exhibitions and themes.The ideal candidate for the position of Communications and Marketing Assistant will have a background and demonstrated knowledge – through previous employment or education and volunteer experience – in marketing and communications within a contemporary art gallery or for profit / non-profit cultural organization or business and a general understanding of marketing. The candidate is currently enrolled in post-secondary studies preferably in the field of art history, marketing & communications, curatorial practice or museum studies and will return to school in the fall semester.The candidate will bring excellent communication and organizational skills, general administration experience, as well as the ability to take direction, work independently and with a team. They will have a demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking, a great sense for detail, information accuracy and enthusiasm for writing and researching art and culture.Summary of Responsibilities:Marketing and Communications Assistant will have some general familiarity with, or the willingness to learn, the following skill set:
  • Contribute to the creation of engaging content for various channels including social media, websites and newsletters.
  • Daily engagement with Onsite Gallery’s public social media applications
  • Create social media content and graphics for Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) LinkedIn and Eventbrite
  • Research, identify and recommend best practices for digital content in the arts and culture sector
  • Assist and research in the development of Onsite Gallery’s website revision and updates
  • Support, manage and develop the promotional activities of events and member eblasts
  • Support market research and analyze data to assist in identifying digital trends and opportunities.
  • Assisting in maintaining and updating digital platforms and applications and ensuring content accuracy.
  • Monitor and engage with the audience on social media platforms.
  • Writing, editing and research arts, history and culture
  • Ensure all content meets brand guidelines, is error-free, and adheres to best practices for digital content creation.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated with the ability to think and act strategically, take direction, work effectively, and show initiative
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to problem solve effectively in an independent manner
  • Advanced computer skills, including MS Office, Windows, and working knowledge of Adobe design software and social media platforms (including analytics);
  • ability to learn new technologies, programs, and procedures quickly and retain information
  • Support Gallery in-person and virtual events, hospitality and engagement
  • Produce digital photographic and video documentation of gallery programs and content
Qualifications:
  • Enrolled in a post-secondary degree program in a related field (e.g. Marketing, Communications)
  • Minimum of one (1) years of marketing & communications experience, preferably in an arts and culture setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
  • Basic understanding of marketing principles and communication strategies.
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with social media platforms.
  • Strong editorial skills for written content
  • Comfortable working within Apple and Google environments, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing
  • Proficient digital photography and video-recording skills required.
Compensation: $24.42 per hourHours of Work: Tuesday to Friday, for a total of 28 hours per week. This is a temporary 12-week summer contract from Wednesday, May 15, to Friday, August 09, 2024.The incumbent in this role will be expected to report to work on campus.Application Deadline: Interested applicants may apply by emailing a cover letter and CV to with the subject heading “Young Canada Works Communications & Marketing Assistant.” Please compile your cover letter and CV as one PDF. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until Monday, April 15, 2024.This position is contingent on partial government funding from the Government of Canada’s YCW program. All eligible job candidates must be registered on the Government of Canada’s YCW website in order to qualify for selection.As an institution committed to art, design, digital media and related scholarship, OCAD University recognizes the profound and essential value that diversity brings to the creation, reception and circulation of creative practices and discourse. OCAD University understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are essential to and enrich the institution’s core mission and vision as an art and design university with a local and global scope.As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.We encourage members of designated equity-seeking groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire.OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please People & Culture for more information or refer to .All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.

OCAD University