Kaeja d’Dance Project and Communications Manager (PCM)

Dance Ontario; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A performing arts organization in Toronto is seeking a Project and Communications Manager to develop communication strategies, manage events, and engage audiences. The role requires strong organizational skills and familiarity with design tools. Candidates should have a background in project leadership and community engagement. This full-time position offers flexibility to work remotely while being required on-site for productions.

Benefits

Full health benefits paid for by the company

2-3 weeks vacation

Time off in lieu

Qualifications

• Experience managing small teams and post-grad student assistants.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities at once.
• Familiarity with web design tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop communications strategies for various stakeholders.
• Manage coordination of company events and performances.
• Create marketing plans for each production.

Skills

Highly organized

Amazing communication skills

Detail-oriented

Experience in marketing, design, and communications

Self-driven and motivated

Education

Training in communications

Experience in the arts

Tools

Adobe Products

Squarespace

Constant Contact

Job description

Kaeja d’Dance Project and Communications Manager (PCM)

Desired Start Date: April 1, 2023 or earlier

Salary: 40K – 50K commensurate with experience

City: Toronto

Job focus: Administration

Job Type: Full-time

Work Format: Mostly Remote, some on-site

Perks: Full health benefits paid for by the company, Time off in lieu, 2-3 weeks vacation

WHO WE ARE

Kaeja d’Dance is driven by a commitment to innovation in the performing arts through the expression of dance and gesture. We explore identity, personal stories and the complexity of the human experience by integrating the interconnected mediums of live performance, dance film, and community engagement. Kaeja provides platforms for and fosters the creation of new Canadian professional dance works which are featured locally and internationally that inspire connections between professional artists and the broader community. The company is founded by Karen and Allen Kaeja.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Kaeja d’Dance is seeking a Project and Communications Manager (PCM) to join our small, vibrant team and help us build audience and engagement and deliver exciting artistic and community-focused projects. The PCM is responsible for developing effective communications strategies to our many stakeholders including audiences, community participants, donors and for executing these strategies from start to finish. This includes, but is not limited to, updating and maintaining the website, designing posters and flyers, and editing short video trailers. The PCM will also manage the coordination of our events and performances including community workshops and the annual Porch View Dances festival. It is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is highly-organized, motivated, has a flare for design, a passion for live performance, and works well independently and in collaboration with our team. Ability to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends during performance periods is necessary.

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING DESIGN (30%)

• Create general annual communications plan
• Create marketing plans unique to each production and manage their creation, implementation, and analysis
• Design and create Kaeja’s annual report for funders
• Keep website updated
• Create copy and graphics for communications and website
• Preparation of bi-monthly e-newsletters via Constant Contact
• Maintain and update photo & video databases in company server
• Keep social media channels active and monitored
• Create posters, postcards, programs, advertisements for both print and digital
• Create listings on city-wide event boards

PRODUCTION (30%)

• The lead of all producers & project managers
• Create project timeline for each company production
• Manage project teams and timelines, including fundraising events
• Apply for permits as needed
• Work with contracted publicist on press releases
• Create rehearsal schedules as needed
• Prepare agendas for production meetings
• Create process documentation or update existing documentation
• Supervise and manage summer employees and volunteers

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING (15%)

• Promote Kaeja’s educational programming
• Expand Kaeja’s educational programming to new markets and new audiences
• Secure teachers for workshops and classes
• Communicate with educational contacts (i.e. With various school boards, dance academies, etc.)
• Manage education bookings and invoicing

COMMUNITY & PARTNERSHIPS (15%)

• Engage and communicate with: Community members to participate in community-oriented projects
• Run info sessions/orientation sessions for community projects
• Connect with local businesses/partners for sponsorships
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers for events and Bingo fundraising

GENERAL ADMIN SUPPORT (10%)

• Communicate with Board of Directors regarding upcoming meetings and minutes
• Draft agendas for Board of Directors meetings
• Assist in organization of archival materials
• Keep organized files in the company server
• Assist Managing Director with grants and the development of sponsorship proposals
• Assist Artistic Directors in various administrative and image content
• Report to MD and ADs

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE DESIRED

• Highly organized
• Able to juggle multiple priorities at once
• Self-driven and motivated
• Amazing communication skills, both written and verbal, and able to speak with and relate to all manner of people (Board of Directors, Community Members, Dancers, Partners, etc.)
• High level of writing and editing skills
• Able to keep a cool head under tight deadlines and rise to a challenge
• Experience managing small teams and post-grad student assistants
• Experienced in marketing, design and communications
• Detail-oriented or organized
• Knowledgeable or wanting to learn new applications

MUST BE COMFORTABLE WITH:

• Adobe Products: Acrobat, Photoshop, Premiere or other video editing software
• Web Design: Kaeja uses Squarespace, should have some experience using some kind of web builder
• Hootsuite or other social media scheduling tool
• Constant Contact or other E-Newsletter creation tool

This is a full-time position M-F, 40hr/week. Occasional over-time/evening or weekend work as needed during production times.

We are open to applicants from a wide range of education backgrounds and lived experience for this position. We are seeking individuals with training and expertise in communications, community engagement, and project leadership. Experience working in the arts or other creative industries will be considered an asset. Individuals who feel they have the skills and competencies required to meaningfully contribute to this position are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS:

• 2 weeks vacation annually (3 weeks after year 1), plus additional week off if we close the office from December 25 – January 1 (TBD annually)
• Full health benefits paid for by the company after 3 months of engagement
• Time off in-lieu
• Flexibility to work remotely on communication and admin duties
• The PCM will be required on-site for productions and in-person meetings in Toronto

HOW TO APPLY:

• Submission deadline: Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
• Please email your cover letter, resume as one single pdf document to [e-mail] with the subject line “Project & Communications Manager”.
• The position will remain open until filled with preference to start as soon as possible, or April 1, 2023.

Kaeja d’Dance is committed to continue work to reduce barriers to participation in our events and employment. We welcome and encourage applications from all who are legally able to work in Canada, and who self-identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, and/or LGBTQ2S+ and/or all other minorities. We strive for a barrier free recruitment, assessment and selection process and as such will provide accommodations as required, at any stage of the hiring process to the best of our ability. For support, reach out to Adam Scime.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.