Description:
The Ottawa School of Art is a non-profit community art school serving thousands of students annually through courses, diploma programs, youth camps, outreach initiatives, and exhibitions. We are committed to creativity, accessibility, and fostering the next generation of artists across the region.
Position Summary
We are seeking a creative, strategic, and organized Marketing and Communications Officer to lead our marketing efforts and elevate the school’s visibility, student recruitment, community engagement, and fundraising initiatives. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative arts environment and understands how to communicate the value of arts education to diverse audiences.
Key Responsibilities
Marketing & Promotion
- Develop and implement annual marketing and communications plans aligned with school programming and institutional goals,
- Promote courses, diploma programs, summer camps, exhibitions, and events through targeted campaigns,
- Design, proofread, edit and distribute promotional materials (digital and print) for internal and external audiences.
Digital Strategy & Social Media
- Design social media accounts and content calendar (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok),
- Create engaging content (posts, stories, reels, videos) that showcases student work, instructor features, school life, and upcoming events
- Oversee paid digital advertising and email campaigns; track KPIs and report on outcomes.
Communications & Branding
- Ensure consistent branding, tone, and messaging across all platforms and materials,
- Prepare and distribute e-newsletters, blog posts, student/alumni profiles, and press releases, maintain and build subscriber lists,
- Serve as media liaison and coordinate promotional opportunities (e.g., interviews, event listings, articles).
Community Engagement & Fundraising Support
- Collaborate with the Development Officer on donor communications, fundraising campaigns, and sponsorship recognition,
- Support outreach efforts and special initiatives such as annual fundraising campaigns and legacy giving campaigns,
- Cultivate relationships with community partners, media, and arts organizations.
Qualifications
Required:
- Degree or diploma in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Arts Administration, or related field,
- 3+ years of experience in a marketing or communications role, preferably in the arts, education, or non-profit sectors,
- Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS,
- Proficiency with Content Management Systems (e.g. Wix/Wix Studio, WordPress),
- Strong graphic design and content creation skills and proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, and Canva,
- Demonstrated experience creating and managing campaigns across digital, social, and traditional media,
- Proficiency in managing websites, social media platforms, and email marketing tools,
- Experience creating print-ready materials including multi-page catalogs, postcards, brochures and posters,
- DSLR photography and photo editing and photo optimization experience,
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills,
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Assets:
- Familiarity with the visual arts and arts education landscape,
- Knowledge of French (oral/written),
- Experience with CRMs, Google Analytics, SEO, or event marketing,
- video editing skills, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Audition.