We Are Hiring: Communications Officer (Young Canada Works) 

Application Deadline: October 4, 2023

Centre A (officially, the Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art), is seeking a Communications Officer to join the team from October 18, 2023 – March 23, 2024. 

How to Apply:

If you believe that your skills and experience align with Centre A, please send: 1) a letter of intent describing your interest in the position, reasons for applying, any other information that may help strengthen your application; 2) a CV, 3) a design portfolio, and 4) a writing sample (within 1500 words).

Please email the application package as a single PDF document with your name and the position in the title, in the above order, to [email protected] by October 4, 2023, by 11:59 PM. 

Please note that incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. We acknowledge the time and effort invested in each application, and thank you in advance for your interest; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 

About Centre A: 

Centre A is a leading public art gallery currently situated in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown, on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. It is a registered charity and the only public art gallery in Canada dedicated to contemporary Asian and Asian-diasporic perspectives since 1999. 

Centre A is committed to providing a platform for engaging diverse communities through public access to the arts, creating mentorship opportunities for emerging artists and arts professionals, and stimulating critical dialogue through provocative exhibitions and innovative public programs that complicate understandings of migrant experiences and diasporic communities.

In addition to our exhibition space, we house a reading room with one of the best collections of Asian art books in the country, including the Finlayson Collection of Rare Asian Art Books. In these facilities and beyond, we rigorously engage in culture-making through research, curatorial engagement with artists, mentorship of emerging arts professionals, presentation of works, public dialogues and various forms of documentation.

Communication Officer Position Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director and the Interim Artistic Director the Communications Officer will support various marketing, branding, outreach, and stakeholder engagement activities related to Centre A. The Communications Officer will also have the opportunity to assist with the organization of public programs and other community initiatives.

The Communications Officer will be responsible for raising awareness about Centre A’s exhibitions, programs and facilities through a combination of marketing campaigns, community outreach, and online engagement initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to learn all aspects of gallery operations and non-profit management working with a close-knit team in a supportive environment. The successful candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about connecting with people and fostering relationships with partner organizations, local committees, and media.

1. Key Responsibilities: 

•  Participating in the development and implementation of communications and audience engagement strategies for promoting Centre A exhibitions and programs to individuals, groups, cultural institutions and businesses across Metro Vancouver, particularly in and around the Chinatown neighborhood
• Planning, developing and executing community presentations, outreach activities and events
• Working with the Centre A team, coordinate overall website development, content writing, advertising campaigns, and social media branding
• Updating the gallery website for better computer and mobile compatibility
• Writing e-newsletters and analyzing subscriber trends
• Researching, compiling, and cultivating media contacts
• Updating and maintaining a database of existing and prospective stakeholders and supporters, including members, donors, volunteers, community partners and media contacts
• Enhancing audience engagement by developing and administering program evaluation surveys, conducting focus groups, compiling data and analyzing results
• Preparing a wide range of communication materials for internal and external use, including marketing materials for print, online, and social media platforms
• Researching and compiling grant, sponsorship, partnership, and outreach opportunities
• Assisting with grant writing
• Supporting day-to-day gallery operations
• Providing administrative support to the senior staff
• Other duties as assigned

2. Key Qualifications: 

• An undergraduate or graduate degree with a major in Graphic Design, Communications, Marketing, Publicity, Design, Journalism, or related field of studies
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and self-motivated
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong creative and graphic design skills (Adobe Creative Suite) are required
• Strong organizational skills, and the ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines
• Superior time management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment, and as part of a team
• Proficiency with computers and MS applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Familiarity with social media platforms and management tools beyond personal use
• Strong sense of equity and sound understanding of accessibility
• Experience with web design, and audio/video production is an asset
• Experience with Cargo and WordPress is an asset
• Familiarity with HTML is an asset
• Photography skills are an asset
• Knowledge of languages other than English, particularly Asian languages, is a strong asset
• Ability to work flexible hours

Note: This is a paid position funded with assistance from Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage (YCWBCH) Program, and all applicants must meet the program’s eligibility requirements (https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works/students-graduates/careers-heritage-graduates.html):

An individual may be eligible for an internship if they:

• are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible);
• are legally entitled to work in Canada;
• are between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment;
• are willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment;
• will not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) while employed with the program;
• are unemployed or underemployed;
• are a college or university graduate; and
• are not receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while employed with the program.

3. Length of Term: 

This position will be 30 hours/week for 20 work weeks from October 18, 2023 to March 23, 2024.

Diversity, Equity Access, and Inclusion:

Centre A is located in Vancouver’s Chinatown on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. Centre A values diversity in the staff and leadership because it allows us to better understand and meet the needs of the communities we serve. It helps us foster greater creativity, breadth of experience, and personal growth among our Staff and Board, and it’s essential to our success as an organization. We are committed to equity and inclusion, and strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented and marginalized groups, including but not limited to sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, and/or disability.

If you require assistance with submitting your application, please get in touch with us at +1 (604) 683-8326 or [email protected].

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Accessibility: The gallery is wheelchair and walker accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us at (604) 683-8326 or [email protected].

Centre A is situated on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. We honour, respect, and give thanks to our hosts.