CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Communications & Public Relations Manager – Full-Time, Permanent

ABOUT THE GRAND THEATRE

The Grand Theatre is World Curious and London Proud. We bring the world to London with diverse, relevant, and original stories from London, and around the globe. The company has a commitment to developing, producing, and premiering new works through COMPASS, our new play development program.

As a non-profit regional theatre, the Grand is a leading cultural hub, proudly located in the heart of downtown London, Ontario, Canada. We are a place for all to gather, discuss, challenge, debate, celebrate, and be inspired and entertained by exceptional theatre experiences.

Our staff teams embrace and participate in an environment that encourages respect, inclusion, open communication, a proactive approach to problem solving and reflects organizational values.

OUR COMMITMENT TO ANTI-OPPRESSION

The theatre sector is in a period of much-needed change and tremendous opportunity. At the Grand, we are committed to creating and practicing a company culture that ensures an accessible, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming space for artists, audiences, donors, boards, and staff.

We encourage all applicants to review the Grand’s Anti-Oppression Mission Statement on our website to confirm that your personal and professional values are aligned with this vision. The Grand sincerely thanks all applicants for their time in applying.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Grand Theatre is seeking an experienced, full-time Communications & Public Relations Manager to maximize its messages through traditional media, social media, e-marketing, and public relations channels. This role is responsible for:

1. Cultivating the “voice” of the Grand: crafting and deploying an ongoing stream of organizational messages across social media, journalistic media, e-marketing, and public relations platforms;
2. Inspiring affinity with the Grand: through development or procurement of audiovisual content to complement organizational messages;
   c. Bringing the Grand to the world: by building and maintaining relationships with local, regional, and national media partners, and engaging the Grand Theatre with various publicity initiatives.

This role is central to inspiring enthusiasm and connection with the Grand Theatre brand, as well as the amplification of the Grand Theatre’s stories in London… and beyond!

detailed Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Marketing & Digital Strategy, and collaborating closely with the Marketing Project Manager and Digital Marketing Strategist, the Communications & Public Relations Manager will:

• Craft and deliver a continuous stream of messages, for a variety of platforms (including: social media, GRANDTHEATRE.COM, journalistic media, and e-marketing), promoting Grand Theatre shows, programs, promotions, events, organizational updates, and announcements.
• Run point on a social media content strategy across all base platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok).
• Monitor and manage the Grand’s online communities by responding to queries, questions, and dispatching complaints or requests to the appropriate point- person;
• Be accountable for the concepting, procurement, and/or creation of audiovisual content that will complement messaging strategies (i.e. images, videos, photos, branded graphics);
• Ensure the relevancy and accuracy of information on social media channels, GRANDTHEATRE.COM, and other primary communication tools that reach the general public;
• Keep stock of (and regularly update) official copy, storylines, images, and videos that chronicle what is taking place on, behind, and around our stages;
• Build and deploy media releases, as required;
• Build and steward relationships with local, regional and national media contacts, and other identified promotional/communication partners;
• Facilitate the request for and distribution of complimentary tickets to media and content partners, as well as ticket prizing and contesting;
• Lead the preparation and facilitation of Grand Theatre media calls;
• Collaborate with the Director of Marketing & Digital Strategy on the development of new strategies in the fields of marketing activations, and influencer marketing;
• Attendance and support at opening nights, publicity events, and other Grand Theatre special events.
• Identifying opportunities to enhance organic content strategies by keeping stock of social media, traditional media, and publicity trends, and opportunities for growth.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent experience) and a minimum of 2 years in communications, publicity, or online community management.
• Previous experience in an arts and culture organization is preferred
• High-level of proficiency in both copywriting/copy-editing, as well as editorial composition;
• Demonstrable experience managing and curating content for social media platforms;
• An articulate & engaging public speaker;
• A creative thinker, adept at proactive problem solving and collaboration;
• A self-starter with strong organizational skills, capable of managing tight deadlines, and multiple priorities effectively;
• Takes accountability for one’s own work, and takes pride in the quality of their work;
• Works tactfully and diplomatically while maintaining a high level of confidentiality;
• Demonstrate an interest in and passion for Canadian theatre & non-profit performing arts sector;
• Able to collaborate effectively with Grand Theatre Artists, Technicians, Production Staff, Front of House teams, and other members of Administration;
• Willing and at-the-ready to adapt one’s work in support of industry, contractual, union, and/or license-holder standards for publicity and PR, on a project-by-project basis;
• A people-person who thrives in collaborative interpersonal spaces, but can also work well independently;
• Familiarity and experience with Canva, an asset;
• Skilled at using various technology tools, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, Sharepoint), virtual meeting software (Zoom, Teams); familiarity with Tessitura an asset.

Position Details

• This full-time role directly reports to the Director of Marketing and Digital Strategy and collaborates regularly with all Grand Theatre departments including Marketing, Production, Development, Front of House, and Education/Community Engagement;
• The Grand’s work environment is primarily in-person at 471 Richmond Street in downtown London, Ontario, with regular office hours from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. This role requires some evening and weekend work, particularly surrounding opening nights, special events, and deadlines;
• Salary range is between $55,000-$60,000 per annum, commensurate with skills & experience.
• The Grand offers a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous extended health & dental coverage, retirement benefits and complimentary tickets;
• Prospective employees must be legally able to work in Canada, provide an up-to-date and clear police information check, and agree to the theatre’s employee handbook and health & safety policies, as part of the employment agreement.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter, resume, a one-page professional writing sample (on any topic, however an editorial-style piece is preferred), as well as a selection of recent social media samples by email to:

Lia Karidas, Director of Marketing & Digital Strategy:

[email protected] | Subject: Communications & Public Relations Manager

Applications will be reviewed as received, beginning December 18, 2023, and continue until the position has been filled. We thank all candidates for their interest in this position, however, please note that only those selected for an interview may be contacted.

The Grand Theatre is committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive, equitable and accessible. We welcome applications from qualified individuals that reflect the abilities and diversity of communities we serve. The Grand Theatre will proactively provide accessibility solutions to job applicants throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.