Communications Coordinator

How to apply: Please submit a letter of interest outlining your qualifications and interest in the role and a portfolio of three previous work samples (press release, social media campaign, newsletter, etc) to Applications without a cover letter and portfolio will not be considered. Applicants may supplement this letter with a CV/resume. Contact information for three professional references who have worked with you in a supervisory capacity will be required if you are selected for an interview.

The Southern Alberta Art Gallery Maansiksikaitsitapiitsinikssin (the Gallery) is currently seeking a knowledgeable and thorough candidate for the rewarding and engaging role of Communications Coordinator. Our team is made up of passionate, friendly peers who are highly collaborative, creative, and supportive.

Reporting to the Executive Director and collaborating across the Gallery team, the Communications Coordinator drives communications and marketing strategy, developing and executing all aspects of the Gallery's communications plan, including advertising, media relations, and external communications.

The Communications Coordinator's primary objective is to increase awareness of the Gallery and its robust program; promoting exhibitions, public programming, events, and development initiatives. This position is key to attracting visitation and patronage; driving attendance and membership; and ensuring opportunities to engage with and support the Gallery are shared accessibly across our broad audiences and communities.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

I. STRATEGY, PLANNING, & ADMINISTRATION

• Develops the annual communications plan for Executive Director approval to advance the Gallery's visibility, brand, and profile across all platforms (print, digital, social, etc.).
• Proposes goals and budgets for marketing campaigns (e.g., visitation, membership, rentals, patronage) for Executive Director approval; monitors targets and implements adjustments to optimize success.
• Develops strategic plans and materials for advertising campaigns, compiles data on initiatives, reports on ROI/results and relevant trends, and provides actionable recommendations.
• Liaises with and negotiates services with communications-related vendors (e.g., printers, ad agencies, photographers).

II. WRITING, EDITING, & BRAND

• Writes clear, concise, and professional copy for a variety of purposes and audiences, including press releases, website and social media content, stakeholder outreach, print materials, and executive communications.
• Edits and/or supports drafting external documents, publications, and reports for staff, the Executive Director, and the Board of Directors, ensuring consistent style and providing strategic input.
• Oversees the drafting and production of the Annual Report and Art Auction catalogue.
• Ensures branding is constant across all media and content, reviewing all outward-facing communications for consistency.
• Drafts key messages and speaking notes for the Executive Director and other Gallery representatives for public-facing events, interviews, and presentations.

III. DIGITAL PLATFORMS

• Maintains the website (Squarespace) and ensures design, content, and functionality are current and appropriate.
• Ensures the Gallery's full digital footprint (e.g., Google listing, community calendars) is up-to-date.
• Develops and implements social media strategy, manages all social media platforms, writes, schedules, and posts digital content, including the production of the digital newsletter.
• Tracks audience engagement analytics and compiles reports on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, using data to directly inform content decisions and optimize performance.
• Proactively identifies and manages local, regional, national, and international event listing platforms to ensure maximum reach and promotion of all public programs and exhibitions.

IV. PUBLIC RELATIONS & CRISIS MANAGEMENT

• Fosters strategic relationships with local, provincial, and national media contacts (e.g., print, radio, TV, digital).
• Pitches story ideas to appropriate outlets, responds to media inquiries, and tracks/archives press coverage.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, develops and regularly reviews a crisis communications plan
• Monitors online reputation (social media, Google/Yelp reviews, etc.), updates the Executive Director of instances of reputational risk, and executes official responses in alignment with crisis communications plan.
• Works with tourism bodies, partners, and other relevant institutions on collaborative advertising and promotion opportunities.

V. CROSS-DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION

• Coordinates the asset gathering and production timelines for all required print, video, audio, and digital marketing materials (e.g., catalogues, publications, social media content, website, brochures, event materials).
• Coordinates with the relevant staff to ensure accurate and timely marketing and promotional material development for exhibitions, programs, facility rentals, the Shop at SAAG, volunteer opportunities, donor and sponsor opportunities, membership, and development campaigns.
• Maintains and enforces the Gallery's style guide across all staff and contractors, ensuring the final product is always professional, consistent, and polished.
• Assists the Executive Director and staff by providing communications support for fundraising initiatives, including editing content for grant applications, sponsorship proposals, and special events.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Experience and Education: Post-secondary degree, equivalent training, and/or work experience in marketing, communications, PR, or related field.
• Technical Proficiencies: Knowledge of contemporary art and the ability to articulate artistic and curatorial concepts for a general audience. Demonstrated writing, editing, and content management experience with excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation, meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for detail/style consistency. Basic proficiency in Canva and Adobe Creative Suite is considered an asset.
• Digital Literacy: Advanced understanding of Facebook, Instagram, Mailchimp, Later, and LinkedIn's business functions and analytics. Proficient with Google Workspace.
• Resource Management: Ability to manage advertising and marketing budgets and meet deadlines. Ability to brief and oversee external contractors (e.g., designers, photographers, web developers) to ensure deliverables are met on time and budget.
• Culture: Commitment to equity, anti-racism, accessibility, and reconciliation; excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.

Compensation & Benefits: $24/hour; extended health and dental benefits; an annual professional development (PD) fund is offered for ongoing individual growth and learning, while team-wide PD resources and training opportunities are available throughout the year.

Hours: permanent, full time position scheduled during Gallery hours, with occasional alternative shifts required for special events.

Deadline: this call will remain open until the position is filled.

The Gallery is committed to continually working towards more equitable systems and practices. We welcome applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, Black, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, d/Deaf and disabled, and from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. If you have any questions, feedback, or require support or accommodations for this application process, please contact Su Ying Strang, Executive Director, at ex. 26 or To learn more about the Gallery, visit