Community Relations Coordinator
The deadline for this opportunity has passed.
Downstage is seeking a part-time community relations coordinator to act as a vital bridge between our theatre processes and the needs of our not-for-profit and community partners. The ideal candidate for this position has experience with building relationships, strong written communication skills and an appreciation for the value of the arts. This contract runs from November 1, 2020, to August 31, 2021, with the potential to renew.
We are committed to employment equity and diversity and encourage applications from all individuals. We endeavour to create fundamental and systemic shifts in theatre creation and production as we amplify intersectional stories and artists. We will happily provide training and opportunities for growth for the right candidate to be successful in this position.
About Downstage
Downstage Performance Society (Downstage) is a professional theatre company and registered charity located in the heart of downtown Calgary.
Our mandate is to produce Canadian Theatre that creates meaningful conversation around current issues and encourages societal awareness and action.
Our mission is to engage artists and the public in theatrical experiences that go beyond intellectual understanding and ignite a heartfelt need for change.
About the Position
The community relations coordinator responsibilities encompass but are not limited to:
Develop Theatrical Skills for Social Impact Program, a stream of our programming that sees Downstage facilitating artists working support of the goals of our not-for-profit and community partners. You can read more about the most recent project in this stream, Safe Site at downstage.ca.
Grow Downstage’s accessibility programs, which currently encompass our Pay It Forward program that offers 25% of tickets at no cost, free childminding, and partnering with Inside Out Theatre’s Good Host program to offer relaxed performances, ASL interpretation, and audio descriptions. This program can grow to encompass other community outreach initiatives.
Essential Qualifications
- Experience in the non-profit, grassroots activism, or social justice sectors. Our ideal candidate is fluent in the language and approaches of the social sector, whether that’s in poverty reduction, homelessness, immigrant services or another area. You have a genuine passion for social justice, access and equity, and experience putting those values into action.
- Appreciations for theatre. A key part of your role will be advocating for the role of theatre artists in exploring complex social issues, as well as helping to expand access to theatre for a diverse range of Calgarians. If you already have an understanding of theatre processes, great; if not, we’ll teach you what you’ll need to know.
- A people person and clear communicator. You must be comfortable talking to new people and forming relationships, and your writing should be compelling and clear.
- Previous work with vulnerable populations, experience with technical or creative writing, or skills in graphic design would all be assets but are not required.
Primary Responsibilities
- Initiating and deepening community relationships.
- Research and identify potential community, corporate and individual partners, and initiate conversations.
- Articulate Downstage’s mandate and approach to potential partners.
- Gather and articulate the needs of partners and report back to Downstage staff.
- Make contact with groups who would benefit from Downstage’s existing programs.
- Develop community-focused programs and initiatives.
- Identify barriers to access for our community-engaged and professional streams and generate strategies with other staff to emphasize inclusivity.
- Research and identify learning opportunities for Downstage’s staff and artists to better serve our community partners.
- Work with Downstage staff to develop theatrical skills for Social Impact Program (TSSI).
- Work with professional artists to coordinate and facilitate TSSI.
Documentation & Dissemination
- Write program materials, contracts and working documents in plain language.
- Write clear and compelling case studies of past and ongoing processes.
- Support funding applications and sponsorship pitches by providing insight and context from community partners.
- Design and implement a communications strategy to share learning with similar organizations in the arts and social sectors.
Hours and Compensation
This is a part-time position that runs from November 1, 2020, to August 31, 2021, with the potential for renewal.
The contract is for a total of 1,000 hours at $20/hour with an average of 20 hours worked in a typical week and 20 to 40 hours worked in production weeks.
Usually, the majority of this work takes place in the Downstage office in Arts Commons in downtown Calgary and by attending various community events. Some work from home is possible. Currently, all Downstage staff are working from home due to COVID-19. The community relations coordinator can balance this position with other part-time contracts. The hours are flexible and thus, the community relations coordinator will work with Downstage staff to create a work schedule focused on Monday to Friday office hours plus weekend and evening events as needed.
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and letter of interest that specifically addresses your experience in and commitment to the essential qualifications listed in this call. Please submit these materials as a PDF file(s) to Managing Director Danielle Whyte at danielle@downstage.ca with the subject CRC Application by end of day on Friday, September 17, 2020.
We will confirm receipt of all applications, then contact candidates we wish to interview. You will be asked to provide two references at the time of your interview.
