Communications Officer, VSO

Organization:

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Deadline:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled

Organization Description:

About the VSO
Founded in 1919, the VSO is the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada, and the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada. The VSO creates, curates, and connects irresistible musical experiences—performing 150+ concerts annually in its home, the Orpheum Theatre, as well as numerous venues throughout Metro Vancouver, and online. The VSO is one of a handful of orchestras worldwide that has its own music school: the VSO School of Music. The organization delivers extensive education programs reaching more than 50,000 young people annually, and community engagement initiatives that reach a further 100,000+ people. Maestro Otto Tausk is the VSO’s Music Director and the Artistic Advisor of the VSO School of Music.

About the VSO School of Music
VSO School of Music, founded in 2010, is a 25,000 square foot state of-the-art music school located adjacent to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. With a mission to enrich lives through the joy of learning, playing and performing the world’s great music, the VSO SoM develops experiences that are accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, playing level or economic circumstances; and by nurturing creative and engaged members of society through achievement in the musical arts. With a roster of over 1900 students, the School is proud to offer individual or group instruction by members of the Vancouver Symphony and other high-quality music educators.

The school also features a performance theatre (Pyatt Hall) and Reception space which sees a wide range of arts, entertainment, and corporate groups utilizing the space for performances, recordings, and special events.

Website:

http://www.vancouversymphony.ca/about/careers/

Job Description:

We’re seeking a Communications Officer who combines a passion for music with excellent storytelling and strategic marketing skills. Do you have a passion for creating compelling written narratives? Can you use both traditional and digital media to drive community engagement with the VSO’s brand? With 150 concerts and events in a typical year, marketing at the VSO is fast-paced and the ability to balance competing priorities is essential.

The role goes beyond marketing and communication; it's about building relationships. The Communication Officer creates an opportunity for engaging dialogue. First, understand what people are saying, then engage and build long-lasting relationships. Through the use of traditional and digital media, content should be relevant and engaging, but also thoughtful, authentic, and honest with the expansion of VSO’s digital footprint for maximum brand awareness.

What it’s like to work here The VSO and the VSO School of Music offer a fast-paced, creative, and strategically minded workplace environment. We are a group of music-loving arts administrators, with a passion for the performing arts, combined with business acumen, personnel management, and leadership, in a strong and collaborative environment. We are proud of the VSO’s legacy in musical excellence and are working towards growing our reputation as a world-class orchestra, with state-of-the-art teaching facilities, outreach programs, as well as a community of engaged, philanthropic fans.
The VSO and VSO School of Music offer hybrid working models, though given that we work in live performing events, we know that some evening and weekend work will be required on site.

The VSO and the VSO School of Music value diverse perspectives, experiences and cultures and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We encourage applications for this position from members of all groups experiencing barriers to equity.
Benefits The VSO and the VSOSoM offer a flexible work environment, extended medical benefits available to full time employees, and other incentives and perks.

Responsibilities:

The Communication Officer (VSO) reports to the VP, Marketing & Sales (VSO & SoM) and works closely with other members of the Marketing, Sales and Customer Service Department, plus other team members of the VSO and SoM.
To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required.

Qualifications:

Qualifications & Experience
• A passion for building new audiences and loyal VSO fans
• Excellent written communication skills that engage readers and drive results
• Previous experience with email marketing and marketing automation platforms is an asset, including previous use of Active Campaign and/or Prospect2
• Appreciation and knowledge of classical music is an asset
• Experience tailoring communications for different social media platforms, previous experience creating content for TikTok in particular is an asset
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to create and coordinate a content calendar
• Ability to write a compelling press release and support PR work within the department
• Strong command of written tone, with a desire to help build the VSO’s brand and connect with new and existing audiences
• Ability to develop a style-guide to ensure consistency in communications
• Photography, content creation and design skills are assets but not required
• Openness to exploring possibilities and building buy-in from other team members and stakeholders
• Ability to balance competing priorities and meet deadlines
• A self-starter who enjoys working in a fast-paced team environment and is always curious to find new ways for the VSO to connect with new audiences
• Strong communication skills with experience collaborating with diverse team members, stakeholders and communities
• Post-secondary degree/diploma/certificate in communications, digital marketing, classical music, or a related field is an asset
• Ability to work occasional evening/weekend concerts and events

How to Apply:

Please email your resume and cover letter to employment@vancouversymphony.ca
Please include “Communications Officer” in the subject line.

The VSO thanks all applicants for their interest, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Remuneration:

$50,000- $55,000 per year

Contact Name: Saba Alam
Contact Email: saba.alam@vancouversymphony.ca
Contact Phone: (604) 684-9100903