Community Engagement Specialist Jobs

Requisition ID: 39307

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

The Community Engagement Specialist advances the efforts of the Vancouver Civic Theatres (VCT) to foster community engagement within the arts, culture, education and other not-for-profit communities to create low barrier opportunities for the public, as well as artists and arts organizations at VCT.

The position supports, develops, and maintains relationships within the community and facilitates the scheduling of events, festivals, visual art programs and other diverse community and cultural programming. In addition the position acts as the program lead for the VCT Activating Spaces Grant program, which administers $200,000+ annually.

In partnership with the Marketing department, this position also utilizes social media and other digital communication tools to advance VCT’s programming, grants, and outreach initiatives.

Specific Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of $200,000 annual VCT Activating Spaces Grant Program; verify applicant eligibility, assess applications against criteria, and make funding recommendations to a staff committee
• Assist in the creation and development of community outreach presentations and materials
• Provide mentorship and training opportunities to Summer Student positions and interns
• Maintain and further develop the visual and media arts artist-in-residence programs within VCT spaces and liaise with individual artists and arts organizations to promote greater utilization and engagement
• Perform moderately complex administrative duties and maintain a variety of operating and administrative records
• Assume responsibility for managing VCT's community programming initiatives by scheduling, facilitating, evaluating, and reporting on special events, art exhibitions, workshops, and programs
• Research, compile and organize data to inform decision-making for educational and community engagement programs
• Research, compile data, and write to support the preparation of Council reports
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned
• Conduct outreach and develop and maintain effective partnerships with external partners and stakeholders including but not limited to community groups, arts organizations, and artists in a broad array of disciplines towards the delivery of community events and arts programming in VCT spaces
• Manage and track an annual programming budget of approximately $125,000
• Make recommendations on the development, implementation, and discontinuation of events and programs
• Support the marketing team and it's digital communication plans by executing specific tactics including but not limited to generating copy, social media content, and newsletter content
• Coordinate the year-round VCT Venue Tours program
• Prepare program budgets and seek funding, including writing grants and funding proposals as required
• Respond to public and stakeholder inquiries both verbally and in writing
• Attend and participate in community and public outreach events and activities on behalf of the VCT and assist implementation of marketing and promotional programs

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Experience in grant administration
• Experience planning and implementing special events
• Experience using VanApply is preferred
• Completion of Grade 12 and a University degree, supplemented by post-secondary courses in events management, community relations plus sound related experience, OR an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Experience in working with diverse communities

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Sound knowledge and proven track record of effectively using social media for community outreach and online community building
• Advanced computer literacy
• Ability to work flexible hours as required including some evenings and weekends
• Flexible and imaginative approach to communicating ideas and skills
• Commitment to and enthusiasm for creating great experiences and opportunities for diverse groups of audiences and stakeholders
• Experience in administering grants is preferred
• Ability to create and monitor detailed event budgets
• A collaborative outlook to working across the organisation and with external partners
• Considerable knowledge and proved track record in programming special events
• Ability to use Adobe Creative Suite and/or other graphic design programs
• Considerable knowledge and understanding of performing arts, visual arts and film and television culture

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

The City’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination against COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the City deem it necessary to re-introduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200)

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time

Position Start Date: September 2023

Position End Date: 02/13/2025

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-018: $30.29 to $35.66 per hour (Position under reclassification review)

Application Close: August 25, 2023

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Before you click Apply now

Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date.

In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.