About TBA

The Toronto Biennial of Art (TBA) is a large-scale international contemporary art event available to everyone. For 10 weeks every two years, local and international Biennial artists transform the city and surrounding regions with artworks, talks, and performances that reflect local contexts and pressing issues of our time. The Biennial’s free, citywide programming aims to inspire people, bridge communities, and contribute to global conversations.

For detailed information on the impact of the first Biennial, please read the 2019 Evaluation Report.

TBA is committed to transparency and to principles of anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, and inclusion and is putting these principles into practice at all levels of the organization. Please see TBA’s recent Statement of Accountability for more information.

Position Overview

Communications Manager
Full time contract: October 2020-January 2022
Salary: $50,000-$60,000 annually
Application Deadline: September 14, 2020

TBA is seeking a full-time Communications Manager, who will be responsible for the development of an impactful internal and external communications strategy in alignment with the Biennial’s priorities. This work will significantly contribute to raising the profile of the Biennial, alongside its visual identity and accessible communication tools on various online and print platforms. The Manager will play a key role in advancing the research and project priorities of the Biennial, and will develop and implement communication initiatives for a range of communities, from those well-versed in local and international contemporary art practices to those possibly participating in a cultural event for the first time. The Manager is responsible for developing best practices and innovative models within the field of arts communications as they research, develop and produce materials for a wide range of communications publications/media.

This is a contract position from October 2020 to January 2022, with the possibility of an offer of extension by the Biennial. Reporting to the Executive Director and working in tandem with the Biennial’s Marketing team and public relations firm, the Communications Manager will often be required to collaborate and coordinate across departments within the TBA team. The Communications Manager is responsible for supporting the development and management of an updated communications strategy during the complete Biennial cycle. Tasks will include:

• Steering the development and implementation of a revised strategic communications plan that supports TBA’s core mission and values, increases visibility of the Biennial’s brand, and aligns with its public relations goals, messaging, positioning, and marketing initiatives;
• Working with select team members to create and maintain awareness of the Biennial through a two-year cycle, locally, nationally, and internationally;
• Working with the Biennial team to position the Biennial as a distinctive and essential event to key stakeholders including diverse audiences, media, donors, government, and the arts community;
• Working with select team members to build and grow the audience for the Biennial;
• Developing targeted communication approaches/campaigns and relevant editorial content across communication platforms (print, social, newsletter, website, etc.) in collaboration with TBA team members in the Community Outreach and Volunteer, Curatorial, Development, and Marketing departments;
• Managing TBA’s monthly newsletter including soliciting and editing content from team members, creation of content, formatting, distribution, and audience tracking;
• Managing the Biennial social media channels which includes editing posts by colleagues and collaborators, as well as generating posts in collaboration with selected team members including the Marketing Director; audience tracking to increase followers and engagement;
• Managing the Biennial website including all content and updates, which includes editing content by colleagues and collaborators, as well as generating content; acting as the main liaison with Art + Science, the website’s creator;
• Managing and collaborating with graphic designers to tweak or evolve TBA’s visual identity as needed, and to produce various types of communications documents (for the public, Biennial stakeholders, partners, etc.);
• Working with the Biennial’s many partners to ensure that all are aware of Biennial activities, that all partnership deliverables are completed and that cross-promotion is active whenever appropriate;
• Managing the Biennial’s public relations firm, draft and internally circulate public announcements and press materials for review; distribute press materials locally in coordination with the public relations firm’s distribution to national and international media;
• During the Biennial, working with the public relations team to organize media previews and walkthroughs, as well as support other Biennial events as requested;
• Facilitating interview requests with the public relations firm;
• Maintaining and updating a local/regional press list for calendars and listings ensuring the Biennial’s programs are posted and monitor coverage to circulate among the Biennial team;
• Collecting and maintaining a database of video clips, images, captions, and credits to promote the 2021 Biennial and its programs and ensuring they are cleared for use; and
• Following Biennial style guidelines and ensuring proper applications on all communications platforms.

Desired Qualifications:

• Minimum of 4-5 years progressive experience in communications or related role within an arts organization, or equivalent experience
• BA required preferably with concentration on communications, public relations, or journalism
• Proven commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and practices of anti-racism and anti-oppression, to contribute to a healthy workplace environment
• Solid track record working in a fast-paced environment, that is often deadline driven as the Biennial event approaches; willingness and availability to work flexible hours when required for special events including some evenings and weekends
• Ability to work collaboratively and to thrive in this environment, while managing and nurturing the many editorial voices of the organization, as well as its audience
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, including an editorial voice and proven experience guiding messaging in complex and changing moments
• Experience drafting communications and planning documents, digital content, and media materials from start to finish, including generating editorial content (independently or with colleagues) and working with a team of graphic designers
• Experience in supporting the development and implementation of multi-faceted communications plans
• Experience working as a proactive member of a cohesive team and independently; comfort and ability to work off-site and being self-motivated are assets, with a view to potentially prolonged Covid-19 social distancing measures
• Solid project management experience, and ability to coordinate a multi-step approval process for collaborative text writing
• Superior organizational and resource management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and effectively prioritize time and tasks
• Professional experience with digital technology and social media platforms
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft suite, Adobe, Salesforce and presentation and design software (InDesign an asset)
• Interest in international and local contemporary art approaches and markets/ecosystems, supporting the development of new audience bases and partnerships
• Proficiency in French an asset

Toronto Biennial of Art is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in all of our work. We work proactively to be fair and equitable in practice and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. We encourage those who identify as women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, persons of colour, individuals of non-conforming gender and sexual orientations, and all groups protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code to apply. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to Toronto Biennial of Art.

To Apply:

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to info@torontobiennial.org with the subject line Communications Manager position. Only selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.