Plug In ICA is seeking an enthusiastic and professional individual as our Communications Intern. This is a paid internship opportunity through Young Canada Works. Candidates must be under 30 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to meet eligibility requirements outlined by Young Canada Works – Careers in Heritage.

This is a term position, from November 30, 2020, to April 23, 2021, is 40 hours/week, requiring some work in the evenings and on weekends.

EDUCATION:

The candidate will have an interest in pursuing a career in contemporary arts, particularly as a communications specialist, arts administrator or related career path. The candidate should be between the ages of 18 and 30, with a degree (BA, MA, BHA, MFA) in arts administration, curatorial studies, visual art, art history, cultural studies, marketing, media studies, communications, advertising or related fields.

The candidate should have confidence with online platforms, social media and new media technologies. Knowledge of WordPress is an asset. The candidate should also have knowledge of MS Office software including Word, Excel and Outlook, as well as a strong familiarity with InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

MAIN FUNCTION:

Working with the Communications Coordinator and under the guidance of Plug In ICA’s Curator, the Communications Intern will participate in a broad range of activities that include various aspects of running the communications, marketing and administrative strategies of a contemporary art gallery or museum.

Duties will include:

Communications and Promotions
+ Assist in implementing strategies for branding and promoting Plug In ICA as a public facility and attraction, including the gallery’s exhibitions, public events and educational programming;
+ Assist in the production and distribution of marketing material, including advertising, program guides, signage, invitations, brochures, posters, banners and more;
+ Develop promotional/information strategies using electronic media, including multi-media presentations, email promotions, banner ads, social media platforms, etc.

Media Relations
+ Assist with the creation and distribution of press releases and press kits, addressing media requests and disseminating project information;
+ Collect and manage press clippings in a timely and orderly manner, producing media reports as needed;
+ Assist in establishing and maintaining relationships with local, regional, national and international media personnel in order to effectively promote Plug In ICA.

Digital and Social Media
+ Liaise with other staff to develop content for online and social media channels;
+ Assist in the management of the ICA’s social media content calendar;
+ Engage in social media conversations that surround the ICA’s activities;
+ Assist in the communications, marketing design and development of the ICA’s website.

Administration and Assistance
+ Collect, analyze, archive and report on results of specific communications and marketing efforts;
+ Research marketing and communications strategies and best practices for Plug In ICA;
+ Assist with setting, monitoring and meeting marketing and promotions deadlines;
+ Collaborate with tourism and community groups to enhance the ICA’s profile.

Plug In encourages all qualified applicants to apply. Plug In welcomes applicants from Government of Canada job equity groups (i.e., women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous candidates).

This position is made possible through funding from the Canadian Heritage Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage program. Candidate eligibility is stipulated by Young Canada Works graduate grant guidelines (https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works/students-graduates/careers-heritage-graduates.html). Candidates must register online through the YCW website.

Who can apply:
• are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible);
• are legally entitled to work in Canada;
• are between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment;
• are willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment;
• will not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) while employed with the program;
• are unemployed or underemployed;
• are a college or university graduate;
• are not receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while employed with the program; and
• have not previously participated in or been paid under this or any other Career Focus internship program funded under the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy.

Interested candidates should submit their CV and letter of interest to Allison Yearwood, Executive Director, at allison@plugin.org. Please including “YCW: Communications Intern” in the email subject heading.