JOB POSTING: COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, MCMASTER MUSEUM OF ART 

THIS POSITION IS AN 18 MONTH CONTRACT

NOVEMBER 21, 2022 – May 26, 2024

The McMaster Museum of Art (MMA) is seeking an informed, experienced, committed and collegial individual to fill the position of Communications Officer from November 21, 2022 – May 26, 2024.

The MMA is a public, university-affiliated art museum, one amongst 48 such institutions in Canada. The MMA houses one of the best collections in a university-affiliate in the country. The collection of approximately 7,000 objects, includes Inuit, First Nations, contemporary Canadian and 15^th– 20^th Century European art. The collection is housed in a facility with museum standard environmental and security controls, 5 exhibition galleries, 5 on-site storage vaults and 11 full-time staff. The Museum hosts an on-going exhibition program, public/education programs and acquisitions program supported by a significant on-line and social media presence.

Most recently, with the guidance of Underline Studios, Toronto, the Museum presented a revised, dynamic and relevant new brand in April 2021. In keeping with and instigated by a new Strategic Plan (launched in January 2020), the new brand reflects the museum’s disruptive curatorial vision developed around the following institutional vision and mission statements:

Vision

The MMA will positively disrupt the traditional museological narrative by creating more inclusive, dynamic and experiential relationships between peoples and artistic practices.

Mission

The MMA is a meeting space for both the campus and the community situated within the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations. The Museum engages, educates and inspires through: Growing an awareness of the interconnectivity of the past, present and future; Advancing de-colonization; Engaging in innovative and imaginative research; Dismantling institutional and ideological boundaries; Partnering and collaborating with intentionality; Diversifying the collection; and Building capacity.

The Communications Officer is responsible for the development, administration and production of the Museum’s communications strategy.

Required Skills & Experience

• University degree in a relevant discipline
• Three years relevant experience
• Administrative skills, including advanced computer skills, especially word processing, image formatting and management, video editing and graphics programs.
• Knowledge of database, spreadsheet and networking applications.
• Successful experience with web page maintenance and contact management systems, and social media platforms.
• Ability to master new software as required.
• Required Programs:
  Microsoft Office Suite – especially Word, Excel and Access (mailing list)
  • Adobe Creative Suite – especially Photoshop, Indesign, Premiere Pro
  • Website: WordPress and basic HTML
  • Email and social media marketing platforms: Mailchimp, Hootsuite
• Social media platforms including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
• Other: Video camera

Responsibilities

• Adhere to a specific annual budget
• Produce all on-line and print copy to re-brand templates/specifications
• Work with museum director, curators and education staff to develop copy, visuals, and content for all communications
• Liaise, when appropriate, with the larger McMaster University Communications and Media department
• Produce and administer all on-line, print and broadcast materials for the museum (for 12 – 15 exhibition projects per year) with ancillary education and public programs
• Liaise with all media (including organize media visits, create PR releases and packages and so on)
• In terms of On-line/digital:
• Manage the web site; all social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram); the Blog; the geo-cache program; and the MMA Youtube channel
• With respect to the Youtube channel – this includes full creation of programs (from taping/recording talks/panels et al (includes set up of a/v at events), editing clips, enhancing clips with visuals and textual narratives, ensuring AODA compliance, up-loading to site) (we currently have 96 programs on the channel)
• In terms of Broadcast:
• Establish connections and make arrangements for museum personnel to participate on local TV and radio
• In terms of print:
• Create all print communication and associated materials including: advertisements for print publications, museum Newsletter, exterior exhibition banners and display case signage; invitations, posters, in-house exhibition brochures and soon

It is an exciting time to join the MMA! If you feel you are the right person to join our team: in a time of transition, in a time of significant social and political action in the arts and socio-cultural communities; if you are dynamic, motivated and a team player, this job offers the opportunity to contribute to a transformation in the arts in Canada!

The McMaster University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of racialized communities and LGBTQ-identified persons. Strong preference will be given to applicants who are First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons. If you require any form of accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection procedure, please contact the Human Resources Service Centreat 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247).

The Communications Officer is a UNIFOR Local 555 Grade 8 position at McMaster University and compensation adheres to the articles of the Collective Agreement which can be found on-line at McMaster University.

Please apply via the McMaster University Online Job Portal only with a cover letter identifying your communications strategy as well as an up-to-date C.V.

Deadline for applications: *September 9^th, 2022

*DEADLINE EXTENDED: The M(M)A is accepting applications until September 13, 2022.