Director - Marketing and Communications
About The Position
Arts Umbrella is a non-profit organization dedicated to arts education for young people aged 2-22, offering programs in Art, Design, Dance, Theatre, Music, and Film. They believe in the power of art to foster self-confidence, discipline, and creative expression. Arts Umbrella operates in Vancouver and Surrey, with additional donor-funded programs in schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities across Metro Vancouver, serving nearly 20,000 young people annually, with a significant portion benefiting from donor-funded programs. In April 2021, Arts Umbrella relocated to a new facility on Granville Island, enhancing their capacity to inspire young people towards self-expression, compassion, and humanity. Their mission is to be a leader in youth arts education, building community and delivering profound life experiences through innovation, excellence, and inclusivity. The organization values self-expression and creativity, fostering a heartfelt environment.
Requirements
- 7+ years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, or digital strategy
- 3+ years of leadership experience managing a team or function
- A degree in marketing, communications, or a related field
- Experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies
- Proven success growing social media presence and digital engagement
- Strong understanding of audience segmentation, campaign planning, and conversion tracking
- Experience using data and analytics to evaluate performance and improve results
- Excellent writing, storytelling, and communication skills
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Experience managing budgets, vendors, and external partners
- Ability to collaborate effectively with senior leaders and cross-functional teams
Nice To Haves
- Experience in arts, culture, education, or non-profit organizations
- Experience supporting fundraising, events, or donor communications
- Familiarity with CRM systems, marketing automation tools, and analytics platforms
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute an integrated marketing and communications strategy aligned with organizational priorities, enrolment goals, and fundraising initiatives.
- Establish clear goals, key performance indicators, and reporting practices.
- Use data, audience insights, and campaign performance to guide decisions and improve outcomes.
- Advise senior leadership on brand positioning, audience growth, and communications strategy.
- Spearhead marketing strategies that support student recruitment, registration, retention, and program awareness.
- Partner with program teams to promote classes, camps, performances, and exhibitions.
- Develop targeted campaigns for families, students, alumni, donors, and community audiences.
- Track performance across the enrolment funnel, from awareness to conversion.
- Identify opportunities to improve the prospective student and family experience.
- Oversee digital marketing across website, email, social media, and paid campaigns.
- Grow and engage Arts Umbrella’s social media presence through compelling, platform-specific content.
- Monitor performance metrics including engagement, traffic, conversion rates, and campaign return.
- Continuously test, refine, and improve digital campaigns using analytics.
- Protect and evolve the Arts Umbrella brand across all communications channels.
- Lead storytelling that highlights student achievement, alumni impact, and community value.
- Oversee the creation of high-quality written, visual, and video content.
- Ensure consistency in messaging, voice, and visual identity.
- Support marketing for programs, performances, exhibitions, events, and community initiatives.
- Partner with Fund Development on donor communications, campaigns, and stewardship materials.
- Support public affairs and government relations messaging.
- Ensure campaigns and events are well-coordinated, timely, and measurable.
- Manage media relations, press materials, and external communications.
- Identify opportunities to increase visibility through media, partnerships, and storytelling.
- Support internal and external communications, including sensitive or high-profile matters.
- Lead, coach, and develop the Marketing and Communications team.
- Develop and manage the departmental budget.
- Oversee external vendors and partners, including agencies and creative suppliers.
- Establish reporting on marketing performance and key metrics.
- Build systems and processes to support effective planning, execution, and accountability.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
