Full-time

The Art Gallery of Alberta is looking for a Communications Specialist who will ensure consistent messaging and tone in all AGA marketing, communications and promotions materials.  This position is part of the Marketing and Communications Department and will report to the Executive Director through the Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications. The Communications Specialist will support the AGA’s marketing, curatorial and development teams by writing content and providing editorial and proof-reading support.

Qualifications:

• University degree in a relevant discipline, such as Journalism, Communications and/or Art History, combined with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience
• Professional experience as a writer and editor, comfortable in producing content suitable for multimedia platforms and varied venues with a track record of published work in respected corporate, journalistic or artistic publications
• A thorough knowledge of art history; an interest in the contemporary arts and culture scene; and an understanding of issues related to the professional visual arts
• The ability to communicate key messages to various external and internal audiences
• A dedication to detail, accuracy and consistency
• Outstanding multitasking abilities and a demonstrated ability to work in a team environment

Responsibilities: 

• Provide writing and editorial support for marketing, curatorial and development promotional material
• Develop original content for key AGA documents such as the Annual Report, media releases, and sponsorship packages.
• Assist in developing and editing intranet and internet content
• Ensure AGA messaging is consistent in traditional advertising and social media applications
• Review and edit communications strategies and recommend changes as appropriate
• Create and write communications messages, speeches,  presentations for the Executive Director and other senior AGA officials
• Conduct fact-finding interviews with artists, curators, donors and sponsors
• Prepare content direction documents for staff and content contributors
• Ensure consistent implementation of AGA style guide
• Carry out regular audits to update and maintain high communication standard
• Coordinate, supervise and review contracted writing services

About the AGA: Connecting people, art and ideas…

As a centre of excellence for the visual arts in Western Canada, the Art Gallery of Alberta offers engaging exhibitions, innovative and original educational programs, thought-provoking lectures, artist talks and Gallery tours, and unique special events like Holly Ball, Art on the Block, and Refinery.  At the AGA, visitors enjoy original exhibitions of contemporary and historical art from Alberta, Canada and around the world.  Exhibition themes are incorporated into programs and events to create a uniquely AGA experience.  The Art Gallery of Alberta is a not-for-profit organization that relies on the support of its Members, donors, sponsors and government.

This is a full-time permanent position. A competitive compensation package, including extended health benefits, is offered.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@youraga.ca by February 21, 2012. No phone calls please. Only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Part-Time

Reports to: Guest Services Manager
Must be available daytime, evenings, and weekends

Summary

Gallery Attendants staff exhibition spaces in order to ensure the safety of art works, and to communicate and engage with the public about the work on display.

Scope

Working within a collegial frame of reference in an empowerment-based model, Gallery Attendants are responsible for:

• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with Gallery staff, Board members, committees, volunteers, program participants and the general public
• Maintaining professional museum standards and ethics by working within the Ethical Guidelines outlined by the Canadian Museums Association (please see attached)

Responsibilities

Security Related

• Monitoring the exhibition space for the purposes of art protection
• Communicating with the public concerning minor infractions, but forwarding more serious issues to the nearest security guard

Interpretive Related
Keeping in mind the art protection responsibilities above, the Gallery Attendant will be responsible for communicating and engaging with the public about the exhibitions and art on display. Their interpretive responsibilities will also include:

• Participating in evening exhibition training workshops
• Completing exhibition readings and exercises as assigned
• Answering the public’s questions about the works on display
• Engaging the public in conversation about exhibitions and the key messages put forward by the exhibition
• Monitoring and assisting in-gallery activities as required
• Maintaining all in-gallery interpretive materials
• Completing assessments/surveys of visitor behaviour in the exhibition space

Performance relative to stated objectives will be based on feedback from both the Guest Services Manager and the Interpretive Programs Manager. Gallery Attendants must meet expectations for art protection and general customer service in addition to demonstrating a solid understanding of interpretive content and the ability to communicate this understanding to Gallery visitors in order to be successful in this position.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of post-secondary education in fine arts, art history or related subject matter
• Comfortable in a public speaking role, personable
• Basic physical fitness; this position may require that one stand or sit for a period of four hours
• The ability to work under general direction and in a team environment

Deadline

Sunday, February 12, 2012
Please submit cover letter and resume by mail or e-mail to: info@youraga.ca.
Please quote “GA Position” in your application.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Resumes may be held for consideration of future positions.

Art Gallery of Alberta
2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2C1