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Apply: Cultural Content Writer

The Cultural Content Writer will pitch collaborative and creative writing ideas, produce well-researched articles, and showcase the role of the arts in building inclusive communities.

Contract Dates: May 12, 2025 to August 29, 2025
Compensation: $17.50 per hour (30-40 hours per week, TBD at time of offer)
Additional Details: Virtual or hybrid position (ability to work remotely, as well as access to Toronto office for team collaboration)
Application Deadline: Monday, March 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET

Artist Credit: TJ Henhawk, Jeannette Ladd, Shawn Howe, Trey Robinson
Photo Credit: Anushay Sheikh

Who is STEPS Public Art

STEPS Public Art is a Canadian charity and social enterprise. We offer services in public art management, hoarding exhibits, cultural planning, and artist capacity building. We run charitable programs that support artists and foster vibrant and inclusive communities. Our main office is based in the Ancestral Wendat territory and the shared territory of the Anishinaabeg and the Haudenosaunee, covered by The Dish With One Spoon treaty, and later, Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. STEPS is committed to cultivating safe spaces for Indigenous voices to be heard.

We’re committed to providing you with:

  • Skill Development: We identify development goals and experiences to advance your professional development
  • Training: We frequently host training sessions on topics related to equity, inclusion, accessibility, site safety, first aid, etc.
  • Mentorship: An opportunity to match and meet regularly with a staff member 
  • Networking: Opportunities to participate in networking activities to forge new professional relationships
  • Feedback: Time to provide feedback between you and your supervisor regarding performance and focus areas for development
  • References for future employment or other opportunities
  • Remuneration for required training fees, travel, etc.

 

The Cultural Content Writer Role

As part of the Communications Team, the Cultural Content Writer will produce well-researched articles, interviews, and other written content relevant to STEPS sectors and stakeholders. Their research and work will contribute to STEPS’ Fieldnotes blog series that extends the organization’s reputation as a knowledge resource and thought leader in public art. Past topics include Sustainability Practices in Public Art, Indigenous Placemaking in Public Libraries and Ways Public Art Revitalizes Space.

The Cultural Content Writer will have the opportunity to pitch collaborative and creative ideas, work independently with the team’s support, and showcase the role of the arts in building inclusive communities. Their work will amplify the voices of equity-deserving artists and communities, and highlight the social, cultural, and economic impact of public art and placemaking.

This opportunity is funded by Canada Summer Jobs, and candidates who meet the criteria outlined by the funder will be prioritized. Please read the job description and eligibility criteria in full.

Job Responsibilities

  • Storytelling and Research: Dive deep into researching and writing captivating articles that resonate with our diverse stakeholders; from public art to placemaking and community engagement, your words will be our voice!
  • Dive into SEO: Use your SEO skills to craft content that shows up in search results, as well as keyword research and copywriting strategies to boose our online visibility.
  • Pitch and Schedule: Manage the content calendar, pitch exciting topics, and showcase your ability to manage deadlines
  • Behind the Scenes Research: Attend panel discussions, conferences, workshops, and events that support your research and article development
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach: Show off your understanding of our mission and values through your writing; engage with external stakeholders confidently to arrange interviews and meetings, build relationships, develop impactful articles, and promote your work
  • Curate the Content: Collect photos, videos, interviews, and testimonials to enrich your articles
  • Continuous Feedback: Collaborate with the team and stakeholders to refine and perfect your content, ensuring it’s not only top-notch but also ethically sound
  • Showcase Industry Best Practices: Set the bar high; showcase your knowledge of industry best practices in journalism and writing to produce original articles that stand out

Required Skills

  • Education: Currently pursuing or holding a degree related to Journalism, English, Professional Writing, Creative Writing, Media, or related discipline and/or experiences
  • Culture Vulture: Knowledge of or keen interest in topics like public art, placemaking, cultural planning, Canadian arts and culture, and urban planning
  • Writing Wizardry: Experience in crafting both long and short-form content; show us your portfolio of examples or sample work that showcases your writing abilities
  • SEO Skills: Knowledge of SEO strategies, keyword research, and digital marketing; if you know how to make content shine online, you’re our hero!
  • Interview Instincts: Ability to conduct interviews with curiosity and cross-cultural sensitivity; if you’re a natural at getting the scoop, we want you on our team!
  • Communication Champion: Clear and confident communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Detailed Self-Starter: Self-motivated to work independently on multiple projects with strong attention to detail and time management skills
  • Tech Whiz: Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom, and digital tools; experience with audio, video or production platforms (e.g. Adobe Audition, Adobe Premiere Pro) is also a plus
  • French Fluency: Working proficiency in French is a strong asset

Eligibility

This position is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program. Preference will be given to candidates who meet the following criteria established by the funder:

  • Are no more than 30 years of age during the contract period (born AFTER September 1, 1995)
  • Are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
  • Have a valid Social Insurance Number

STEPS encourages applications from all qualified candidates legally able to work in Canada that represent the full diversity of communities, including complexities of intersecting identities such as ability, age, class, gender, race, and sexual orientation. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from equity-deserving communities, including those who identify as: Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), Black, person of colour, newcomer, Disabled, and/or LGBTQQIP2SAA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit, asexual, allies, along with additional sexual orientations and gender identities).

Application process

We invite qualified applicants to apply through the Google Form by Monday, March 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET. As part of the submission, please be prepared to upload a single PDF that includes:

  • A resume and cover letter
  • 2-3 writing samples

Candidates who need additional support applying for this position are encouraged to contact Grace Lai (Communications Manager) at grace@stepspublicart.org by Monday, March 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET to accommodate your needs appropriately and discuss alternate formats for submitting your application.

Thank you for your interest in this position. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview via video-conferencing.

Apply