NOW HIRING: Program Assistants (Part-Time Virtual Positions)
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 8, 2021, 11:59pm Pacific Time
Anticipated Start Date: Monday, August 9, 2021
Compensation: $19/hour

WHO IS STEPS?
STEPS is a charitable organization committed to fostering dynamic, inclusive and resilient communities through public art, community-engaged design and creative placemaking. Our programs range from artist capacity building workshops and youth mentorship programs to producing large-scale public art installations. 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 space for Indigenous voices to be heard. For more information visit: www.stepspublicart.org.

This is a virtual position, and we will be accepting applications from across the region we now call Canada. Our staff is currently working virtually from across four provinces.

This role is partially funded by Canada Summer Jobs, a federal program aimed at creating meaningful employment opportunities for young people. Preference will be given to candidates who meet the eligibility criteria established by the funder outlined below, with a special focus on those who identify as First Nations (status and non-status), Métis and/or Inuit.

THE ROLE:

We are seeking up to two (2) creative, energetic and organized team players with passion for forging new partnerships, amplifying the work of artists and engaging people in public art experiences through supporting our programs team through:

• Assisting in the development of community arts collaborations, which may include meeting with artists, community members, businesses or community serving agencies to understand their needs and contributing to discussions around the impact of public art in responding to those needs.
• Assisting to represent the organization at community engagement opportunities such as cultural events or meetings with external groups.
• Communicating with artists, the public and community stakeholders about programming to ensure it is widely promoted and engages participants from diverse backgrounds as well as geographies.
• Contributing to the organization’s efforts to strengthen relationships with artists and cultural organizations across Canada.
• Participating in the planning and execution of virtual events, such as artist talks, social media takeovers, workshops and organization/program information sessions.
• Supporting the programs and engagement team in developing, promoting and facilitating cultural programs, including the collection of audio-visual material and drafting of copy for inclusion in promotion materials.
• Collecting testimonials, impact metrics and lessons learned to enhance programming.
• Assisting in reports that describe the outcomes of proposed or completed community projects.
• Contributing to team meetings, including providing suggested agenda items.

STEPS RESPONSIBILITIES TO YOU:

We actively commit to providing a safe and respectful space to all staff, volunteers and collaborators, STEPS is responsible for:

• Responding to all inquiries and concerns related to application process and an update to applicants once the position has been filled
• Communicating in a clear and timely fashion
• Taking all necessary steps to ensure employee safety
• Identifying and embedding development opportunities within your role to further your growth
• Being open and actively listening to feedback and recommendations
• Working directly with team members to ensure accessibility needs are met
• Offering a hybrid work structure that includes work from office and home options

This is a part-time role, for 20 hours per week, August 2021 – February 2022. Schedule and working hours are flexible provided that project deadlines are met.

WHO YOU ARE: 

STEPS encourages applications from all qualified candidates that represent the full diversity of communities in Canada, including complexities of intersecting identities such as ability, class, gender, race and sexual orientation. This position is partially 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 contract period (born AFTER February 25, 1992)
• 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 at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
• Preference will be given to First Nations (status and non-status), Métis and Inuit

Our ideal candidate will be passionate about the role of the arts and artists in building vibrant, inclusive communities. You thrive on each day being different, presenting new opportunities and challenges.

We think it’s important you have:

• Familiarity with community arts, public art, street art and/or cultural planning approaches
• Education (including formal, informal and self-directed learning) or equivalent experience in visual arts, fine arts, arts management, curation, community planning, or related fields
• Excitement for bringing personal creativity and experimentation to a start-up environment
• Good judgment and discretion in relation to community and stakeholder relations
• Ability to work effectively within a team and independently
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Exceptional problem solving skills
• High attention to detail
• Proficiency in MS Office, Google Drive and video conferencing
• Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The deadline for this opportunity has passed. STEPS is no longer accepting applications for this role. We encourage you to follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for future opportunities.

Featured image from Under/Current by lead artist Mique Michelle
Photo Credit: May Shi