Canada Summer Jobs – Communications Specialist 

Job Description

The Communications Specialist supports public-facing communication and in-person engagement during the summer season at Eltuek Arts Centre. The role helps residents, newcomers, youth, and visitors find their way to events, exhibitions, and programs across Eltuek and the New Dawn Centre, and animates the building during public hours through tours, welcoming, and direct conversation with the public. 

The Communications Specialist works alongside Eltuek staff, artists, tenants, and partner organizations to translate what is happening across the building into accessible, current public communications, both online and in person. 

Primary Areas of Responsibility

Public Engagement; Communications and Marketing; Visitor Hosting and Tours; Storytelling and Documentation; Cross-Team Coordination 

Duties

• Lead and co-lead building tours, gallery tours, and public art tours for visitors, residents, school groups, and tourists during the summer season 

• Develop a working knowledge of current exhibitions, artist practices, tenant studios, and the history of the building in order to speak about Eltuek’s work knowledgeably and engagingly with a range of public audiences 

• Welcome and engage walk-in visitors during public hours, responding to questions about exhibitions, artists, programs, and partner organizations in the building 

• Support public-facing programming that connects Eltuek to downtown Sydney, including outdoor and walking tours where applicable 

• Support clear signage, online information, and wayfinding for summer visitors, including tourists arriving in downtown Sydney during the busy season 

• Draft and schedule social media posts, newsletters, website updates, and promotional materials for Eltuek’s summer programming, including activities connected to New Dawn’s fiftieth anniversary 

• Write and update public-facing content about exhibitions, community events, workshops, and public programs taking place at Eltuek and across New Dawn divisions 

• Prepare posters, web graphics, social media assets, and print materials for exhibitions, artist programming, and community events that draw residents and visitors into the building 

• Contribute social media content that reflects Eltuek’s role as a home for small creative enterprises, community groups, artists, and partner organizations 

• Collect stories, photos, and short videos that document the work of local artists, small enterprises, and community groups connected to Eltuek and New Dawn 

• Document events, gatherings, and summer activities through photography, short video, and written summaries to support communications, reporting, and the New Dawn archive 

• Maintain accurate event listings, hours, and program details across web platforms and shared calendars 

• Coordinate with Cafe Marie, Eltuek staff, and other New Dawn teams to keep program updates, schedules, and exhibition information moving across the organization 

• Use shared drives, calendars, email, social media platforms, and basic photo and video editing tools to plan, produce, and organize content 

• Follow privacy guidelines and communication protocols when working with photos, stories, and community documentation 

• Participate in team meetings and contribute observations that improve clarity, consistency, and accessibility across communications 

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in internal team meetings and committees as required 

• Look for potential improvements and help implement solutions 

• Maintain quality, safety, and the confidentiality of employees, clients, and volunteers 

• Maintain professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity to portray New Dawn in a positive manner, consistent with its values and vision 

• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, engaging in professional networks, and participating in professional organizations 

• Respond to the needs of others with effective communication, mutual respect, and consistent follow through to build trust and workplace relationships 

• Promote the mission and values of New Dawn both internally and externally 

• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Eltuek Arts Centre 

Core Competencies

• Communication 

• Client and community focus 

• Initiative and problem solving 

• Teamwork and collaboration 

• Adaptability 

• Detail orientation 

• Accountability and dependability 

• Ethics and integrity 

Qualifications

• Eligible under the Canada Summer Jobs program: between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment; Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person granted refugee protection under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and legally entitled to work in Canada 

• Interest in arts, culture, communications, and community engagement 

• Comfort speaking with the public and leading short tours 

• Familiarity with social media platforms used for public communication 

• Basic skill or interest in photography and short-form video, with a willingness to learn 

• Strong written and verbal communication 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

• Reliable, organized, and attentive to detail 

• Comfortable using shared drives, calendars, and email 

Work Conditions

• Some evening and weekend work during events and exhibitions 

• Time spent on the floor with the public, including standing and walking through the building 

• Manual dexterity required to use a desktop computer and peripherals 

• Environment can be busy and animated, particularly during exhibitions and events 

• Interacts regularly with staff, artists, tenants, and the public 

NOTE: The Government of Canada funded this job through the Canada Summer Jobs program.  Learn more about the program.

Canada Summer Jobs #5415135

To apply for this job, you must:

• Be aged between 15 and 30 years old on the start date of the job;
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN); and
• Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person who has been granted refugee status in Canada.

International students and other temporary residents of Canada are not eligible.