Who We Are:
Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers.
The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, design, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.
Why You Should Apply:
- Creative work environment
- Paid operational shutdown in December, with flexibility of days being used at alternative times during the year
- Group Insurance Benefits
- Employer matched RRSP
- Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health
- Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events
- Employee discounts on merchandise and event space
- Being a part of the magic of live theatre!
The Publicity Assistant supports media relations and publicity activities by coordinating media monitoring, maintaining databases, and assisting with the development and distribution of communications materials. This role prepares daily media scans, manages media lists, coordinates interviews and ticket requests, and drafts and edits content such as press releases, biographies, and web materials, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and a high standard of presentation.
Reporting to the Publicist (Media Manager), the Publicity Assistant works collaboratively with Marketing, Artistic, and Production teams, as well as external media partners, to support awareness and engagement with Festival programming. The role also contributes to the organization, tracking, and maintenance of media coverage and digital content, providing broad exposure to Festival-wide communications and production activity.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor, compile, and distribute daily media coverage and press clippings related to the Festival and broader theatre industry.
- Research, track, and maintain accurate media coverage databases, ensuring proper documentation and archival referencing.
- Maintain and update media contact lists and related databases to support effective media outreach.
- Coordinate media ticket requests and support media attendance at Festival events, including opening nights, photo calls, and selected rehearsals as required.
- Compile, edit, and proofread biographies for Festival staff and artists, ensuring consistency and a high standard of quality.
- Coordinate the collection and organization of artist and production headshots.
- Arrange and facilitate media interviews, acting as a liaison between media representatives and Festival personnel.
- Respond to media inquiries and provide accurate information regarding Festival programming and activities.
- Draft and edit press materials, including news releases and content for various publications, as required.
- Write and edit photo credits and alternative text for accessibility and publication standards.
- Create, update, and maintain digital content, including website materials, online image galleries, and press resources.
- Conduct research to support publicity initiatives and media engagement strategies.
- Ensure all work adheres to established standards for accuracy, timeliness, and brand consistency.
- Participate in cross-departmental coordination for publicity and communications initiatives across the Festival.
- Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures, and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within reporting structure.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- University undergraduate degree (four year program) or equivalent (i.e. BA, BSc, BComm, etc) in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 1 to 2 years of related experience, preferably within the arts, entertainment, or cultural sector.
- Strong written and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to draft clear, accurate, and engaging content (e.g., media materials, correspondence, briefing notes).
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a professional, service-oriented approach to working with internal stakeholders, artists, and external media contacts.
- Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with media monitoring tools and contact databases.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of events, media calls, or opening nights.
Behavioural Competencies:
- Communication: actively listen and effectively transmit and receive information
- Attention to Detail: meticulously review work and ensure accuracy and precision in all tasks.
- Organization skills: create structure and optimally use resources to achieve results and ensure productivity
- Time Management: efficiently allocate and use time to meet goals and deadlines, prioritize tasks as necessary.
This full-time posting is for an existing vacancy located in Stratford, Ontario. This position requires the candidate to work onsite, with remote available when required. Regular work hours for this position are Monday to Friday, but may require the candidate to work holiday and weekend hours as scheduled.
Job Type: Full-Time
Annual Salary: $40,900 - $48,000
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Shared Values:
- Inclusion: contribute to an environment where everyone is welcome, valued and respected; consistently demonstrate an open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity that promote and celebrate the diversity of perspectives.
- Innovation: put experience and knowledge into creative problem-solving and the continuous improvement of the organization.
- Rigor: show integrity in behaviour, attention to detail in work and commitment to excellence and professional evolution
- Caring: be empathetic, understanding and attentive to others
- Connection: establish and maintain trusting relationships that are respectful and constructive
Who Should Apply:
We welcome applicants of every identity, and encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Deaf, disabled and 2SLGBTQ+ folks. We are committed to accommodating people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and beyond. If you require accommodation (including, but not limited to, an accessible interview site, alternative format documents, ASL Interpreter or Assistive Technology) during the recruitment and selection process, please let our recruitment team know.
No candidate will meet every desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you!
If you would like to contribute your own remarkable talents to North America’s largest not-for-profit theatre, we’d like to hear from you.
