Guidelines. Research and Program Assistant. General Information

Transcription

1 Guidelines Research and Program Assistant General Information These positions will assist the Executive Director, staff, and volunteers with preparing the house and grounds for executing summer programs including heritage tours, summer youth programming, monthly music events, Arts Festivals, receptions, presentations, workshops. The successful candidates will act as liaison between artists, public and community, and assisting with marketing and fundraising objectives. The successful candidate will provide guidance and tours to visitors of the centre, demonstrating an understanding and enthusiasm for the history of the centre as well as current artists and programs. Candidates need to be fluent in English, have an interest in art, history and culture, and experience with gardening would be an asset. In addition, the Caetani Centre is currently working in conjunction with the Vernon & District Museum and Archives and other regional heritage facilities to fully develop the heritage component to the Caetani property, to explore the history of the Caetani family in Canada, including colonization and immigration to the area, and to present the collection of artifacts and art work donated by our benefactor Sveva Caetani, a long time, well-known artist, teacher, and mentor in the community. Therefor in interest in collections management and documentation, research, conservation and preservation, and museum/heritage administration and marketing is also a requirement of this position. Candidates should be fluent in English, and have an interest in the arts and heritage. Knowledge of an additional language is an asset, however it is not required. Good working knowledge of computer word processing, spreadsheet, database and design programs will be an asset. Project & Job Objectives The successful candidate will assist the Executive Director, staff and volunteers to implement the summer program of events, summer youth programming, managing house and grounds tours, summer music series, an Arts Festival, and participate in overall marketing and fundraising objectives from May through August and forward planning for fall/winter programs. The events encourage community participation and appreciation of the arts, as well as raise awareness about the historical significance of the Caetani property and give exposure to many talented local, regional, national and international artists, musicians and creative individuals. Funds raised from events go toward maintaining the 120+ year old heritage house, grounds, and to support year round programming for the benefit of all community sectors and age groups within the Greater Vernon community. The Research and Program Assistant will play a key role in the preparation, display and upkeep of the heritage property and will work closely with volunteers and staff in the marketing, promotion, implementation and past event assessment. This position will contribute to educating and informing the public of both

2 the historical value and artistic merits of the Caetani legacy that provides a community platform for local and regional artists, writers, musicians, and other creative individuals to demonstrate their talents. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work as part of a small team while gaining experience in marketing, PR and event organization, as well as collections management and documentation, research, conservation and preservation, and museum/heritage administration and marketing experience under the supervision of the executive director and staff. The position requires flexibility in hours, as weekends and some evenings are entailed. Measurable Outcomes The Caetani schedule of events is designed to provide cultural experience through access to heritage, the arts and education for all age groups and sectors of the community. The program includes ongoing receptions, presentations, workshops, an Arts Festival, summer music series, open studio art trails, general tours and a large annual community fundraising event. Each event is evaluated on its own merits and based on all or a portion of the following: Attendance and outreach to the Greater Vernon community and beyond (cultural tourism) Success of pre-event promotion Funds raised Number and range of artists, musicians, and performers/creative individuals who receive exposure from the events The press and publicity received will increase the positive profile of the Caetani Cultural Centre and Heritage property, fostering increased membership and volunteers. Events are promoted in advance through the Caetani website, extensive use of print and Social Media, radio advertising and local press and event listings. Event posters are produced and distributed throughout the region, and fliers promoting summer programs are distributed through Caetani members and community partners. The successful applicant will gain valuable research and administrative skills in both museum and cultural practices, use of computer office programs, and will be encouraged to develop creative and critical problem-solving skills that will be transferrable to any workplace, not only cultural venues. The successful applicant will need to demonstrate a strong ability to communicate effectively with people in order to encourage ongoing and lasting support for the Caetani Centre from local artists and the community. The successful candidate will be highly motivated and organized, show attention to detail in planning and executing tasks, manage their time effectively and be able to work on their own initiative. Description of Tasks Job Responsibilities

3 1. Liase with museum staff, Artists, musicians, writers and creative individuals, partnering organizations and governmental agencies, participating youths, volunteers, and donors/sponsors in the community 2. Assist the Executive Director and staff in developing and implementing all aspects of research, marketing, promotions, social media and fundraising 3. Assist with coordination and supervision of participating youths, visiting artists, etc. ensuring their safety and responsibility for completing various projects. 4. Assist with receptions, presentations, workshops, etc., and assist artists when necessary 5. Represent the Caetani Cultural Centre at public events held on the grounds and beyond. 6. Present weekly evaluation reports on work-plan and events. 7. Other duties as required. There may be some cross-over with the second position and students will be encouraged to work as a team. Workplan 1. Meet with the executive director and staff, artists and youths to coordinate a working plan for implementing the Caetani program schedule. 2. Develop a research and implementation strategy for further development of the heritage display component 3. Meet with stakeholder agencies within the community: partnering organizations, sponsors, donors, government agencies, etc. 4. Set up weekly meetings as needed between youths and artists, arrange transportation, maintain studio or work spaces 5. Update social media sites maintained by the centre. Work with the youths to facilitate their own sites. 6. Liaise with the media to promote programs and garner further community interest 7. Present summary report of tasks biweekly 8. Prepare individual reports, surveys or participants and artists, and present full summary of findings for the Caetani programs by the end of their employment term. 9. Take part and assist in all events and fundraising endeavours. 10. Assist wherever possible and time-permitting with the day-to-day operations of the facility and the programming Employability Skills to be gained (Marketable Skills) 1. The student will have the responsibility of assisting with the management and coordination of all Caetani programs 2. Experience with managing people and information, requiring strong communication and IT presentation skills. 3. Research and reporting skills.

4 4. Many of the tasks related to the position involve providing information to the public, press and professional artists of different disciplines. In doing so the candidate will need to be able to respond to questions, demonstrate pragmatism while dealing with diversity and will learn the importance of communicating effectively. 5. The Research and Program Assistant will work with a small group of individuals at the Caetani Cultural Centre, who each possess different skillsets and levels of experience. As the candidate experiences working as part of this small team, they will be encouraged to develop the ability to work on their own initiative, respect the efforts of others and be open to constructive suggestions for improvement. Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will be attending or planning to attend a post secondary educational institution. The work is full time (35 hours per week) with flexible hours as weekend and some evening work is required. Candidates should be team oriented, outgoing enthusiastic, and customer service driven. A current driving license is preferable. Good computer skills are essential, and a reasonable level of fitness for outdoor work is an advantage. Applications for the position should be sent to the Caetani Cultural Centre by Friday, May 1, The position will be posted on our website, advertised through our e- Newsletter, and registered with and advertised by Connection Community Futures and Hire Student/Service Canada and posted at Okanagan College, UBC Okanagan, and TRU, in addition to being advertised on the Young Canada Works website. With approval from YCW, an advertisement will run in the local Vernon newspaper The Morning Star, be advertised on the Caetani Cultural Centre website and at the Okanagan College, Vernon. All advertising will specify YCW eligibility. Applications received within the specified time line will be vetted for the essential criteria, and then preferred criteria. Candidates chosen for interview will be advised at least 48 hours prior to the interview date that should take place by May 11, The executive director and a Caetani Cultural Centre Society Board member will make up the interview panel and the candidate selected will be advised the following working day. All interview candidates will be required to bring a citizenship card or valid passport and their student ID card with them to the interview. The Caetani Cultural Centre will also cross-reference their details with the YCW candidate inventory to ensure their eligibility before offering the position. A contract of employment will then be drawn up for the duration of the work assignment. YCW Job Website Poster Research and Program Assistant Event Coordinating Assistant Caetani Cultural Centre $13 per hour The Caetani Centre is seeking to recruit a student through YCW for a summer placement as Program Interpretive Assistant from June 1 August 31, The

5 successful candidate will assist to coordinate and promote a program of heritage tours and special events and assist with property preparation and maintenance at the centre. Candidates should ideally be studying in the field of fine art, history, English, or drama. For a full description of tasks and work plan see our website at The successful candidate should have the following: Proof of Canadian Citizenship and Good computer skills Excellent written and oral skills Confidence in working with and presenting to the public Flexibility with working hours as weekend and some evening work is required Knowledge of computer programs, such as office suites and design programs would be an asset A current driving license would be an advantage. Please apply on-line at or with your CV to: Executive Director, Caetani Cultural Centre, 3401 Pleasant Valley Road. Vernon, BC V1T 4L4 by Friday, May 4, Apply on-line at applications will be accepted to ed@caetani.org. Orientation and Training The executive director and staff will provide orientation on the background information of the Caetani Centre, programs and events, member artists, family history and Society mandate. The successful candidate will be guided through office procedures, web communications tools, Centre policies and protocol and familiarized with computer programs. The Society board will outline plans for grounds development and instruction for summer planting. Weekly meetings with staff will provide instruction and work plan for the week ahead. Daily supervision and direction will be offered by staff, society directors and volunteers to assist the Program Interpretive Assistant with the overall project objectives and to measure progress, ensuring that the participant is developing the necessary skills to be effective in the role. The staff will ensure that the candidate gains experience in dealing with the press, retail and catering industries and professional visual and performing artists. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to experience, and understand the importance, of working in partnership with other organizations. Supervision: The student will shadow the staff while familiarizing themselves with the Centre and its mandate, and will learn how to plan and implement a promotional campaign. Staff will supervise grounds and event management and help the student to develop media and public relations skills. The volunteer grounds-keeper(s) will provide hands-on training to the student for the preparation of the grounds including planting and maintenance, and planning the layout of the garden for events. Weekly meetings with staff will assist the student to evaluate their work and help develop time management techniques. Working in conjunction with staff, the student will develop a presentation for group tours, based on information learned from the orientation process and using their own initiative, however the final

6 working of the presentation will be with the advice and supervision of the staff and board. The student will receive training for public speaking and leading tours. The student will receive an orientation regarding all aspects of health and safety pertaining to the Centre, the grounds, and its operations. The student will work closely with the regular staff and volunteers to ensure that all safety and health protocols are followed, and will receive a copy of the policies and procedures manual. Characteristics of City/Region: The Caetani Centre is located near downtown Vernon, BC at the northern end of the Okanagan Valley in BC, a popular destination for tourists and vacationers, with extensive winter and summer activities from skiing, to lake and wilderness activities, and includes an extensive wine growing/tourist region. Vernon is largely recognized as a sports and recreation oriented community but the local arts community is dynamic and gaining positive influence. Cultural & Heritage tourism has been a focus of development for the region for the past few years. The City of Vernon has a population of approx. 45,000 and there are approximately 85,000 people in the North Okanagan region.