Communications Manager

Gasworks is a leading non-profit arts organisation based in south London. Working at the intersection of UK and international contemporary art, we have supported more than 600 artists from over 80 countries since our founding in 1994. We commission and produce exhibitions by emerging and underrepresented artists, and host residencies that enable artists from all over the world to research and develop new work. We also provide subsidised studios for London-based artists and co-design participation projects for local children, young people and families together with community partners. Above all, Gasworks is a home for artists. We are committed to building long-term relationships with all the artists we work with. Thanks to our award-winning history, we have developed an unparalleled reputation for cultivating new artistic talent.

Our Vision To support creative development and cultural exchange for artists from all places and backgrounds.

Our Mission We support UK-based and international artists through exhibitions and commissions, residencies and events, subsidised studios and co-designed participation projects. These free programmes and opportunities benefit artists, audiences and our local community.

Our Values

• Community: We are a diverse, inclusive and equitable home for artists, where people are encouraged to be and express themselves freely.
• Cultural exchange: We enable cultural exchange between local and international artists, audiences and communities.
• Artist development: We support artists to develop, take risks and thrive, offering critical guidance and responding to their changing needs.
• Innovation: We commission, produce and present innovative artwork and events by emerging and underrepresented artists from all backgrounds.
• Sustainability: We are a resilient organisation working towards a more sustainable future, both financially and environmentally.

The Team Gasworks operates with a core team of eleven members, supported by an additional five Front of House team members. As a small team, we prioritise collaborative efforts to advance the organisation’s ambitions and objectives. The Communications Manager will report directly to the Deputy Director and work collaboratively with colleagues across exhibitions, residencies, participation, and development. This role is pivotal in ensuring that our programme, values, and vision are effectively communicated to our wide-ranging audiences in the UK and internationally.

The Role

Gasworks is seeking a creative, proactive and highly organised Communications Manager to manage our communications activity and further enhance our local, national and international profile. We are looking for someone who can develop and deliver our audience development plan to support our artistic programme and maximise revenue. You will manage all our digital channels effectively, including our website, e-communications and social media, ensuring that Gasworks’ ethos and values are clearly reflected in all our external communications. Your enthusiasm for data and analytics will help us grow and track audience engagement and communicate our impact. You will ensure the timely delivery of promotion and interpretation materials, including signage, on our website and throughout our building. You will also manage Gasworks’ Front of House team to ensure a welcoming visitor experience for all. The successful candidate will be diligent, methodical and able to work to deadlines, with excellent writing and editorial skills. Previous experience in a similar role is essential, ideally with a particular focus on digital communications.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Strategy and Planning: Lead the implementation of Gasworks’ communications and digital strategies and campaigns ensuring they align with the organisation’s strategic aims. Develop Gasworks’ audience development plan to ensure we continue to engage a broad range of audiences and stakeholders. Work with Gasworks’ team members to plan and manage campaigns to promote exhibitions, residencies, studios, development activities and participation programmes to existing and new audiences. Collaborate with the Curator on communications strategies and press outreach for artistic programmes. Collaborate with the Participation Coordinator to develop targeted outreach activity specifically for local communities and groups. Research media trends, digital platforms, and best practice to inform strategic planning. Build effective relationships across the organisation to ensure cohesive messaging.
• Management and Coordination: Manage the communications budget, authorising and monitoring expenditure. Oversee the recruitment, training, and support of Front of House staff, ensuring excellent visitor experience. Allocate shifts to Front of House team and ensure the gallery is adequately staffed during opening hours and events. Oversee Front of House task list, ensuring they are aware of their general responsibilities and can carry out any additional tasks as required. Maintain good relationships with external printers, photographers and designers to ensure all content is delivered on time and within budget.
• Marketing and Brand Oversight: Proactively manage and develop Gasworks’ brand and brand strategy. Write, edit, and manage the production of marketing materials, including e-newsletters, signage, posters, and advertising. Maintain Gasworks’ brand identity and house style across all channels. Identify and build promotional partnerships to reach new audiences and maximise visibility. Oversee the marketing schedule for all activities, including exhibitions, residencies, studios, participation projects, and development initiatives.
• Digital Communications: Manage and update Gasworks’ website, social media, and newsletters, regularly creating content that is engaging, accurate, and accessible. Maintain, develop and grow the e-newsletter database. Oversee the production of artist videos and live event recordings, working with freelance videographers. Ensure all digital content complies with accessibility standards, including subtitles and translations where relevant. Collaborate with our freelance Website Developer to maintain and improve the functionality of Gasworks’ website.
• Audience Data and Reporting: Use audience insights and analytics tools to evaluate engagement and inform strategies. Design and distribute audience surveys to gather feedback and track trends. Contribute to quarterly trustee reports and annual Arts Council England reporting.
• Press and Public Relations: Handle media enquiries, organise press events, and manage relationships with local, national, and international media. Work closely with the Director and Curator to write and distribute press releases for exhibitions and key campaigns. Support external PR agencies when required. Maintain and develop the organisation’s press contacts. Maximise positive editorial news, preview and review coverage of Gasworks’ artistic programme and alumni. Proactively identify and mitigate communications and reputational risks.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to data protection, copyright, and licensing regulations.
• General: Ensure all Front of House areas are always presentable and welcoming. Adhere to Gasworks policies including Equal Opportunities, Code of Conduct and Health and Safety. Contribute to and participate in a collaborative working environment, including weekly team meetings.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will possess the following:

• Essential: Relevant experience in a marketing or communications role. Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including editing and proofreading. Experience of managing web and digital content, working with Content Management Systems and social media platforms. Track record of producing high quality digital content. Understanding of brand strategy and experience of maintaining and implementing brand identity. Strong attention to detail. Experience of writing for different audiences. Good technical skills including working with Adobe Creative Suite. Ability to multi-task, delegate and prioritise within a busy working environment. Confident working independently but also as part of a small team.
• Desirable: Experience of working in a visual arts organisation. Experience of managing staff. Familiarity with Arts Council reporting, Illuminate and Culture Counts. Further technical skills including sound and video editing. Interest in contemporary art practice, and curatorial practices, with a strong interest in international artists and debates. Experience of managing press relations.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Gasworks is committed to equal opportunities. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse workforce. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse candidates, and disabled candidates, who are currently under-represented in employment within the visual arts. Gasworks is fully accessible and compliant with the Equality Act 2010. We are a Disability Confident committed employer and guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. By ‘minimum criteria’ we mean that the individual must provide us with evidence in their application form, which demonstrates that they meet the qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential in the Person Specification. The selection process will include a written cover letter and a panel interview. If you require any different arrangements at any stage of the selection process, please contact Rosa Harvest on rosaharvest@gasworks.org.uk.

Benefits

• Training and mentoring opportunities.
• 25 days of annual leave pro rata, plus UK public holidays.
• Employer pension contribution of 5% of eligible salary.
• Use of the Gallery’s ICOM membership card, providing free entry to a range of arts organisations across the UK and internationally.

Deadline for applications: Monday 10th February, 10am Interviews will be held during the week commencing: Monday 17th February. To Apply: Send a CV and Cover Letter outlining your relevant experience to rosaharvest@gasworks.org.uk. Together these must be no longer than two sides of A4 and sent as a single PDF. Please also complete an anonymous Diversity Monitoring Form and confirm you have completed this in your email.