Communications Assistant

Established in 2021, Outer Spaces has grown to become one of Scotland’s leading artist development organisations. We support 1,000+ artists through studio infrastructure in ‘meanwhile’ spaces, and present a public programme profiling critically-engaged contemporary art from across our network. Our programme provides opportunities to artists, curators and collectives through production support, partnerships, studio-residencies, and awards. At the core of our visual arts programme is commissioning – enabling artists to make new work, take risks and the physical space to produce ambitious work.

About the Role

The Communications Assistant will join the Outer Spaces team at an exciting time, as the scale of our support for artists across Scotland continues to grow. Helping to shape and deliver the communications activity for the Outer Spaces public programme, professional development opportunities, partnerships and spaces infrastructure, the post-holder will play a crucial role in sharing stories from our artist network and celebrating the successes that grow from our support.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this new full-time role is to support the Communications Manager to deliver the Outer Spaces communications strategy. The successful candidate will assist with engaging target audiences with Outer Spaces’ work supporting artists development and building our reputation and profile across Scotland and beyond. Working across digital, social media and print, the Communications Assistant will work with the Communications Manager to grow engagement with our network and wider audiences, promoting all aspects of our artistic programme, including national and international exhibitions, commissions, residencies and awards. Working with the wider team they will support the development of communications with our studio network.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Communications Manager to ensure consistency of messaging, tone of voice and visual identity across all communications.
• Create and update content across website, social media channels (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Vimeo) and email marketing (Mailchimp).
• Monitor, evaluate and report on activity using data from Google Analytics, social media and email marketing analytics.
• Maintain regular communication with colleagues to share progress on key activities.

Programme

• Deliver integrated marketing activities, working across digital, print and press, to promote the Outer Spaces programme, opportunities and partnerships.
• Create digital assets in-house as required (including shooting and editing photographs and short-form videos).
• Develop and maintain a digital archive.

Artist Network & Spaces Infrastructure

• Liaise with the Outer Spaces team, contractors and partners to produce high quality digital content to promote new spaces and the wider spaces infrastructure.
• Support the team to gather artist’s feedback through surveys and other activities.
• Ensure all properties across the studio infrastructure have appropriate external and internal signage.
• Communicate with artists in the Outer Spaces network (developing communications to support artists throughout their time as part of the network).

Other Responsibilities

• Be prepared to travel and work in locations across Scotland as required.
• Carry out any other responsibilities that reasonably fall within the scope of the Communications Assistant role.

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience

• Practical experience in a marketing/communications role in a visual arts setting.
• Knowledge of the visual arts sector across Scotland.
• Proven experience of delivering social media activity, with an understanding of scheduling and engagement strategies.
• Excellent written communication skills, with good attention to detail and an ability to craft clear, concise and audience-appropriate content.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite and Mailchimp.
• Strong design, photography and videography skills.
• Understanding of brand development, including values, tone of voice, and visual identity.
• Experience of using tools such as Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite and Mailchimp to gather and present data for analysis.

Personal

• Confident and friendly approach to working, with the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and partners.
• Prepared to travel throughout Scotland when required.
• Ability to work flexibly, with occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work as part of a small team and take initiative.
• Ability to work under pressure, handle multiple projects and respond to changing priorities in workload.

Terms & Conditions

• Salary: £29,700 per annum
• Hours: Full time, 35 hours a week
• Holidays: 33 days including statutory holidays
• Contract: Permanent
• Reporting to: Communications Manager
• Location: All Scotland. Hybrid working, from home or one of our spaces with regular travel.