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Position:                  Public Engagement Specialist

Type:                        Full-time, 35 hours a week

Shift:                        Monday to Friday

Starting Date:          Immediately

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is a dynamic force serving Manitobans with excellent musical opportunities and experiences. The WSO produces more than 60 events and concerts per year. The WSO actively engaged in program development, education and outreach, major concert series, and the Winnipeg New Music Festival with the objective of delivering artistically excellent symphonic music. The WSO operates with a staff of approximately 60 musicians and 24 full-time and part-time administrative and production personnel. It is a non-profit organization with a Board of Directors.

POSITION – Reporting to the Senior Director of Public Engagement and working closely with both the Associate Directors of Development and Marketing & Communications, the Public Engagement Specialist is a member of the vibrant team charged with developing and implementing strategies to engage with the community, grow the WSO’s audiences, and achieve sales and fundraising targets. The portfolio focuses on strategy, creating content, engaging with donors and patrons, and providing communications support to the organization.

The Public Engagement Specialist supports core activities, including pre-engagement awareness, concerts and other artistic initiatives, fund development, and education and community programs.

The Public Engagement Specialist is well-versed in WSO priorities and activities, liaising with Public Engagement, Artistic Operations, Education & Community, Patron Services, and Senior Management.

The Public Engagement Specialist is an excellent writer and editor, knows the value of deadlines, has an eye for detail, and understands communications, fundraising, marketing and design principles. They are creative and possess a high degree of initiative, judgment and analytic ability. They are a strategic thinker and self-reliant team player.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Content Creation

– Plans and develops multi-channel communications campaigns to increase awareness, promote concerts, engage patrons, support fundraising efforts, and other communications initiatives

– Develops targeted content for distribution through various channels to various audiences, including email marketing, direct mail, blogs and articles, and social media

– Works closely with the Marketing Strategist and Communications Coordinator, who are charged with the implementation and analysis of communications initiatives

– Oversees the planning and development of the WSO organizational, fund development and marketing & communication assets including the Annual Report, Development’s Tempo Newsletter to donors, the patron-focused Prelude monthly e-newsletter, Development Appeals and Direct Mail initiatives promoting concerts and events

– Provides communications and copy writing support throughout the organization, maintaining and ensuring consistency and adherence to the WSO communications style guide, brand standards, and communications guidelines

– Participates in updating and leads the development of new copy for the websites

– Works with the Communications Coordinator to develop media releases

Information Management

– Participates in the development of tactics for the promotion of core activities, special events, and key announcements

– Participates in the development of responses related to sensitive issues

– Develops responses to patron and donor queries and comments, seeking input from appropriate colleagues

– Develops written content for events (speeches, host notes, soundbites, etc.)

– Acts as WSO media spokesperson when required

Planning, Research & Reporting

– Conducts research, analyzes best practices and trends, and develops plans to ensure the success of engagement undertakings and the long-term growth and stability of the WSO

– Contributes to marketing and communications strategies to optimize the WSO’s profile, attendance, and fundraising efforts

– Identifies WSO patron personas and engagement journeys from orchestrally curious to legacy giving

– Initiates and analyzes audience research and exit surveys, and generates reports of findings

– Identifies engagement KPIs and reports on activities, identifying successes and challenges and making recommendations for improvement

Marketing

– Provides support for fundraising initiatives and events

– Provides support to digital and email communications efforts

– Provides support for marketing efforts

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

As the successful candidate, you possess the following qualifications or an equivalent combination of education and related experience:

– Post-secondary degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or Arts Management and three-to-five years related experience

– Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

– Experience in a mid-size organization, having honed a wide range of skills

– In-depth knowledge and understanding of current and emerging communications and engagement tactics

– Results-driven and deadline-oriented, with solid planning and organizational skills

– Ability to respond quickly and creatively to issues as they arise

– Team player with the confidence to take the lead on projects and a willingness to assist colleagues

– Skillful knowledge of Microsoft Office and an understanding of email communications software, social media platforms, and website content management systems

– Knowledge of or experience with classical music, the arts community and/or not-for-profit sector would be an asset

– Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software and data segmentation would also be an asset

Additional Position Information: This position requires occasional evening and weekend work.

Salary: Commensurate with experience. WSO staff are eligible for a full benefits plan including matching RSP contribution program.

To APPLY: Please submit a cover letter along with a CV to careers@wso.mb.ca.  Initial intake of applications is Friday, December 12, 2025, however, this position will remain open until it is filled. 

If you require accommodation support during the recruitment process, please contact 204-949-3978.

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly supports and values diversity in the workplace. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome, and individuals from equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted