Media, Communications and Sponsorship Assistant

Position description: Media, Communications and Sponsorship Assistant 2019

Our vision – Making winter magic in Katoomba

Our mission – To engage the people of Katoomba and the Blue Mountains in a sustainable, vibrant, annual community winter solstice celebration of the arts and creativity centred on Katoomba Street.

Winter Magic is a not-for-profit festival that began 25 years ago and has become the signature event for Katoomba and the Blue Mountains. After the cancellation of the 2018 Winter Magic Festival, the Winter Magic Committee has resolved to relaunch the festival in 2019 with a reduced footprint and a renewed focus on community arts. On 22 June 2019, Katoomba Street will close and be converted into a performance space, with the surrounding open areas and laneways filled with music, installations and theatre. Roving performers will entertain people throughout the day and up to 110 stallholders will present locally made wares and food to an estimated minimum 20,000 attendees.

In 2019, for the first time, the Winter Magic Festival is funding 14 community organisations to develop and present arts and performance projects for Winter Magic. Projects include exhibitions, installations, dance and music performances, and will highlight the creativity of local children, Darug and Gundungurra people, mature adults and multicultural groups. A rich line up of musical performance and entertainers will also be presented, filling the street and Katoomba’s indoor and outdoor venues with sound and spectacle. The official festival programme concludes with fireworks and a concert on steps of The Carrington Hotel.

We are seeking a Media, Communications and Sponsorship Assistant to help the President of the Winter Magic Committee manage communications and sponsorship for the Winter Magic festival. This position will report to the President of the Winter Magic Committee and requires considerable liaison with the events and performance coordinators, as well as other coordinators. This position requires outstanding literacy, as well as graphic design, website management, and social media skills.

It is expected that the Media, Communications and Sponsorship Assistant will be available ASAP until July 2019.

This is a voluntary position and job share will be considered. This role will provide perfect experience for a communications, public relations, or design student, and provides a great opportunity to give back to the Blue Mountains’ premier community event.

Key responsibilities

Assist the President to develop a publicity strategy for the Winter Magic Festival
Maintain and update Winter Magic’s social media accounts (Twitter and Instagram), especially care for our 11,000 Facebook followers
Develop and maintain the Winter Magic website
Liaise with the Blue Mountains Gazette, Radio Blue Mountains, Haze Magazine and other agencies as directed
Liaise with sponsors as directed
Work with the events coordinator and other coordinators to collect publicity material and ensure key communications deadlines are met
Produce graphic design materials as required
Answer routine email inquiries for sponsorship and media
Uphold the vision and mission of the Winter Magic Festival, and work according to the Code of Ethics
Contribute to planning for the Festival beyond 2019.

Essential criteria

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Editing skills (and the willingness to be edited)
Experience or training in writing for media and using the active voice
Experience or training in working with sponsors
A high level of computer literacy, including mastery of social media and web sites
Graphic design skills
Willingness to take direction from the President and Winter Magic Committee
Available to work during the lead up to the Festival.

Desirable criteria