Director - Marketing and Communications

Employment Type: Full time, Permanent

Location: Granville Island

About Arts Umbrella

 Arts Umbrella is where young artists ages 2–22 cultivate their creativity in Art, Design, Dance, Theatre, Music, and Film. As a non-profit organization for arts education, we believe that art is powerful. Powerful enough to change a child’s life in incredible ways. When young people connect with the arts, they gain self-confidence, develop self-discipline, and discover creative expression—qualities they carry with them for life. Arts Umbrella has two locations in Vancouver and Surrey, as well as donor-funded programs at schools, community centres, neighbourhood houses, and healthcare facilities across Metro Vancouver. We serve nearly 20,000 young people every year, with 77% participating in donor-funded programs.

In April 2021, Arts Umbrella moved into a new home on Granville Island. This transformational opportunity allows us to further our vision for a better world where all young lives are inspired to pursue a lifelong journey towards self-expression, compassion, and humanity. It is our mission to be a leader in arts education for young people; to build community and deliver profound life experiences through our commitment to innovation, excellence, and inclusivity. Arts Umbrella is an organization full of heart, where self-expression and creativity are valued and nurtured.

Diversity & Inclusion

Arts Umbrella is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion. Our commitment is reflected in our programming, the audience we engage with, the students we serve as well as the staff we employ. Diversity and inclusion in our organization means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and respected. We actively seek applications from Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with knowledge in diversity and inclusion to help us strengthen our commitment.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director, Marketing and Communications leads Arts Umbrella’s marketing, communications, brand, digital presence, and audience engagement.

This role plays a critical part in strengthening Arts Umbrella’s visibility, growing enrolment, expanding digital reach, and elevating the organization’s public profile. The Director will build and lead a modern, data-informed marketing function that supports programs, fundraising, and community impact.

In this role you will

Strategic marketing and leadership

• Develop and execute an integrated marketing and communications strategy aligned with organizational priorities, enrolment goals, and fundraising initiatives


• Establish clear goals, key performance indicators, and reporting practices


• Use data, audience insights, and campaign performance to guide decisions and improve outcomes


• Advise senior leadership on brand positioning, audience growth, and communications strategy

Enrolment marketing and audience growth

• Spearhead marketing strategies that support student recruitment, registration, retention, and program awareness


• Partner with program teams to promote classes, camps, performances, and exhibitions


• Develop targeted campaigns for families, students, alumni, donors, and community audiences


• Track performance across the enrolment funnel, from awareness to conversion


• Identify opportunities to improve the prospective student and family experience

Digital marketing and social media

• Oversee digital marketing across website, email, social media, and paid campaigns


• Grow and engage Arts Umbrella’s social media presence through compelling, platform-specific content


• Monitor performance metrics including engagement, traffic, conversion rates, and campaign return


• Continuously test, refine, and improve digital campaigns using analytics

Brand, storytelling and content

• Protect and evolve the Arts Umbrella brand across all communications channels


• Lead storytelling that highlights student achievement, alumni impact, and community value


• Oversee the creation of high-quality written, visual, and video content


• Ensure consistency in messaging, voice, and visual identity

Programs, events and fund development

• Support marketing for programs, performances, exhibitions, events, and community initiatives


• Partner with Fund Development on donor communications, campaigns, and stewardship materials


• Support public affairs and government relations messaging


• Ensure campaigns and events are well-coordinated, timely, and measurable

Media relations and public profile

• Manage media relations, press materials, and external communications


• Identify opportunities to increase visibility through media, partnerships, and storytelling


• Support internal and external communications, including sensitive or high-profile matters

Team leadership, operations and reporting

• Lead, coach, and develop the Marketing and Communications team


• Develop and manage the departmental budget


• Oversee external vendors and partners, including agencies and creative suppliers


• Establish reporting on marketing performance and key metrics


• Build systems and processes to support effective planning, execution, and accountability

 Here is what you bring

• 7+ years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, or digital strategy


• 3+ years of leadership experience managing a team or function


• A degree in marketing, communications, or a related field


• Experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies


• Proven success growing social media presence and digital engagement


• Strong understanding of audience segmentation, campaign planning, and conversion tracking


• Experience using data and analytics to evaluate performance and improve results


• Excellent writing, storytelling, and communication skills


• Strong project management and organizational skills


• Experience managing budgets, vendors, and external partners


• Ability to collaborate effectively with senior leaders and cross-functional teams

Nice to have

• Experience in arts, culture, education, or non-profit organizations


• Experience supporting fundraising, events, or donor communications


• Familiarity with CRM systems, marketing automation tools, and analytics platforms

Note to Applicants

We kindly ask that applicants do not call or visit our office in person to enquire about the status of their application. Due to the volume of applications, we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.