The Hannah Playhouse is looking for an experienced communications and marketing freelancer who is enthusiastic about the performing arts to boost visibility of the work of the Hannah Playhouse both to the sector and the public.
The Hannah Playhouse is looking to recruit for a fixed term contract an experienced communications and marketing freelancer who is enthusiastic about the performing arts. The Hannah Playhouse is a performance art venue in the heart of Wellington’s theatre district, designed to run as a home for the development of professional performing arts works and practice of our mid to senior career practitioners. This Communications Coordinator contract is designed to provide visibility of the work of the Hannah Playhouse both to the sector and the public.
This role is a fixed contract equivalent to a .5 full time equivalent, until the end of June 2025, suitable for pairing with independent practice. You will have an in-depth understanding of the Arts sector and networks in Pōneke and Aotearoa. We are looking for someone who fosters robust and trusted relationships in the community and with the press.
Working with the General Manager you will be part of expansion of activity at the Hannah through the championing of events, public activations, initiatives, that deliver to the kaupapa of the Hannah Playhouse as both a performance laboratory and public-facing venue.
You must also be someone with initiative, creative thinking skills, and sharp administrative acumen to craft and kickstart a communications strategy with impact across platforms. Experience working in the performing arts is valuable, alongside work in publicity and/or marketing.
While initially contracted till the end of June 2025, there is the potential for extension to this contract beyond to deliver the outcomes needed.
ACTIVITIES
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications Strategy
Create a written comms strategy that outlines key activities and deadlines for Hannah communications alongside goals for engagement with the performing arts sector, press, and potential audiences.
Tell the story of the Hannah and its value to Wellington and our performing arts sector.
Include social media strategy for the Hannah to grow our online audiences and impact.
Outline guidelines for the Hannah voice, in line with new branding and kaupapa.
Hannah Rebrand
Advise on the current Hannah rebrand – graphic design, messaging, and associated collateral.
Build and execute a marketing plan for launch of rebrand.
Maintain brand integrity across online, physical, and community platforms.
Content Creation & Social Media
Keep social media communications active, engaging, and up to date.
Raise the overall profiles of our theatre, kaupapa, and achievements through content that is relevant, engaging, and accessible.
Showcase resident artists at the Hannah through the strategic sharing of their own content.
Respond to questions and comments on the Hannah social media channels.
Ensure all social media activity is consistent with the overall comms strategy and that it enhances the Hannah’s positive profile and reputation.
Keep up to date on new social media ideas and explore other communication and marketing channels.
Website, EDM &
Online
Layout the Hannah website pages so that they are informative, easy to read and describe accurately the facilities, services, and events.
Work on increasing the traffic to the Hannah website.
Revive and maintain a database of audience and practitioners to receive regular e-newsletters.
Craft an e-newsletter format that communicates what is happening at the Hannah.
Coordinate innovative and cost-effective solutions to promote programmes, events, and the Arts community in Wellington.
Publicity
Write and distribute press releases on the work and vision of the Hannah and on other work as instructed.
Maintain and grow relationships with local and national media.
Understand the needs of journalists and editors, and pitch stories appropriately.
Artist Support
Champion the work of resident artists by providing support and advice on marketing and communication strategy.
Connect artists with networks and/or Council resources that may support the success of their practice.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Demonstrate commitment and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles: partnership, participation, and protection.
Establish and maintain effective professional relationships focused on the wellbeing of our staff and ultimately our community by demonstrating commitment to ongoing professional learning and development of personal practice relating to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Continue to develop understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and continue to develop knowledge of Tikanga Māori and the appropriate usage and accurate pronunciation of Te Reo Māori.
Demonstrate commitment to bicultural partnership in Aotearoa, working effectively within the bicultural context.
Actively participate in the partnership relationship with Mana Whenua and Māori.
Health, Safety & Security
Take reasonable care that what you do or don’t do does not adversely affect the health, safety, or security of other people.
Take reasonable care of your own health, safety, security, and wellbeing.
Recognise when to escalate issues.
Ensure all health, safety and security incidents are reported.
Follow appropriate processes for health, safety and security at the Hannah.
Ensure health, safety and security is appropriately considered in all new designs, procurement, and processes.
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to the Hannah General Manager, Eleanor Strathern: eleanor.strathern@wcc.govt.nz
