Backwater Artists Group is a leading arts organisation and a thriving arts community, with a large membership base of 100+ visual artists. The organisation was established in 1990 by artists for artists and has maintained a strong artist-first ethos ever since. Our mission is to support and advocate for visual artists, allowing them to thrive and to foster a deep appreciation and enthusiasm for the visual arts within the community.We provide high quality studios and access to facilities for professional visual artists at all stages of their careers. In addition to this, we facilitate a high level of professional development opportunities, mentorship, exhibition opportunities, promotion, guidance and advice, for our members, which support them in creating sustainable practices and careers. In 2020, we established Backwater Artists Network which enabled us to offer these supports and opportunities to a wider network of artists, working outside of the complex. Through this initiative we have developed an engaged peer learning environment within the organisation, where artists are encouraged to connect, learn and share together.Our Studio 12 exhibition space, provides an essential platform for showcasing contemporary art in Cork, and enables us to showcase our members work and engage with audiences in an impactful way.Role DescriptionThe Communications & Development Support Manager role is a combined role which will focus on two key aspects of the organisation's work. The successful candidate will oversee marketing and communications both internally and externally. This aspect of the role is essential to raise the organisations profile, through the promotion of Backwater Artists Group's work, boosting our online presence and growing audiences across our social media platforms and website and onsite to our events and exhibitions. The Communications & Development Support Manager will also oversee and manage the Backwater Artists Network and the organisation's Development Support Programme. They will work closely with the Studio Director to schedule and deliver a programme of activities and development opportunities and supports for members. The role will involve liaising and engaging with our large membership base, on a regular basis.Duties & Responsibilities Marketing & Social Media (1.5 days)• Develop social media and marketing strategies to promote the work of our organisation, our programmes, our exhibitions, our events, our fundraising initiatives and our members.• Develop strategies to drive online traffic to the website to increase engagement and potential sales and to increase public engagement at our events and exhibitions.• Liaise with artists and team members, to gather and create engaging promotional content and images.• Set up and maintain a calendar for consistent and frequent digital postings across our platforms.• Maintain updated content on relevant external online listings with key information about studio events, activities and fundraising initiatives.• Write and circulate press releases for our exhibitions and events (8 – 10 exhibitions per year).• Internal communications with members.Development Support Programme (1.5 Days)• Liaise with the Studio Director to oversee and manage Backwater Artists Network co-ordination and development.• Development Support programme delivery: schedule and facilitate a programme of supports for members including regular meetings, artists presentations, talks, workshops, curator visits and social events.• Develop and maintain professional relationship with members.• Promote and grow our network membership base. • Identify and initiate new programmes and models of support, as the role develops. Other • Attend meetings as required to ensure effective delivery of the above services.• Generate reports in relation to the above services when needed.• Any other tasks as may be required including attending meetings on the organisations behalf.Required Education, Skills and Qualifications• At least 2 years' experience in a similar position.• A relevant third level qualification.• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.• Experience in Digital Marketing & Social Media content creation.• A general knowledge of GDPR and data protection laws• An excellent knowledge of national and international arts practice.• An in depth knowledge of artists needs and supports needed in the development of their practices and careers.• Excellent IT skills with experience in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, adobe packages, social media channels, video and image editing.• Excellent organisation, administration, and time management skills to manage multiple projects, with an ability to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy.• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Bonus Requirements• Workshop facilitation skills• Experience in dealing with pressTo apply: Please send a cover letter with statement of interest and suitability for the role and your CV (max 3 pages) outlining career history, experience and qualifications, two referees (to be contacted if offered the role) combined into a single pdf document to Studio Director by 12 November 2025, 5pm.Salary: €19 per hour Hours: 3 days per week (21 Hours).Some evening & weekend work will be required for network activities.Place of work: Backwater Artists Group, Wandesford Quay, Cork, T12E26DAppointment: This post is subject to a satisfactory 6 month probationary period.Timeline: Deadline for applications: 12 November 2025, 5pmInterviews: 17 November 2025Start Date: 1 December 2025Backwater Artists Group is an equal opportunities employer. Should you have any questions or require support in making your application please contact