Marketing Associate

Portland, OR

Job Title: Marketing Associate

Job Summary: Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Marketing Associate produces marketing materials (print and digital) to promote PICA programming and connect audiences with artists’ work. This role is responsible for creating engaging social media content, written communications (e.g. press releases and website content), and email newsletters. The Marketing Associate is a creative thinker, a self-starter, and a team player with very strong writing and editing skills. Our ideal candidate is a dreamer and schemer with a positive attitude. 

Status: Non-Exempt, part-time, hourly employee, averaging 24 hours a week.

Reports to: Director of Marketing and Communications

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Copyediting: Proofread and line edit artist materials for readability, accuracy, and grammar/syntax
  • Copywriting: Draft press releases, email newsletters, social media posts, and other written materials with attention to voice, accessibility, and the diverse artists and audiences PICA serves
  • Email marketing: Source/draft copy and images for email newsletters and announcements, ensuring links work properly and total accuracy of content (dates/times, name spelling, etc)  
  • Website: Continually update artist pages, add events to the “What’s On” calendar, create new pages, make blog posts, and support communication with the web developer about backend changes 
  • Social media: Generate content for Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok (including static posts, Reels, Stories, and shortform video interviews) and schedule posts via the Meta Business Suite 
  • Advertising: Use digital advertising outlets, manage calendar listings, and secure placement opportunities across traditional and non-traditional media — including outlets serving marginalized and underrepresented communities — to grow and broaden PICA's reach and deepen engagement.
  • Archive: Assist in the organization and maintenance of PICA’s documentation archive
  • CMS and other tools: Work with the Hygraph system, DotDigital, and Spektrix, along with Google Drive, Dropbox, Flickr, and other online programs (no prior knowledge of Hygraph, DotDigital, or Spektrix is needed)
  • Overall: Work closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications and the Graphic Designer on an agreed-upon workflow and timeline, continually ensuring the styling of all materials is consistent
  • Specific, large-scale projects in addition to year-round programming:
    • Time-Based Art Festival: Copyedit the Festival catalog and website content in adherence with a style guide, coordinate advertisements, write/distribute the press release, generate social media posts according to the content calendar, organize documentation archive post-Festival 
    • Impact Report: Gather and copyedit content for printed yearly report, provide copywriting as needed
    • Annual Gala: Support in copywriting and generating messaging in alignment with the theme, provide support with theme ideation, bring new suggestions to social media strategy to drive ticket sales 
  • PICA Staff Functions
    • Participate in regular staff meetings 
    • Contribute to ongoing inclusion and accessibility work within the organization through staff meetings, training sessions, independent professional development, and collaboration on strategy and action items
    • Participate in PICA programs, including exhibition openings, performances, special events, and more to welcome community members and facilitate connections
    • Participation in external, community, and sector-facing initiatives, networks, conferences/events, and other activities as it relates to the role
    • Represent PICA in the broader Portland community and arts sector

Qualifications, Experience, and/or Skills Desired: 

  • A degree in communications, advertising, creative writing, art history, or a related field, OR 3+ years of related professional experience
  • Strong copywriting and editing skills
  • Experience creating social media content
  • Knowledge of and enthusiasm for contemporary art and supporting artists
  • Exceptional time management—this role requires juggling multiple projects with competing deadlines
  • Familiarity with spreadsheets and Google Suite; and willingness to learn new tools
  • Willingness to engage in critical conversations with a collaborative, feedback-driven team
  • Ability to liaise with artists respectfully, confidently, and directly about timelines, needs, and expectations
  • Readiness to pitch in where needed as part of a small nonprofit team (e.g. concessions at an evening performance)
  • A self-directed problem-solver with the judgment to work independently and ask for help when needed
  • Someone who brings new ideas while also maintaining existing systems and strategies
  • Cultural competency and awareness in communications
  • Commitment to contributing to a working culture and art community that leads with equity and inclusion
  • Preferred experiences:
    • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and/or Canva
    • Previous work in an arts nonprofit, art gallery, or creative advertising agency

*A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, BIPOC, and other candidates from multiply-marginalized populations are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications in a job description. PICA is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described above.  

Working Conditions:

This is a hybrid position based in Portland, OR, with in-person work at PICA’s office in N/NE Portland, twice a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays). This position involves primarily desk-based work with some light physical project-based activity. The role requires the ability to move up to 25 pounds as needed. Some signage/decor installations may occur, and while the ability to climb a ladder is helpful, it is not required. Candidates should have access to their own computer. PICA will provide access to any necessary tools required to perform the essential functions of the role. Access to a personal vehicle is not required for this position. Some evening and weekend availability will be necessary, particularly during scheduled programs and special events (including our spring gala in June and Time-Based Art Festival programs in August/September). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Compensation/Benefits$25/hr. This position is eligible for PICA’s benefits package at 50% coverage, benefits include: which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. PICA also offers a flexible time off/vacation policy, paid sick leave and parental leave, and stipends for professional development.

To Apply: Please use PICA’s jobs portal to submit an application including a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of work examples (details below).

Portfolio instructions – in a single PDF, please include: 

  • 2 Instagram posts with captions. Include a brief description of your role and responsibilities, and any context that might be useful.
  • 1 short writing sample (~350–500 words). Examples include: an exhibition or performance promotions or review, a press release, a curatorial/exhibition statement, a written assignment from an arts- or marketing-related course, promotional copy for an event or festival, etc.

Please direct any of your questions about or reach out to address any access needs for submitting an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in our selection process to us at jobs@pica.org or call 503-242-1219 x 24. 

Timeline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with a priority application date of Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the ideal candidate will join our team in early April.