ADMIN ASSISTANT

Summer Student Opportunity:
Admin Assistant (35 hrs/wk)

Summer Student Opportunity: Administrative Assistant

Location: Toronto, ON (Remote/Hybrid)
Organization: Breaking Down Racial Barriers (BDRB)
Term: Contract (8 weeks) Full-Time (35 hr/week)
Deadline to Apply: July 22, 2025, 6:00 PM EDT
Start Date: Immediate

Application Review: Potential candidates will be contacted by email/phone to have interviews scheduled and conducted within 24 hours of application.

About the Role

Breaking Down Racial Barriers (BDRB) is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant to support national equity initiatives focused on systemic change in Canada’s music and creative industries. Reporting to BDRB Directors and working closely with project teams, the Administrative Assistant will play a critical role in supporting organizational operations, coordinating communications, and executing digital content and promotional strategies.

This is a paid, hybrid contract position with an immediate start. The role offers direct experience working within a fast-paced, Black-led not-for-profit, contributing to national equity projects, industry research, advocacy, and community outreach.

Key Responsibilities

The Administrative Assistant will:

  • Receive training and mentorship throughout the term

  • Support calendar management, scheduling, and internal communications

  • Respond to general email inquiries and coordinate meeting logistics

  • Attend meetings, take minutes, and track deliverables and deadlines

  • Assist with organizing events, team meetings, and internal planning sessions

  • Support correspondence and engagement with external partners and collaborators

  • Help manage content updates to the website (Squarespace) and social media accounts

  • Create, edit, and publish digital content for social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)

  • Assist in the planning and implementation of marketing and promotional campaigns

  • Support development of presentations, decks, and visual promotional materials

  • Assist in drafting blog posts, news items, and website updates

  • Monitor and report on digital campaign performance and engagement

  • Maintain and update organizational grant and partnership tracking tools

  • Support the coordination of outreach to industry stakeholders, sponsors, and partners

  • Assist with basic bookkeeping tasks, including invoice tracking, budgeting updates, and file organization

  • Help prepare and organize documentation for financial and reporting purposes

  • Participate in brainstorming, planning, and execution of live and digital events

  • Contribute to team-wide collaboration, feedback, and overall process improvements

Qualifications and Skills

  • Strong interest in equity, diversity, and inclusion, particularly in the music or creative industries

  • Interest in or experience with digital media, marketing, or communications

  • Knowledge of current social media platforms and digital marketing trends

  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

  • Comfortable using Zoom, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office Suite

  • Familiarity with Squarespace, Canva, and/or content scheduling platforms is an asset

  • Ability to take initiative and contribute ideas in a collaborative team environment

  • Detail-oriented and able to follow through on tasks independently

  • Familiarity with budgeting, basic accounting, or bookkeeping practices is an asset

  • Experience working with diverse teams, partners, or stakeholder communities

Preferred Experience

  • Enrolled in or graduated from a program in Music, Music Business, Arts Administration, Communications, Equity Studies, Social Sciences, or a related discipline

  • 2–4 years of experience in the music or creative industries

  • Knowledge of nonprofit operations, grant writing, and/or community partnerships

  • Experience using project management tools (e.g., Trello, Slack)

  • Graphic design, social media design, or video editing (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, Photoshop)

  • Knowledge of QuickBooks or other bookkeeping platforms

  • Bilingualism in French or other languages is helpful, though not required

Please Note: None of the above qualifications or skills are mandatory. We are looking for individuals who bring curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to grow. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a passion for learning and a dedication to building a more equitable music and creative industry.

BDRB Employment Equity Statement

Breaking Down Racial Barriers is a 3B not-for-profit organization committed to advancing racial equity in Canada’s music and creative industries. We encourage applications from Black youth and those who identify as Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, differently abled, or part of other equity-deserving communities. Applicants whose lived experience reflects the systemic barriers BDRB exists to address will be prioritized.