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Category : ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Job description

Intern Coordinator, Digital Content & Creative

Are you creative, driven, full of ideas? Are you curious and ready to use those ideas to tackle big business problems?

ruckus Digital is a fiercely independent Canadian digital marketing communications agency. We’re especially motivated by agile, creative and edgy thinking and work best when tackling the unconventional. We play hard and we work hard, which is why we were named IABC/Toronto boutique digital agency of the year!

We are looking for an Intern Coordinator, Content and Creative. Is that you?

This junior-level role will have you working with our Vice President, Creative and Design to ideate and develop groundbreaking creative ideas across a wide range of media such as social media platforms, video, digital ads, and more. As the Intern Coordinator, Content and Creative, you will be expected to take control of the development and production of your ideas from pen and paper to finished product, ensuring that the work meets a high standard of visuals and design. You will also be expected to work with our internal design team and vendors to oversee projects.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Participate in idea generation – fueled by insights and designed to drive clients’ business
  • Always on the lookout for opportunities to elevate work beyond the brief
  • Works closely with account team to understand the needs of the client and ensure work is on strategy and on budget
  • Work on multiple projects simultaneously across a range of clients
  • Executes and manages projects from concepts through mockups to production all the way to delivery with a high level of craft
  • Builds rapport with developers, production houses and 3rd party vendors
  • Participates in new business meetings and pitch work
  • Collaborate with the overall team, beyond the creative department
  • Presents and justifies concepts, budgets, and timelines to teams who are not knowledgeable about design, print and digital
  • Draft short-form copy for visual content including, GIFs and animated and stop motion videos
  • Draft social copy and content calendars

Qualifications and Experience:

  • College or University degree in advertising or design
  • Related experience at an agency
  • Is knowledgeable in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
  • Knowledge of video production, and animation a plus
  • Understanding of photography and illustration contracts and supervision of photo shoots
  • Able to multi-task and meet tight deadlines
  • Able to respond quickly and effectively to account team and client inquiries
  • Professionalism and tact

We want to meet great people who are interested in working in a start-up environment where culture matters and curiosity is valued. Send your resume to: info@ruckusdigital.ca. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: ruckus welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation to participate in this recruitment, please contact info@ruckusdigital.ca.

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Job description

Digital Intern Coordinator

ruckus Digital is a fiercely independent Canadian digital marketing communications agency. We’re especially motivated by agile, creative and edgy thinking and work best when tackling the unconventional. We play hard and we work hard, which is why we were named IABC/Toronto boutique digital agency of the year!

The Opportunity For You:

ruckus Digital is looking for a detail-oriented, hands-on Digital Intern Coordinator to join our team. This role will work directly with our Vice Presidents, to help build and actively cultivate online communities of consumers across multiple social media channels.

The ideal candidate must have a strong understanding of social media, the role digital plays, community building, analytics, and excellent writing skills. Additionally, the candidate should appreciate and consider the impact that technology, culture, business trends, brand, and user behaviours have on a business and its audiences.

Responsibilities:

  • Post social media content on appropriate channels according to provided marketing plans. Content may be posted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, SnapChat, YouTube, Google+, WordPress (or other CMS)
  • Assist with managing communities for several key brands including:
    • Answer consumer questions
    • Engage with consumer-provided content
  • Working with clients on questionable consumer interactions and media requests
  • Seek out influencers and actively engage consumers to inspire and motivate them to share information and talk about the brand
  • Participate in real time community conversations on behalf of the brand
  • Assist the strategy team in conducting research and analytics for key brands
  • Assist the strategy team in building PowerPoint presentations
  • Provide insights gained from community interactions with the internal Client Service team
  • Proactively identify opportunities for user-generated content
  • Be the gatekeeper for all content – ensuring all content is proofread, approved and applicable before posting
  • Stay up-to-date and socially relevant and actively provide the team with trends reports

Essential Skills:

  • Bachelors Degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications or other related fields
  • Some experience in community management
  • Understanding of social media tools and management systems preferred (listening tools and analytics platforms a plus such as Sprout Social, Simple Measured, Google Surveys etc.)
  • Understanding of the social media universe, including experience with YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Tumblr, Google+, WordPress, etc.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills (strong knowledge of PowerPoint, Word, and Excel is preferred)
  • Excel at research, and be able to identify threats and opportunities in social media content
  • Ability to multitask, manage multiple projects concurrently and balance changing and/or competing priorities
  • Detail oriented and ‘take ownership’ attitude with the ability to work in a team environment

We want to meet great people who are interested in working in a start-up environment where culture matters and curiosity is valued. Send your resume to: info@ruckusdigital.ca. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: ruckus welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation to participate in this recruitment, please contact info@ruckusdigital.ca.

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Vanessa

Meet our integrated media designer

Vanessa Cuartas is ruckus Digital’s newest team member, joining our design shop.

Florida native, Vanessa attended the University of Central Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in graphic design. Following her undergrad, she attended the Miami Ad School for Advertising. Here’s what she had to say about her role.

1. Who inspires you?

“I’m inspired by many people in my life but the main people who inspire me are Paula Scher, American graphic designer, painter and art educator, and Jessica Hische, American letterer, illustrator and type designer. However, I do believe the most important thing to get inspiration from is everything around you.”

2. What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now?

“I could honestly say all the projects I’m working on are very cool. All of the projects have a different objective, look and feel, which is something I’m enjoying. It allows me to get out of my comfort zone and design in different styles. One of my favourite projects so far was the Black Friday animations for Walmart and some RSA (insurance) animations as well.”

3. Who in the agency would you most like to swap places with for a day?

“Gary Edgar, VP, creative and design at ruckus digital: it would be amazing to see the process of how he comes up with different ideas and strategies for the projects he works on.”

4. How do you get out of a creative rut?

“If I’m in a creative rut, I like to leave the project or zone and go do something else. I love to paint, which is what I do to relieve any stress and just put my feelings out there. Then I come back good as new.”

5. What is the most important piece of advice you could give for someone starting a career in graphic design?

“Don’t take life too seriously, enjoy the ride. Be prepared to give and receive feedback and learn from the experience.”

6. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in the last year?

“Always keep learning and be open to new things, even if they are outside of your comfort zone!”

Need some creative inspiration for your communications? Drop us a line.

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APEX ruckus promotions

APEX PR/ruckus Digital amp-up its integrated marketing strategy

Toronto, October 26, 2017 – Following another strong year of multi-channel programming for its diverse set of clients, APEX PR and ruckus Digital today announced the promotion of four key senior practitioners into integrated communications roles for consumer, corporate B2B and design.

Jennifer Stein, a 10-year veteran of APEX PR and one of the forces behind Walmart’s soon to be released branded content web series, Upstairs Amy, becomes the senior vice president of integrated consumer marketing. Anne Locke, a brand strategist with more than a decade of experience, becomes vice president of integrated communications on the consumer team. And Rohini Mukherji, who exemplifies client business acumen in her approach to client relationships, has been named vice president integrated communications on corporate B2B. Also effective immediately, ruckus Digital Director, Gary Edgar, brings his creative acumen to the new role of vice president creative and design services.

“As a full service PR and digital agency, counselling clients in consumer brand marketing, corporate and B2B communications and reputation management, we have experienced significant growth bringing comprehensive integrated communications strategies to our clients across media, influencers, social, stakeholders and internal channels. It’s been the deep strategic acumen of our senior team that has fueled this innovative programming and growth, resulting in their well-earned promotions,” said Linda Andross, co-managing partner, APEX Public Relations and ruckus Digital.

In the last two years alone, approximately 85 per cent of the agency’s long standing and new clients have amplified sophisticated brand strategies across multiple channels and with diverse target audiences and influencers. The impact of such comprehensive and coherent programming has been a marked boost in meeting and exceeding qualitative and quantitative client objectives.

“In the interest of our clients’ business and marketing goals, it’s been incumbent on the team, especially our whip-smart senior team, to diversify programming across the right channels and particularly across relevant audiences,” said Kenneth Evans, co-managing partner, APEX Public Relations and ruckus Digital. “The bonus for us as practitioners is that it results in far more dynamic and rewarding work, and makes for much deeper client collaborations.”

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ups

What’s the story with Upstairs Amy?


RUCKUS DIGITAL AND APEX PR ARE COLLABORATING WITH WALMART CANADA AND INTERAC® FOR AN ORIGINAL DIGITAL SERIES, UPSTAIRS AMY, PRODUCED BY SHAFTESBURY

From the producers of global phenomenon Carmilla, Upstairs Amy is a scripted comedy that will also feature real-life digital influencers curated by APEX Public Relations.

The grass is always greener on the other side – or, in Amy Zhang’s case, on another floor.

 

Upstairs Amy follows the lives of three millennial moms on a journey through friendship, motherhood and self-discovery. When Amy’s apartment floods, she, her husband Dean, and their toddler are forced to move upstairs while the damages are repaired. There, Amy meets her captivating new neighbour Kaavya, the “it-girl” from the 26th floor. When a white lie turns into a new life, Amy and her best friend Veronica find themselves surrounded by Kaavya’s world of beauty, glamour, mystery and men – and so begins Amy’s transformation from average accountant into social media superstar “Upstairs Amy.”

 

ruckus Digital knows brands need storytelling and relatable characters that resonate with their target audiences. Before, commercials were the standard way of serving content to consumers. Now, consumers are in control – they decide when and how to interact with brands. This is why we are so excited to be working with Kin Community and their talented group of influencers, whose participation in-show will extend to their own channels and beyond. The influencers will be posting weekly content on their own channels relating to each week’s episode. ruckus Digital will lead the development on media buying and social content for the series.


The series is scheduled to launch in November 2017 on a dedicated Upstairs Amy YouTube channel.

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BCMA APEX blog

APEX Public Relations/ruckus Digital joins BCMA

TORONTO, ON – October 2 2017

APEX Public Relations/ruckus Digital announces that it has joined the Branded Content Marketing Association (BCMA), the global regulating body for marketing professionals producing branded content.

Becoming part of the BCMA will provide APEX/ruckus with the latest industry insights. APEX/ruckus will also have access to the BCMA’s new Content Monitor system, a vital tool that provides PR and social agencies with knowledge to help them remain at the forefront of the industry, including data on how to optimize a program’s ROI.

“Our membership solidifies our passion for producing engaging content for audiences across a variety of platforms.  The BCMA has an outstanding reputation within the branded content industry and we are delighted to join them as a member,” notes Jennifer Stein, vice president, integrated communications at APEX.

APEX/ruckus digital is an award-winning, full-service agency, tackling a variety of topics from social and issues management to fashion and lifestyle. An industry-leader for almost two decades, with an impressive roster of corporate and consumer clients like Walmart, Planet Fitness, New Balance, Levi’s and RSA.

Read “Branded content group touches down in Canada” in Media in Canada (September 12, 2017).

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Master Communicator

Linda Andross secures IABC Canada’s highest honour: Master Communicator

On September 28, 2017, the International Association of Business Communicators Canada Regions (IABC Canada) named its 2017 recipients of the prestigious Master Communicator (MC) designation (one per region in each east and west).

The IABC Master Communicator designation is the Association’s highest honour in the country, and this year’s recipient in eastern Canada was APEX Public Relations / ruckus Digital managing partner Linda Andross, ABC.

“With 25+ years’ experience in public relations and fifteen of them at APEX, Linda’s role as Co-Managing Partner includes her being actively involved in each side of the business of APEX and ruckus – bringing her experience from the world of communications to the widely changing business of digital, social, content + kitchen sink. She oversees the effectiveness of APEX/ruckus’ many capabilities, enhancing client service and bolstering innovation to provide added value to their numerous blue-chip clients.”

Laurie Dawkins, ABC of Vancouver was the western Canadian recipient.

“Both Linda and Laurie are accomplished communication professionals who have made significant contributions to our profession in numerous ways throughout their careers,” said 2017 Master Communicator Selection Committee chair, Anna Willey, ABC, MC, IABC Fellow. “We are proud to honour them with this IABC Canada lifetime credential.”

The selection for both recipients was made by Master Communicators from across Canada.

More information on the awards program is available on the IABC Canada website. 

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intern

Meet our interns

Over the years, APEX Public Relations and ruckus Digital have taken in two interns every year to integrate them into the world of communications.

This year, we have the pleasure of adding four interns to the team. Each intern brings their own set of unique and diverse skills, but there’s no better way to get to know our interns than having them write a little bit about themselves.

kev

Kevin Behar

Twitter: @KevinBehar

Instagram: KevBehar

My name is Kevin and I am a 25 year old from Toronto. I just moved back from the USA after living there for seven years (I was there for my Bachelor’s degree, MBA, and I worked for two years). I was lucky to be given this opportunity to work for APEX/ruckus and I jumped on it. This may be cliché, but this is a place where everyone is actually nice to everyone, and they really want you to grow professionally and personally. Reach out if you like to talk about the news, playing and/or watching sports, and eating food (especially trying new foods).

kris

Kristina Mikhalkova  

Twitter: @mikhalkovakris

Instagram: MikhalkovaKris

I’m Kristina, a recent graduate from the Humber Public Relations program. I’ve always admired communications and last year earned my degree in Business Communications from Brock University. APEX Public Relations has always been a front running agency when it came to applying for an internship position. I’ve respected the culture and atmosphere crafted by the APEX team since first visiting the office six months ago. Inclusivity, sharing knowledge and happiness are just some of the daily things you experience when interning at APEX Public Relations. There is never a dull moment and you are constantly absorbing new and exciting things about working in public relations.

ali

Alison Chiu  

Twitter: @alichiuchiu

Instagram: ahhhchoo

I’m Alison and I’m the newest intern at APEX Public Relations and ruckus Digital. I had the opportunity to work in store communications at a retail corporation through a co-op internship prior to coming to APEX. This co-op placement was completed with the Public Relations and Corporate Communications postgraduate program at Seneca College. I also have a background in psychology, film, digital media, and production design – which I intend to use towards developing my career. Before I started my last internship, I already had APEX on my radar. I wanted to engulf myself in the fast-paced, craziness of the agency world and knew that it would be an amazing learning experience. I’ve always wanted to be in a creative environment, which I have found here at APEX/ruckus and I’m grateful for being able to work with such a friendly and supportive team.

kristia

Kristia Pavlakos

Twitter: @KristiaPavlakos

Instagram: kristiapavlakos

Hi! I’m Kristia. I’ve been with APEX for about four months now, and I love it! I didn’t start out wanting to get into PR, though – in university, I actually specialized in English and majored in Criminology with the hopes of becoming a lawyer. I soon realized that I loved writing and creating narratives, so after I graduated, I continued my studies and completed my Master of Arts in English at McMaster. Something just wasn’t clicking for me, though – I wanted to tell stories, yes, but I wanted something a little less abstract and a little more real-world. So, I found myself at Ryerson, doing my Master of Professional Communication. Here, I found my niche, and I was able to apply my love for telling stories to create engaging narratives around brands.

Working within an agency is a completely new and different experience for me – every day I’m given the opportunity to try new and exciting things, like coordinating blogger campaigns! This is truly an amazing group – everyone is willing to help each other out, and I’m always learning new things from my clients and colleagues.  We truly love what we do, and I’m so happy to be a part of this team.

IMG_8535E4xs

(From left: Kristia, Kristina, Kevin and Alison)

Also published on apexpr.com 

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