Join the RTMF Board of Directors
2026 Call for Marketing & Communications Director
Rainbow Trout Music Festival (RTMF) is looking for an individual to join our team as the Marketing & Communications Director! The Marketing & Communications Director serves on the RTMF Board, while also maintaining an operational role within the festival. We are a working board, but being part of the RTMF team means that there is plenty of room for fun. In fact, it’s often the case that board members forget that they are working for no pay whatsoever. However, working hard to create a community comes with its own kind of satisfaction and rewards, such as friendship, street cred, leftover freezies, and team dinners. We believe that a working board committed to volunteer leadership is the core of what has built the festival and will continue to make it great.
Festival Description
RTMF seeks to provide a high quality, low-cost, environmentally responsible outdoor musical festival that promotes a variety of Manitoba musicians, artists and vendors, and brings participants to a Manitoban location rich in natural beauty and local history. This volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization is focused on musical performance, collaborative art making, and exposure to local crafters and food providers.
Festival activities include three days of music, camping, good friends, bonfires, dancing, and more. RTMF showcases the high level of quality that exists in local music of all genres including rock, electro, hip-hop, blues, jazz, folk, garage, funk, reggae, etc. A small number of out-of-province acts are also included. Its unique programming inspires audiences, challenges the listener, and is complemented by occasional activities throughout the year, usually in Winnipeg.
For over 15 years, RTMF has taken place on the banks of the Roseau River, just south of St. Malo, Manitoba, on the third weekend in August. In 2025, after enjoying many years of successful partnership with landowners Georges and Florence Beaudry, RTMF hosted its final festival at Oroseau Rapids Park. We are excited to be in the process of choosing a new home for the festival.
Position Overview
The RTMF Marketing & Communications Director is responsible for overall communications between the festival and the public, including e-mail, social media, website, press and media, and overall festival messaging. They work closely with the Creative Director to integrate the annual festival branding across all communications. They are the main media contact during the festival, and maintain a crisis communications plan. They also undertake an audience survey each year. Please note that the Marketing & Communications Director position is a volunteer role.
Location
Winnipeg, MB. In-person is preferred, with possibility of remote attendance. In-person presence is a requirement during the festival weekend.
Reports To
Rainbow Trout Music Festival Board and Board Chairs.
Commitment
Part-Time, 3 to 10 hours per month from September to May. Increased hours (~20 per month) during the weeks around the festival season, June to August. A rough timeline includes:
- Monthly Board meetings: 2-hour meeting plus 1 to 2 hours prep or follow-up per month (board meetings increase to bi- monthly frequency between June and August).
- Regular, routine monitoring of RTMF communication channels. This director is responsible for timely response to questions forwarded to our general info email address and Instagram account.
- Proactive content creation is busiest around calls for participation and the festival period. This includes promoting calls for performers (December/January); artists, artisans and vendors (Spring); volunteers (Spring); AGM (April-May), line-up launch and ticket sales (May- June); festival promotion and media/sponsor relations (July-August).
- Second weekend of August (set-up weekend): One or two days of site prep for the festival.
- Third weekend of August (festival week): Full time on site for at least Friday - Sunday. Many Board members spend more time on site before the festival begins.
- The Audience survey is open from festival weekend into September, with results shared with the board at the October board meeting.
Term
One-year term, with 2 consecutive renewable 3-year terms as per organizational bylaws.
Key Responsibilities
Communications: Oversee and deliver communications content as needed for participation calls, special events, the festival itself, and other organizational needs as required. The festival primarily promotes through social media (Instagram), the website, and via local media sources. Develop strategic collaborations with partner organizations. Apply best practices for accessible communications.
Brand and Marketing Plan: Work with the Creative Director to develop the annual festival brand and marketing plan and ensure visual and editorial consistency across print, digital, and on-site materials.
Marketing Timelines: Work with other Board Directors to plan and execute marketing timelines that align with key annual campaigns include: call for performers; calls for artists, artisans, and vendors; call for volunteers; sponsorship fulfillments; AGM and Board recruitment calls; and festival line-up launch, ticket sales, fundraising drives, and general promotion.
Design and Print On Site Communications: Design on site communications, including signage and programs (digital), and order printed materials for the festival.
Website Maintenance: Maintain www.rainbowtroutmusicfestival.com, with key inputs and involvement from the Creative Director.
Media Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for media relations; pitch stories, intake media requests, coordinate interviews, and manage press credentials and on-site media needs. Update crisis communications plan for the festival weekend and prepare designated spokespeople.
Marketing Performance Metrics: Track, analyze, and report on marketing performance metrics (ticket sales, engagement, reach) and adjust strategies accordingly. Prepare, administer, and analyze an annual audience satisfaction survey to inform future festival development and marketing plans.
RTMF Board: Attend monthly RTMF board meetings and Annual General Meeting; update work plan annually; contribute to RTMF planning; teamwork on committees/projects; attend RTMF events (board retreats and celebrations); determine budget for volunteer operations annually; report costs and reimbursements to the Finance Director.
Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate is required to:
- Be 18 years of age or older, a Canadian citizen, and not in a state of bankruptcy.
- Be an RTMF member in good standing (this requires a $25 annual fee).
- Agree to uphold the purpose and values of RTMF and the RTMF Safer Spaces Policy.
- Commit to equity, inclusion, and community engagement in marketing and communications practices.
- Commit to regular meetings throughout the year, operational tasks year-round, and additional responsibilities at the festival.
- Possess strong writing and storytelling skills, with experience tailoring messages for diverse audiences and platforms.
- Have experience using Instagram and/or other social media platforms.
- Possess excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast- paced, seasonal environment.
- Be able to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
The RTMF Board would consider the following as assets:
- Training or experience in marketing, communications, or graphic design.
- Experience using Canva or other graphic design tools.
- Familiarity with press relations and media outreach and existing relationships with arts, culture, or music media outlets.
Application
In order to be considered for nomination to the board, please submit a short statement of interest (no more than one paragraph), CV, and the name of two references by February 13, 2026 to Margaret Banka, Co-Chair, at admin@rainbowtroutmusicfestival.com. Please include “Marketing & Communications Director Application” in the subject line of your email.
The Nomination Committee will evaluate all applicants and will only contact finalists for an interview by February 28, 2026. The selected applicant will be approved by Board decision, to be ratified at a future Annual General Meeting.
Please send all inquiries for more information to the above email.
RTMF values inclusion and operates with a strong commitment to safer spaces and anti-oppression. This opportunity is open to all and we encourage folks from diverse communities and backgrounds to apply. Preference will be given to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) applicants, as well as Two Spirit, trans, non-binary people and women. If you require accommodation to apply, let us know how we can support you.
The Board of Directors thanks all our volunteers for their ongoing support!