Black Cultural Society of PEI is hiring

by Heidi Riley

The Black Cultural Society of PEI is a not-for-profit organization that was established on PEI nine years ago. Before 2021, the organization was solely mandated to raise awareness of Black culture. Since then, they have branched into supporting PEI’s Black community through service navigation, advocacy, community building and community development.

“We are always developing new programming that supports community that is based on needs that arise,” says Tamara Steele, Executive Director.

For example, they have helped with grants for businesses, youth camps, youth groups, and a women’s group. They also hold luncheons, distribute holiday care boxes, and hold events to commemorate Emancipation Day, which marks the abolition of slavery throughout the British Commonwealth in 1834.

Hiring needs

Two people work in the office – Tamara and Reequal Smith, Program and Events Coordinator. They will soon be looking for a part-time Office Assistant. “The criteria will be broad – we are open to giving people a foot in the door,” says Tamara. “We recognize that people need experience to get experience.”

They will also be hiring a Peer Support Worker/Program Coordinator who will offer peer support and run mental health programming for Black communities in cooperation with the Canadian Mental Health Association.

“Our funding is very much project based,” says Tamara. “We have to make sure we have a grant to cover the expenses for every project we run. The Peer Support project is expected to resume in April 2025, so we will be looking for a new Peer Support Worker shortly before that. The position will require some expertise and experience, and we will provide training.”

Black History Month, which is celebrated in February, is the organization’s biggest project. Every year, five roles are hired. They will be looking for the following:

• Social Media Content Creator/Coordinator who has experience running social media pages in various platforms.
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Graphic Designer
• Marketing Manager for Black History Month.

Those roles typically start in early November and run until the end of February. “We often work with co-op placements through Experiential Education at UPEI, or with students from Holland College.”

“Other roles that will be coming up include a bookkeeper and an Office Administrator, and we are always looking for someone to manage our socials. The roles are part-time, and we are flexible with timelines and work schedules. We tailor each role to the person we hire.”

Benefits

• Working with the community is very fulfilling
• Full-time long-term positions receive health benefits, two weeks’ vacation, sick days, and medical leave

“It’s a very flexible environment as far as schedules,” says Reequal. “We are open to hiring people who have not had a lot of experience. Most often, a student will be working under someone to get that exposure and experience.”

“If you have an idea for a program, please reach out to us,” says Tamara. “We are open to support you to get work experience.

Hiring process

“Typically, there is a closing date on all job ads. After the posted closing date, interviews are set up. If you are selected for an interview, ideally the applicants are contacted one week after the closing date. The first interview is done online and usually takes 30 minutes. Those selected to advance are normally brought in on site to meet the team. Team fit is really important to us.”