Application for the role of Marketing & Fundraising Assistant
Cover Letter
Ms Martha Villamil
People and Culture Manager
Gasworks Arts Park
21 Graham Street, Albert Park VIC 3206
Dear Martha,
I’m writing to you to apply for the role of Marketing & Fundraising Assistant at Gasworks Arts Park.
My first time visiting Gasworks was in 2019 to see Ghost Quartet (prod: Antipodes Theatre Company), and have been excited to visit again and again throughout the years to enjoy the variety of programming at the park.
Through a variety of paid and volunteer marketing roles, I have gained considerable experience in raising the profile and visibility of non-profit organisations and my own theatre productions to sell tickets and merchandise; and to promote the availability of services. Since 2019, I have taken a particular interest in digital marketing, with a focus on social media to market independent theatre (my own work and that of my peers).
I am currently employed by the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance, where I work part time managing their social media presence. In the past I have worked for Monash University’s central marketing team, however chose to leave as I favour working in a smaller team.
During my five years at the Hotel Windsor, I was promoted several times and was a finalist in a state hospitality award based on my commitment to crafting the best possible customer experience and developing relationships with many stakeholders.
As an independent theatre practitioner, I take a keen interest in leveraging digital tools to tell stories. I believe there is a lot to be gained by being at the forefront of digital media. Recently I have been experimenting with creating video theatre reviews on Instagram and TikTok, filling a gap that other theatre media publications seem to be missing. Many of these reviews were based on my written reviews of Melbourne Comedy Festival acts, one of which saw me win the Funny Tonne award for the best show review of the year.
Regarding the role at Gasworks, I am particularly interested in the opportunity that the role presents to expand on my fundraising skills and knowledge gained in applying and acquitting small grants for my own practice.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely yours,
Ryan Hamilton
E: ryan@ryanhamilton.work
✅ Statement on Key Selection Criteria
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Marketing, Communications, or equivalent work experience
I hold two degrees from Monash University: a Bachelor of Business (2023) with a major in marketing and a Bachelor of Arts (2021) with a major in theatre & performance.
Excellent writing and editing skills
Through my double degree, my marketing and theatre subjects have provided me an ideal foundation to write and edit creative and engaging content for theatre-goers.
My various paid and unpaid roles have seen me gain experience in writing and editing content for various audiences: websites, social media posts, brochures and flyers, magazine articles (e.g. Slim pickings: the state of fatness on Australian stages), power point presentations and emails/letters. In my Marketing Internship role with Theatre Works, I wrote behind-the-scenes blogs, developed audience surveys using survey monkey and produced social media content.
Over the past few years, I have written several pitch proposals which included detailed project plans and explanations on my choice of play and methods of production. One of these proposals resulted in me securing a $2,000 grant to produce and direct a show at Monash MPavilion.
Interest in digital applications and social media
Using digital applications like Instagram and Tiktok to tell stories is a particular strength of mine and one where I excel e.g. Instagram and TikTok
I am constantly exploring how social media can be used to connect directly with audiences and fill gaps that traditional news media is not filling. A recent example is my video reviews of over 15 shows from the Comedy Festival which gathered considerable interest and thanks from the artists.
As another example of my output, I created daily original content whilst at the Monash Student Association which grew our TikTok presence from 100 to 1000 followers in my first month.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships
I pride myself on my ability to communicate in a friendly and personable manner with my team members, managers, stakeholders and the general public.
I consistently demonstrate qualities like respect, consideration, cultural sensitivity and empathy to proactively and confidently communicate with different audiences.
As a performer with high level Speech and Drama credentials from Trinity College London, I have strong verbal communication skills. I have experience as a Master of Ceremonies for a variety of events including award nights and school assemblies.
Experience with databases – imports exports and reporting
I have experience in using databases to generate emails and letters to season/other ticket holders, sponsors, and stakeholders.
I am experienced in using Eventbrite, Red61, Humanitix, and Trybooking to load content including event summaries, dates, times and pricing; and to generate sales reports.
Customer focussed
I have the ability to deliver exceptional customer service and respond to enquiries in a helpful and customer focused way. I am confident in providing a high standard of customer service in handling face-to-face, email and telephone customer enquiries and complaints; and taking appropriate action to resolve matters in a positive manner whilst following established policies and processes.
In a previous hospitality role at the Hotel Windsor, I gained extensive experience in providing exceptional food and beverage customer service in working on high profile functions, family celebrations, diplomatic functions, corporate meetings/workshops. My commitment to crafting the best possible customer experience resulted in me becoming a finalist in a state hospitality award.
Willingness to work in a small team environment
I have extensive experience in collaborating within small teams to produce high quality outcomes. My marketing and social media roles in the performing arts have allowed me to gain experience in working with audiences, General Managers, Marketing Managers, Front of House Managers, producers and performers. I understand the requirements of small responsive teams which need to operate within a non-profit environment.
Experience working in a marketing or fundraising team within the arts or entertainment industries
My work in various publicity and social media roles at the Monash University Sir Zelman Cowan School of Music and Performance, Theatre Works, Monash University Student Theatre (MUST), and Monash Shakespear Company has provided me with experience in working with colleagues to plan and execute social media and marketing campaigns for many live theatre and musical performances. I have been able to use my creativity to generate ideas for original video and pictorial content to promote interest and engagement on multiple channels including Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter).
Experience using the following tools
I have extensive web management experience, across Squarespace, Wordpress, Wix, Ghost, and Shopify. I have experience using MailChimp for email marketing from my time at Monash Uni Student Theatre, and personal projects. I am skilled with Adobe's creative suite and Canva, using both for graphic design work. Across my independent work, I have used Google Analytics, and Facebook Ads Manager to gauge campaign success and target new audiences. I do not have experience with Google AdWords, however am confident I would be able to pick it up if given the opportunity.
👩🎨 Employment History
Resume
Social Media Officer | Monash University (@monash_school_of_music)
2024 (current) • Part-time
At Monash University’s School of Music and Performance I am solely responsible for the school’s social presence. Responsibilities include content creation, scheduling, responding to comments and messages, liaising with faculty and staff for promotional requests, and producing in-house podcasts.
Social Media Officer | Monash University (@monash_uni)
2023 to 2024 • Full-time
While at Monash University’s central marketing team, I worked in a team of nine responsible for the university’s social media presence. I was predominantly responsible for content creation and ideation in alignment with campaign briefs provided from stakeholders within the university. I was also responsible for generating analytics and presenting social media reports within the organisation. My work in the short-form video space saw me create some of Monash's best performing TikTok content since they launched on the platform, some of which can be viewed below.
📹 Selected Video Work
Viral Meme Adapted for University Ranking Announcement | 196.5k views - @monash_uni
Explainer of Art on Campus | 17k views - @monash_uni
Digital Content Officer | Monash Student Association
2023 • Full-time
During my time at the Monash Student Association I was entirely responsible for the student union’s digital marketing channels. I was responsible for establishing the union’s TikTok account, reinvigorating the Instagram account to be a source of information and utility for students, and began an ongoing program of student volunteer content creators.
📹 Selected Video Work
Viral Uni-specific Meme | 43.9k views - @msa.clayton
“What are you listening to” Vox Pops | 27.9k views - @msa.clayton
Assistant Manager (Front Office) | Hotel Windsor
2020 to 2022 • Full-time
I have extensive experience in customer service, culminating in my time spent as duty manager at the Hotel Windsor. During my time there I was responsible for ensuring guest needs were catered for, liaising between various departments of the property, and resolving issues as they arose.
Victorian Accommodation Awards for Excellence (2021)
Marketing Assistant | Theatre Works
2019 to 2020 • Part-time
My first foray into theatre marketing was with Theatre Works, inspiring a long term passion for it. My responsibilities included creating social media assets with media pull quotes, creating Instagram story content, graphic design, and liaising with artists.
🎭 Personal Projects
Resume
Broadly Relevant | Podcast • Producer and Co-Host
2024
Broadly Relevant is a weekly podcast I produce and host with a close friend from high school featuring discussions and analysis of current events. As producer I am responsible for editing episodes, maintaining our website, and building relationships with stakeholders.
Full Cream | Theatre • Producer and Maker
2023 to 2024 • Various Venues
Full Cream was an original devised work about body positivity and community. I produced and marketed the work, growing our email list from 0 to 250+, social media following from 0 to 1000 per platform, and selling out our two Melbourne seasons at Melbourne Fringe Trades Hall, and Monash Uni. I was also responsible for our merchandising operation, including establishing our ecommerce strategy. Full Cream was also the recipient of $5,000 in grants from Monash Performing Arts Centres.
Weekly Award for Theatre | Fringe World 2024
Owl & the Albatross | Theatre • Producer
2022 • Theatre Works
Owl & the Albatross was work for young audiences grappling with climate activism, hope, and queer futurity. We were fortunate to receive a $2,000 grant from the Playking Foundation for the work’s development.
🎓 Training
Resume
Bachelor of Business | Monash University
2018 to 2023 • Major: Marketing
Bachelor of Arts | Monash University
2018 to 2021 • Major: Theatre & Performance
💾 Software Competencies
Social Media
Hootsuite • Later • Buffer • LinkTree
Editing
Adobe Premiere Pro • Adobe Illustrator • Adobe Photoshop • Canva • CapCut • Ferrite
CMS
Wordpress • Squarespace • Shopify • Ghost • Wix • Google Sites • Substack
Marketing
MailChimp • Google Analytics • Google Search Console • Meta Ads (Facebook + Instagram)