Associate Director of Marketing and Patron Experience

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Associate Director of Marketing and Patron Experience.  This full-time benefits-eligible position requires someone who has demonstrated marketing skills and knowledge, preferably in non-profit arts or retail, demonstrated knowledge of electronic media, including email and social media campaigns and the ability to positively contribute to an anti-racist organization and assist in dismantling structural racism in theatre.  Applicants for this role should have exceptional communication and relationship building skills, and demonstrated project-management, and problem-solving skills.   

CTC is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and justice in our organization and our community, and thus we seek a broad spectrum of employees.  We strongly encourage and welcome applicants who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color, as well as those who are from other underrepresented communities. 

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Led by Artistic Director Rick Dildine and Managing Director Ryan French, Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s leading theatre for multigenerational audiences and is one of the 25 largest producing theatres in the United States. A winner of the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, CTC creates extraordinary theatre experiences that educate, challenge and inspire young people. It has set standards of excellence in the quality of its productions, commitment to new work, and innovative education and community partnerships.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

CTC is dedicated to increasing justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all of our hiring for staff, artists, and recruiting of board members.  CTC is committed to a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, and is truly reflective of our community.  We are also committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination.  CTC prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of External Relations, the Associate Director of Marketing and Patron Experience (Associate Director) develops and implements strategic marketing and audience engagement plans to achieve sales, attendance, and patron experience goals for all CTC productions and educational programs. This position creates strategic marketing plans, manages the department budget, provides sales projections, and manages relationships with outside marketing agencies. In addition, the Associate Director oversees all institutional marketing and leads market research and consumer insights efforts to better understand audience motivations and behaviors. The Associate Director manages a team of five staff: Digital Marketing Manager, Marketing Coordinator, Ticket Office Manager, Tessitura Systems Administrator, and Front of House Manager. This role works closely with the Senior Manager of Design & Digital, the Associate Director of Communications & PR, the fundraising staff, and other key leaders across the theatre. The Associate Director is part of the overall External Relations team that also includes the Development department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Marketing Planning and Implementation

• Create marketing plans and strategies for subscription and single ticket sales, including print, broadcast, digital, social media, direct mail, and email strategies, and oversee creative concepts
• Direct the annual subscription campaign from concept to completion including renewal workflow and timeline, mailing, email, advertising, social media plans, and project management through external vendors 
• Secure annual media partner relationships with select vendors to extend advertising investment
• Manage the day-to-day implementation of marketing and promotional tactics
• Develop season sales and show copy through external vendor; develop and write copy for all subsequent marketing campaigns, serve as primary proofreader, and provide final approvals
• Supervise Digital Marketing Manager in the production of assets for the website, digital display, social media advertising, and email marketing efforts
• Maintain current expertise of media landscape and advertising opportunities in print and broadcast media, outdoor, digital display (Google, Meta, native display, OTT, programmatic, search), and other promotional opportunities in the market

Data Analytics and Audience Insights

• Collaborate with Digital Marketing Manager to pivot digital strategy based on Google Analytics insights and Ticket Office Manager in dynamic pricing and inventory management tactics to maximize revenue potential and attendance goals
• Manage Tessitura Database Administrator in developing sales reports, patron behavior, and data segmentation; analyze data and adjust strategy to maximize revenue and project final outcomes
• Oversee Ticket Office Manager in audience insights and manage external research partners to gain understanding of audience behavior, motivations, and opinions of CTC productions and the company

Patron Experience

• Supervise Ticket Office Manager in providing outstanding customer service throughout the ticket purchase experience and the implementation of on-site patron loyalty programs
• Supervise Front of House Manager in outstanding customer service during the visitor experience and in co-creation and implementation of lobby experiences in partnership with education and production teams

Revenue and Expense Budget Management

• Prepare annual revenue budget drafts and rationale in accordance with Finance and Board approval timelines
• Build, maintain, and ensure accuracy of Marketing department expense budgets for subscription, single ticket, and education advertising, patron experience (retail, concessions, and loyalty programs), staffing, and overhead
• Approve invoices and oversee procedure for purchase orders and general ledger coding to ensure accuracy in account management and tracking
• Provide monthly expense budget status reports to Directors of External Relations and Finance

Institutional Marketing

• Oversee Marketing Coordinator in the planning and implementation of the Education department’s marketing initiatives for all Theatre Arts Training programs, student matinees, and other public events; and the planning and implementation for Plays for New Audiences
• Collaborate with the Director of External Relations and Associate Director of Communications to create long-term plans for the department
• When appropriate, work in partnership with the Development department seeking to advance institutional messaging and positioning needs
• Proofread other institutional materials as needed

Team Management

• Supervise a team of five direct reports: Digital Marketing Manager, Ticket Office Manager, Tessitura Systems Administrator, Front of House Manager, and Marketing Coordinator; conduct performance reviews and set annual goals
• Lead weekly team meetings, seasonal ideation sessions, and inspire a creative and results-driven environment

Collaborate with all staff in the furtherance of CTC’s goal of being an anti-racist theatre that works towards Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• Assist with monitoring and ensuring access, representation, participation, and decision making for historically marginalized communities in the Marketing and Communications Department and in all aspects of CTC’s operations
• Encourage and empower everyone to speak out against racist workplace practices and policies
• Study topics that lead to a deeper understanding of how white supremacy, racial violence, and systemic racism have shaped American society and how that shapes CTC’s workplace and the lives of CTC employees
• Study topics that lead to a deeper understanding of systemic bias against people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIAP+ community and people who are economically under resourced
• Positively contribute to the ACT One platform, creating a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community

The starting pay range for this full-time position is an annual salary between $75k and $83k.  Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance; short-term and long-term disability and life insurance; vacation and sick leave; nine paid holidays; and a 403(b)-retirement savings plan.

Experience

• Demonstrated broad marketing experience, preferably in the non-profit performing arts or retail
• Demonstrated skill in designing and implementing marketing campaigns
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, manage staff, and delegate projects
• Demonstrated knowledge of digital media advertising, including email and social media campaigns
• Strong communication and project management skills
• Strong writing and editing skills; ability to internalize brand standards and apply to written and visual communications
• Proficiency with Microsoft O365 products and SharePoint asset management
• Proficiency with CRM ticketing systems (Tessitura experience preferred)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Adaptability - Ability to adapt to rapid pace in a changing workplace
• Analytical Skills - Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem
• Budget – Ability to plan and work within budget parameters
• Creative - Ability to think in such a way as to produce a new concept or idea
• Collaboration - Ability to work with others & be a positive team member contributing to a positive culture
• Communication - Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and ask questions effectively with others
• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems 
• Decision Making - Ability to make critical decisions while following company procedures
• Detail-oriented – Thoroughness and accuracy when completing a task through concern for all areas involved, no matter how small 
• Inclusive – Skill and value of providing equal access of opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized   
• Management Skills - Ability to organize and direct oneself and effectively motivate and supervise other colleagues
• Nimbleness – Ability to quickly shift direction or focus to respond to changing market conditions or new opportunities
• Project management skills – Ability to plan and manage workflows and personnel in a holistic and integrated fashion to ensure progress of projects, and awareness of responsibilities among staff
• Self-Directed – Ability to prioritize work, work independently, and take initiative to successfully execute responsibilities
• Strategic – Ability to think long-term and holistically about goals, connecting day-to-day tactics to broader organizational objectives and making data-informed decisions that advance the mission
• Time Management - Ability to manage the available time to organize and complete work efficiently and effectively within given deadlines

Other Qualities

• A commitment to ethical conduct in all respects of the work environment 

• A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environment 
• A commitment to the protection of confidential information to which this position has access   
• Ability to positively contribute to an anti-racist/anti-bias organization and work to dismantle structural racism in theatre 
• A passion for the arts is a plus