Job Description

Writers Theatre 

Director of Marketing & Communications 

Location: Glencoe, IL (Hybrid) 

Department: Marketing 

Classification: Full-Time Exempt, Benefits Eligible 

Compensation: $85,000 – $90,000 per year, commensurate with experience 

About Writers Theatre 

Writers Theatre (WT) is a nationally-recognized, award-winning theatre company located on the North Shore of Chicago with an annual operating budget of $5.7 Million. Known for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its productions, WT is focused on the power of the written word and dedicated to the artists who bring that word to life. Having captivated audiences for years with its commitment to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible, the theatre is now a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called “America’s finest regional theater company” by The Wall Street Journal. Under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, the company is charting a path forward for its future. 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 

WT is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as promoting a safe, supportive, and collaborative work environment conducive to professional and personal growth. A successful candidate will share these values. 

WT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, or veteran status.  

Please find more information on our culture and specific policies at the following links: 

• https://www.writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt 
• https://www.writerstheatre.org/our-code-of-conduct 
• https://www.writerstheatre.org/edi-at-wt 

Position Summary 

The Director of Marketing & Communications (DOMC) is responsible for WT’s earned ticket revenues, brand management, advertising, publications, and audience development and retention. A member of the organization’s senior leadership team, the DOMC is essential to conversations and decisions about critical institutional issues that have lasting impacts for WT and the industry. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for live theatre and commitment to Writers Theatre’s mission.  

Reporting to the Executive Director, the DOMC oversees the Marketing & Communications and Box Office teams. This includes 3-4 direct reports. The DOMC also manages outside agencies and contractors for advertising, art direction, photography and video, public relations, database management, and others. The DOMC collaborates closely with other departments to advance the organization’s long-term and day-to-day interests. 

The DOMC will be met with exciting opportunities as WT continues to chart a path forward. The DOMC will think strategically about how to continue introducing a new Artistic Director to the WT community and the Chicago theatre community at large. The DOMC will also play a key role in strategic conversations about engaging the Glencoe and North Shore communities as they have grown and changed over the past several years. With WT’s intimate size and structure and an artistic prowess that exceeds its budgetary expectations, the DOMC will have the opportunity to engage with world class artists and programming on a close, personal level. 

The DOMC is responsible for annual earned revenue of $ 1.8 Million. The DOMC is responsible for advising, managing and tracking all earned income goals. Analytical rigor is a must with special interest in audience trends and the nuances between pursuing subscribers and/or single ticket buyers both current and new.  

The ideal candidate will: 

• Be optimistic and good humored in the face of industry challenges 
• Kind and respectful to colleagues sharing a deep conviction to bring our best to work (knowing we are human and may sometimes stumble) 
• Respect and admire the art we are inviting audiences to experience 
• Prioritize clear communication and savvy prioritization 

Responsibilities 

Leadership 

• Responsible for reaching an earned income goal of $1.8 Million for the 23-24 season. Manage a department budget of $550K (including personnel).  
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Artistic Director and senior leadership team to ensure a clear and accurate interpretation of the organization’s vision and mission 
• Develop annual and long-term institutional, programmatic, and show-specific marketing, advertising and communication plans 
• Develop new audiences, with a sensitivity to diversification, both in age, ethnicity and economics. 

• Create, grow, and maintain a sustainable audience base while retaining and deepening relationships with current audiences 
• Hire, supervise, motivate and support a strong and strategic marketing team with skills in database management, marketing, communications, publications, social media and graphic design 
• Continually assess departmental capabilities and identify resources for staff development 
• Develop relationships within the industry and related businesses to serve WT’s strategic goals. 

Branding, Visual Identity, and Advertising 

• Manage and elevate the brand and profile of WT locally and nationally across print, display, digital and broadcast media and through media relations and public events. 
• Partner with WT leadership, with support from the Board of Directors, on audience development efforts and long-range planning.  
• Define and assess opportunities for engagement of both new and existing audiences. 
• Create advertising plans for all season series and individual productions, including print, radio, television, direct mail, display, and digital advertising components. 

• Negotiate marketing vendor contracts, manage print vendor and mail house bid processes. 
• Manage the art direction and design of all single ticket and season materials and lead the development of key art from conception to execution.  
• Oversee WT’s digital presence, including website, social media and online advertising. 

Communications, Publications, and Public Relations 

• Oversee, edit, and approve all copy produced in the Marketing Department for use across traditional and new media channels. 

• Oversee the creation, production, and execution of play programs for each production. 
• Oversee public relations efforts of independent PR Firm that manages press performances, photo and video shoots, actor media opportunities and other PR events. 

Audience Development and Retention 

• Oversee subscription campaign planning and execution. 

• Use predictive metrics to help establish attendance, single ticket, and subscription sales goals. 
• Oversee and guide the ADTS to structure demand-based pricing models, and corresponding pricing and inventory strategies to maximize revenue. 
• Work closely with the Advancement department to ensure an integrated customer relationship management approach to fundraising.  

Qualifications & Key Competencies 

• Demonstrable commitment to cultivating and managing a diverse staff and creating a positive, collaborative and productive culture. 
• A track record of mature strategic thinking coupled with hands on execution. 
• Intellectual curiosity, drive, and enthusiasm 
• A record of progressive accomplishment in marketing for a multi-million-dollar organization, preferable but not exclusive to the live events industry. 
• Dedication to long-term strategic planning and a demonstrated ability to implement effective marketing plans. 

• Experience with subscription and single ticket campaigns in a mid-size performing arts environment and/or equivalent campaigns 
• Superlative communication skills, both in writing and interpersonally 
• Proficiency in all facets of current digital advancement trends 
• Superior analytical skills, including a knowledge of statistical analysis, revenue projection, and Pricing strategy 
• Experience with MS Word products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, others) 

• Experience with CRM systems; Tessitura experience a plus  
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for periods of time while working at a computer, as well as move about inside the office and theatre buildings to access necessary materials and equipment. 
• Must be able to exchange accurate information both written and in-person with internal and external stakeholders. 

Benefits include: medical, dental and disability insurance, vacation and other paid leave, a 403(b)-retirement plan (with employer match) and medical and dependent care cafeteria plans.  

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: Not Disclosed.

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