Auditions and Employment

The Portland Symphony currently has an opening for the staff position of:

JOB TITLE: Director of Marketing and Communications
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
SUPERVISES: Marketing Coordinator, Sales and Corporate Relations Manager

JOB SUMMARY: The Director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for planning, supervising, administering, and evaluating programs that meet or exceed attendance and ticket revenue goals for orchestra events while maximizing the visibility of the orchestra and the organization, consistent with PSO policies and long-range objectives. This position is further responsible for corporate relationships and giving.

QUALIFICATIONS: College degree; proven experience in marketing, preferably in performing arts.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Marketing Management

• Plan and implement all aspects of season subscription and renewal campaigns, including direct mail and telemarketing. Oversee the acquisition of prospect lists, production of all campaign materials, and work of outside contractors. Monitor the progress of all campaigns and provide progress reports and analyses of results.

• Plan and implement a year-round single tickets sales campaign, including the design and placement of print and electronic advertising, special promotions, and group sales. Oversee the work of outside contractors; provide periodic progress reports.

• Develop house scale, pricing strategies and policies that fulfill revenue/attendance goals. Research and recommend any special ticketing policies (i.e., exchanges) and subscription series makeup in collaboration with box office.

• Liaise with box office. Facilitate friendly, courteous service and customer satisfaction in ticket transactions; engage in customer research as needed. Monitor internal information systems to ensure accurate and efficient ticketing and customer relations systems.

• Develop and implement corporate giving programs; research and identify potential sponsors; prepare proposals and identify matches between PSO’s programs and each company’s interests.

• Develop program for communicating the PSO’s plans and activities to the media. Work closely with publicists in establishing positive contacts with local media outlets, and in conveying an image consistent with the Board’s policies and objectives for the PSO. Maintain media contacts, act as spokesman for PSO as needed, and provide public information by request.

• Oversee the development and production of all materials used to support the PSO’s public relations events and marketing campaigns, including subscription brochures, print ads, posters, signs, electronic media, advertising copy, telemarketing, press releases, newsletters, program book, annual report, and special promotions. Ensure the quality, consistency, and accuracy of all PSO communications.

• Oversee the planning and development of special public relations events and new subscriber activities; coordinate with volunteers to carry out the events and ensure that they are consistent with the PSO’s policies and objectives.

• Conduct audience and market research as needed; develop strategies based on survey analyses. Provide statistical and demographic information to the PSO as requested.

Budget and Planning

• Assist the Executive Director and Board in establishing appropriate goals for the subscription campaign and other tickets sales campaigns.

• Develop a plan for achieving those goals and establish a master calendar that outlines all campaigns and external communications.

• Develop budgets for each event and campaign; monitor the progress of each, and adjust plans when necessary.

• Identify organizational and market trends that may cause significant problems or present new opportunities for the PSO; recommend a course of action or changes in the current operating plan that takes this information into account.

• Provide information for the Music Director and Executive Director in developing programs. Develop and recommend coordinated packaging to achieve maximum sales.

• Work closely with the Executive Director and other designated staff in strategic planning and communications for the PSO.

• Provide strategic guidance and support to all departments in issues regarding patron engagement and/or communications.

Board of Directors

• Staff the Marketing Committee of the Board and other volunteers enlisted to participate in marketing and public relations special events and campaigns.

• Report to the Board on progress of all ticket sales campaigns; provide other reports and public communications as requested.

• Recommend marketing policies and promotion strategies to the Executive Director and Board with the goal of reaching new audiences for the orchestra; ensure that all new promotions demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

Administrative

• Oversee the development and maintenance of all tickets sales systems and records; ensure the accuracy of all ticket revenue reports; provide periodic progress reports as requested.

• Work with the Development Director in packaging and solicitation of sponsorships and in-kind support for various product lines and campaigns; ensure that media exposure and acknowledgment promised to donors takes place.

• Negotiate contracts as needed with outside vendors for the provision of direct mail, telemarketing, marketing research, design, and printing services; ensure competitive pricing and the quality of their work.

• Hire, train, manage, and evaluate the performance of all marketing and public relations staff, including vendors, interns and volunteers.

• Serve as part of the senior management team to assist the Executive Director in setting and implementing administrative and artistic policies established by the Board.

Other

• Attend concerts of the orchestra to act as liaison to the media and the public; oversee complimentary ticket disbursement.

• Develop and maintain relationships with local business and arts leaders to enhance PSO’s marketing and public relations efforts. Work to enhance public understanding of and support for the unique role of the orchestra in the community.

• Assist the PSO’s outreach to community and ethnic groups through the promotion of outreach concerts, disbursement of complimentary tickets, etc.

• Represent PSO to Portland Presents.

• Keep abreast of recent research on marketing techniques

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Please send resume and cover letter via email to ldixon (at) portlandsymphony.org no later than Friday, February 24th.