Oregon Children’s Theatre (OCT) seeks a creative and innovative leader to guide its promotional, branding, and communications strategies, as well as set and meet annual sales goals for the organization. Reporting to OCT’s Producing Artistic Director, this full-time position is responsible for overseeing initiatives to cultivate audience development and engagement with the goal of increasing attendance and participation, deepening patron loyalty, and advancing OCT’s brand.
The Director of Marketing and Sales is a member of the senior leadership team and works hand-in-hand with OCT’s Development Team to support an institutional communications strategy. The position supervises an existing Marketing and Communications Manager (direct report), Graphic Designer (indirect), Patron Services Manager (direct report), Patron Services Associate (indirect).
The successful candidate will have proven experience in designing and executing successful communication strategies and will be experienced in managing digital banner ads, social media ads and Google AdWords, and interpreting and reporting out on analytics and tracking. They will demonstrate exceptional organizational and management skills and be driven to meet unrelenting deadlines and critical goals.
QUALITIES NEEDED
In addition to having at least five years of experience in positions of responsibility involving marketing, communications, and/or sales, the successful candidate will demonstrate the following qualities:
Leadership Style: Collaborative and entrepreneurial. A highly organized, self-starter with ability to manage multiple projects on fixed deadlines. Ability to lead a team of talented individuals to deliver their best work, encourage their creativity, and foster their professional growth while achieving company goals. Lead with trust and transparency. Model a commitment to equity and inclusion.
Experience: Experience in communications for nonprofit arts organizations or mission-based organization is preferred, but not required. Knowledge in Patron Services and Box Office is a plus.
Language Skills: Ability to write reports, business correspondence, business plans and effective marketing materials. Ability to effectively present information clearly, and respond to questions from groups of managers, employees, board members, patrons and the general public in writing, by telephone, through face-to-face conversation and public speaking.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of data and effectively convey the conclusions of that analysis to your team, peers and supervisors.
Computer Skills/Software: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of and comfort with database software; Microsoft Office Suite, in particular spreadsheet and word processing software; web CMS experience; and digital media best practices and execution. Familiarity with Salesforce, Monday.com, Later.com, email marketing (Emma), Squarespace are all incredibly helpful, but not required.
Communications: Exceptional ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Public speaking and meeting facilitation will be essential duties.
Teamwork: Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals and resolve problems.
Decision-making: Skill in assessing situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
Ethics: Understand ethical behavior and business practices and ensure own behavior and that of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the organization’s values.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility: Commitment to DEIA work and agrees that all people are welcome at OCT. Works towards partnering with likeminded organizations and funders and designs equitable donor benefits.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Planning promotional strategies, campaigns, goals, and objectives:
Create and execute marketing campaigns annually for OCT’s mainstage productions, Young Professionals Company productions, donor and acquisition campaigns (in partnership with the Development Department), school field trip ticket sales, and Acting Academy registrations.
Create and execute audience development strategies and initiatives, including direct mail, radio, television, print, outdoor, grassroots, digital advertising and publicity.
Assist with creating and managing implementation of pre-and post-show activities onsite in the theater lobby.
Oversee internal communications and branding:
Ensure that OCT’s brand and messaging are maintained throughout the organization.
Oversee sales strategy, ensuring goals are met:
Analyze historical and current sales data and patterns to enable data-driven decision making and forecasting. Analyze and set ticket pricing matrices and strategies and consult on the management of ticket inventory to maximize revenue in partnership with Patron Services Manager.
Track and report sales, and support Director of Finance and Patron Services in forecasting and reporting earned income from tickets sales and class registrations.
Meet or exceed OCT’s aggressive sales and revenue goals, which include mainstage productions, Young Professionals Co. productions, and Acting Academy classes.
2023-2024 season goals include:
$863,000 in public ticket sales
$355,000 in school field trip sales
$250,000 in Acting Academy sales
Plan media placements:
Manage relationship and strategically spend a $40,000 digital advertising budget w/ OCT’s marketing agency partner, MOGO Arts Marketing.
Oversee the solicitation and maintenance of media sponsorship and advertising trade agreements.
Oversee media relations, including solicitation of feature coverage and reviews.
Develop and oversee a comprehensive digital strategy, including the organization’s website and social media channels.
Oversee the creation of OCT’s printed and electronic publications, including playbill preparation and electronic newsletter.
Create, implement and analyze patron surveys and evaluation systems.
Analyze historical and current sales data and patterns to enable data-driven decision making and forecasting.
Track and report sales, and support Director of Finance and Patron Services in forecasting and reporting earned income from tickets sales and class registrations.
Manage Marketing and Patron Services staff:
Supervise all employees in Marketing and Patron Services, which currently consists of: Marketing and Communications Manager (direct report), Graphic Designer (indirect), Patron Services Manager (direct report), Patron Services Associate (indirect).
Participating in organizational leadership:
Serve as a member of OCT’s Leadership Team, engaging in planning, policy development, and communications that reach beyond the position’s specific job duties.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Typical working hours are M-F from 9:00am until 5:00pm PST. May be required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays, and travel to performance and classroom locations.
Hybrid working schedule, with a minimum of 3 days/week in-person at OCT’s headquarters in NE Portland.
Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical accommodation possible for applicants with limited mobility.
All staff are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 according to CDC guidelines.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Full-time, exempt, year-round
$56,000 – $60,000 per year, depending on experience
Paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal leave
Employer-sponsored 403b, no employer match currently
Employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employee
Comp and discounted show tickets, and discounted Acting Academy class tuition
RECRUITMENT TIMELINE*
Job Posting closes: September 18, 2023
Invited Interviews: September-October 2023
Job Offer: October-November 2023
*Is approximate and subject to change.
ADVANCING INCLUSION
OCT believes communities are stronger when they are diverse, and we are committed to building a creative and dynamic workplace with that in mind. We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to promote equity in our hiring practices inclusive of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, class, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and disability status. We recognize that OCT has been historically staffed by predominately white and able-bodied people. We especially encourage applications from those who bring us new perspectives and lived experiences, candidates of traditionally underrepresented identities, and those who will advance our goals of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome requests for accommodation during the application or employment process.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
TO APPLY
Submit the following material by September 18, 2023 at the URL provided:
Cover letter summarizing your experience, interest, and qualifications for this position.
Resume/CV outlining your work history and other experiences and education that have prepared you for this work.
Location
541 NE 20th Ave, Portland, OR 97232