Career Center

Overview of Position:

The Director of Marketing & Communications is responsible for all facets of marketing, communications, and public relations.

Marketing responsibilities include leading the integrated marketing campaigns including email, direct mail, print, digital, social and broadcast media; group sales and community partners sales program; solicitation of program book advertising; front of house and box office coordination at all concerts and management of the Box Office at Chamber Orchestra concerts; maintaining the ISO’s website; development and compilation of program book; and distribution of press releases and public relations materials.

Other administrative duties include attendance at all ISO concerts, events and Board meetings, and other duties as assigned.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement all aspects of season ticket sales and renewal campaigns, including email, direct mail, social media, and telemarketing. Oversee the acquisition of prospect lists, advertising placements, and production of all campaign materials.
• Develop and launch a structured group sales program and corporate ticket sales programs.
• Grow the ISO’s community partnership program through the promotion of group sales, ticket offers and partnerships.
• Write copy and work with designers to produce all marketing and development materials including season brochures, advertisements, email, direct mail, concert program books, website, social media, and newsletters.
• Solicit program book advertising from corporations and individuals.
• Plan and implement single ticket sales campaign including the design and placement of advertising across media and special promotions.
• Monitor budget of all marketing efforts, adjusting as necessary to meet all revenue goals.
• Maintain a performance dashboard of marketing tactics and implement continual optimization of tactics based on performance.
• Report to the Board on progress of all ticket sales campaigns; provide other reports and public communication as requested.
• Recommend marketing policies and promotion strategies to the Executive Director and Board with the goal of achieving new audiences for the orchestra.
• Maintain and further develop the ISO’s website.
• Write and distribute all press releases, public service announcements and public relations materials.
• Work with Concert Venue box offices to ensure friendly, courteous service and customer satisfaction in ticket transactions. Ensure the accuracy of all ticket revenue reports and maintain a system of timely deposits, sales reports, ticket audits and concert settlements.
• Manage the Box Office at Chamber Orchestra concerts and front of house and box office coordination at all concerts.
• Maintain media contacts, function as spokesperson for ISO as needed, and provide public information by request.
• Assist with special public relations events and season ticket holder activities including Concert Comments and Coda Conversation; coordinate with volunteers to carry out the events and ensure they are consistent with the Symphony’s policies and objectives.
• Work with Marketing Committee to create and execute audience development initiatives.
• Enlist and coordinate volunteers to participate in marketing and public relations events and campaigns.
• Work with guild volunteers to provide all marketing and promotional materials for all fundraising events benefiting the orchestra including direct mail, print and electronic media.
• Attend all concerts and special events to function as liaison to the media and the public. Oversee the distribution of tickets to press and VIPs. Participate in artist and patron hospitality as requested.
• Develop and maintain relationships with businesses and arts leaders to enhance the Illinois Symphony Orchestra’s image. Work to enhance public understanding of and support for the unique role of the Symphony in the community.
• Attend civic and cultural events in the community. Represent ISO by speaking at public events as requested.
• Maintain archive of all marketing materials and press coverage.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in marketing, communications, fundraising/development, public relations, business and/or music preferably with 5 years of marketing, development, sales, or related experience.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and positive individual with a strong customer service background that can work in a team environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously. They will have excellent computer skills and will be comfortable utilizing the research and analysis tools available through the internet.

They will be comfortable working in a collaborative environment with a small staff and limited resources. They will be eager to develop the Illinois Symphony Orchestra brand in the community. They will be flexible, adaptable, and energetic.

The candidate will have a strong interest in and willingness to learn about classical music. They will be able to write and speak persuasively about the mission and vision of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. They will have excellent communication and people skills and will be able to work effectively with Board, staff, musicians, community leaders and volunteers. While not required, it would be ideal if candidate had experience working in a performing arts organization.

The successful candidate will have proficiency in Microsoft Windows; Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access; Adobe InDesign; and website development. A knowledge of Donor Perfect donor management software and ticketing software a plus.

The successful candidate will be able to accept a work schedule that includes many evening and weekend activities and occasional travel.