Employment

Full-time and part-time positions available:

Director of Marketing & Communications
Box Office Manager

Box Office Lead

Director of Marketing & Communications

SUMMARY

The Director of Marketing & Communications (DOM&C) is responsible for the generation of all earned ticket revenues and oversees all aspects of audience development and retention, brand management and special outreach and engagement programs. The DOM&C works closely with the Director of Audience Services who oversees Box Office and Front of House services.

The DOM&C is essential to conversations about critical institutional issues that have lasting impact for the organization and the industry. This person possesses a sensitivity to and appreciation for the art form that drives a desire to ensure that the work of the department reflects the vision for the theatre.

Reporting to the Executive Director and Artistic Director and serving as a member of Writers Theatre’s (WT) senior management team, the DOM&C manages a three-person, full-time team with oversight of Marketing, Communications, Publications and Public Relations. The DOM&C manages outside agencies and contractors for advertising, art direction, photography and video, public relations and database management, among others. The DOM&C collaborates closely with other departments to advance the organization’s long-term and day-today interests.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

• Manage an annual departmental budget and an earned income responsibility that pre-pandemic totaled $700,000 and more than $3 million, respectively.
• 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.
• Collaborate with the Director of Audience Services on audience growth and retention, customer service and all aspects of the theatre-going experience including box office, ticketing, front of house and concessions.
• Develop annual and long range institutional, programmatic, and show-specific marketing, advertising and communication plans.
• Cultivate a risk-taking work environment that enables innovation and growth in new technology and marketing practices to ensure WT’s vitality.
• Create and grow a sustainable audience base while retaining and deepening relationships with current audiences through the application of learning cycles (design programs, research, try, assess results and make improvements, research, try, assess results, etc.).
• 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 and oversee income and expense budgets for marketing and communications. 

Branding, Visual Identity and Advertising

• Manage and elevate the brand and profile of WT locally and nationally across print, display, digital and broadcast media as well as 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
• Serve as Editor-In-Chief for The Brief Chronicle, the WT newsmagazine, released up to 6 times per season.
• Oversee creation, production and execution of play programs for each production.
• Oversee public relations efforts of an independent PR Firm that manages press performances, photo and video shoots, actor media opportunities and other PR events.

Audience Engagement, Development and Retention

• Work closely with the Audience Services and Advancement departments to ensure an integrated customer relationship management approach to marketing and fundraising.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure that the patron experience is welcoming, kind and comfortable.
• Use predictive metrics to help establish attendance, single ticket, and subscription sales goals.
• Collaborate with Box Office and Database staff to structure demand-based pricing models, and corresponding pricing and inventory strategies to maximize revenue.
• Oversee subscription campaign planning and execution.
• Collaborate in the creation of audience engagement/development events, including From Page to Stage and other ancillary events.
• Work with audience services, box office, and front of house to ensure delivery of a class-leading patron experience.
• In collaboration with the Director of Audience Services, deliver industry-leading Access programs.
• Develop relationships within the industry and related businesses to serve WT‘s strategic goals.

QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrable commitment to cultivating and managing a diverse staff and creating a positive, collaborative and productive culture.
• Intellectual curiosity, drive, and enthusiasm
• A record of progressive accomplishment in marketing for a multi-million-dollar organization, preferably but not essentially in 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 knowledge of statistical analysis, revenue projection, and pricing strategy
• Experience with MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, others)
• Experience with CRM systems; Tessitura experience a plus
• Maturity, steadiness, and a sense of humor
• The capacity to add value and perspective to organizational culture

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY 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. 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, age, or veteran status.

COMPENSATION

WT offers a competitive salary in the range of $80,000 to $85,000. Benefits including 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.

TO APPLY

Robert Sweibel Arts & Culture Consulting is conducting this search on behalf of WT.

Qualified individuals are invited to submit a resume plus an expression of interest (video, audio, written) that speak to interests, skills, accomplishments, and characteristics that distinguish the candidacy. Please, no phone calls.

Robert Sweibel
Robert Sweibel Arts & Culture Consulting
350 Cabrini Blvd, 6J New York, NY 10040
jobs@robertsweibel.com

HIRING PROCESS

A review of prospective candidates will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. All candidates of interest will be contacted. We regret we’re unable to follow up with every candidate.

Every applicant’s materials will be reviewed by the Consultant. After reviewing all applications, the Consultant will conduct first-round interviews (to occur on a rolling basis) by phone or video. The Consultant will recommend applicants for further consideration to the Theatre’s Executive Director. Additional interviews with staff and select Board members will be undertaken t in a format to be determined. The process will continue until an appointment is made.

BOX OFFICE Manager 

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Audience Services, the Box Office Manager (BXM) helps to ensure all Box Office team members are maintaining a high level of professionalism and industry-leading customer service. The BXM will advocate for the needs of the WT audience by building deep relationships with subscribers and patrons, acting as the face of customer service for WT. 

The ideal candidate will have the ability to remain poised in high-stress situations while exercising good judgment; show the ability to remove barriers between patrons and performance and display both patience and enthusiasm. The BXM will serve as team leader for WT’s full time and part time Box Office team members and must demonstrate good leadership skills, set a positive example and proactively coach staff as necessary. The BXM will be responsible for working independently on projects from conception to completion and should be able to prioritize and execute these projects and daily tasks efficiently. The BXM will often collaborate with other departmental managers on these projects and must maintain a good working relationship with all peers.

Typical work hours are 40 hours a week, with evenings and weekends required throughout the year as the production calendar necessitates.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help create and execute organizational policy to anticipate patron needs.
• Work closely with Front of House management to create a streamlined and welcoming audience experience.
• Serve as team leader for the Box Office staff; coach the team on prioritization of Box Office projects and best customer service practices.
• Supervise interactions with patrons over the phone, in person and via email, as necessary.
• Resolve patron issues/complaints in a timely manner that is in keeping with organizational policy.
• Help to create and execute Box Office and ticketing policies.
• Maintain Box Office spaces, ensuring appropriate materials are stocked and organized at all times.
• Perform daily reporting.
• Perform price flushes weekly and intermittently, as needed.
• Serve as primary liaison between Box Office and Front of House, Advancement, Marketing and Education departments.
• Assist with marketing and advancement events as necessary.
• Develop plans/training to ensure an efficient and effective Box Office; supervise the implementation of plans/training.
• Lead and supervise outreach to and accommodation of access patrons.
• Lead and supervise Tessitura and customer service training of Box Office associates. Serve as primary Tessitura superuser within the Box Office.
• Lead and supervise outreach to and cultivation of group sales, assisting and offering coaching as necessary.
• Edit marketing and advancement materials as necessary.
• Schedule Box Office staff monthly for the following: box office shifts, will call shifts, audience engagement events and training.
• Be a presence during daytime hours in the box office to greet patrons, customers, donors, artists and vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have: 

• Two or more years of team management experience.
• Extensive customer service experience.
• Working knowledge of Tessitura ticketing software.
• The ability to empathize with patrons and staff.
• Enthusiasm and appreciation for live theatre.
• Flexibility, creativity and poise under pressure.
• Superior organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to correctly assess priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION 

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

COMPENSATION

Salary range is $40,000-$45,000. Benefits include medical, dental insurance and disability insurance, vacation and other paid leave, a 403(b) retirement plan (with employer match), medical and dependent care cafeteria plans.

TO APPLY

Writers Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in our hiring process, as well as in all areas of our work. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. WT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to the Director of Audience Services Samantha Aguilar at saguilar@writerstheatre.org by Friday, July 16. Please put “Box Office Manager Application” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Box Office Lead

SUMMARY 

Reporting to the Box Office Manager, the Box Office Lead will supervise Box Office Associates and assist in the daily operations of the Box Office including processing transactions and providing exemplary customer service.

This is a full-time position and typical work hours are 40 hours a week, with evenings and weekends required throughout the year as the production calendar necessitates. We are currently working remotely, but we expect to be transitioning back in-office late Summer 2021.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Overseeing and supporting staff during hours of operation
• Answering phones and emails
• Processing ticket sales, exchanges and season subscriptions
• Providing tech support to patrons as they view digital programming
• Working as a part of our subscription sales team.
• Serving as a will call manager for performances, ensuring a smooth and efficient pre-show experience
• Assisting patrons with questions, accessibility needs and/or ticketing issues, including resolving escalated patron concerns
• Helping with training of new Associates
• Managing ongoing projects such as ticket donations and our script program
• Performing other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Friendly personality and the ability to work as part of a team
• Organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multi-task
• Professional demeanor while working under pressure with the ability to remain calm and collected
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing policies and procedures
• A combination of afternoon, evening and weekend availability is required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook required
• Tessitura experience required
• Previous customer service experience strongly preferred
• Cash handling experience preferred

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION 

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

COMPENSATION

Salary is $32,000 per year. Benefits include medical, dental insurance and disability insurance, vacation and other paid leave, a 403(b) retirement plan (with employer match), medical and dependent care cafeteria plans.

TO APPLY

Writers Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in our hiring process, as well as in all areas of our work. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. WT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to the Director of Audience Services, Samantha Aguilar at saguilar@writerstheatre.org by Friday, July 16. Please put “Box Office Lead Application” in the subject line. No phone calls please.