Employment

Full-time and part-time positions available:

• Director of Marketing & Communications

• ADVANCEMENT COORDINATOR

• executive assistant/board liaison

• Box Office Associate
• Front of House Associate
• STITCHER

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

SUMMARY

The Director of Marketing & Communications is responsible for the generation of all earned ticket revenues and oversees all aspects of audience development and retention, brand management, special outreach and engagement programs, as well as box office and front of house services.

Reporting to the Executive Director and Artistic Director and serving as a member of WT’s senior management team, the Director of Marketing & Communications manages a 7-person full-time team with multiple part-time second reports with full oversight of Marketing, Communications, Publications, Public Relations, Front of House and Box Office teams. Includes additional management of multiple consultants in the fields of Design, Photography and Video, Public Relations and Database Management, among others.

The Director of Marketing & Communications will focus on growing new audiences while retaining and deepening relationships with current audiences by leading WT to the forefront of digital and new media marketing and engagement efforts. Further, the Director of Marketing & Communications will work to elevate the brand of WT within the conscious mind of our city and our nation.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

• Manage a $700k departmental budget and an earned income responsibility of more than $3 million annually.
• 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 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 including ticketing/customer service, front of house and concessions, database management, marketing, communications, publications, social media, graphic design and group sales.
• Continually assess departmental capabilities and identify resources for staff development.
• Develop and oversee income and expense budgets for marketing and communications as well supporting the same for Front of House and Box Office.

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.
• Collaborate with WT leadership and the Board of Trustees on audience development efforts and long-range planning.
• Define and assess opportunities for development of both new and existing audiences.
• Maintain brand standards and guidelines for the organization to further the mission and identity of the company.
• Create advertising plans for all season series and individual productions, including print, radio, television, direct mail, display and digital advertising components.
• Negotiate all advertising contracts, manage print vendor and mail house bid processes.
• Art direct design of all single ticket and season materials, including direct mail brochures and postcards, print ads, newsletters and distribution materials. Lead the creation of all show imagery and artwork from conception to execution.
• Oversee online presence of the organization, include website, social media and digital advertising.

Communications, Publications and Public Relations

• Oversee, edit and approve all copy produced in the Marketing Department, including all direct mail and advertising copy (print, radio, television and online), patron and subscriber letters, brochures and other collateral.
• Serve as Editor-In-Chief for The Brief Chronicle, the color glossy newsmagazine of the organization, released up to 6 times per season.
• Oversee creation, production and execution of play programs for each of six yearly productions.
• Oversee all public relations efforts, cooperating with an independent PR Firm to manage press performances, photo and video shoots, actor media opportunities and other PR events.

Audience Engagement, Development and Retention

• Work closely with the Advancement department to ensure an integrated customer relationship management approach in both marketing and fundraising efforts.
• Collaborate with various internal departments to ensure that the patrons’ experience of the theater is welcoming, kind and comfortable.
• Help set season calendar and project attendance and single ticket and subscription sales expectations for a six-play season. Use predictive metrics to inform sales goals for the organization.
• Collaborate with Box Office and Database staff to structure demand-based pricing models, sales projections and corresponding pricing and inventory strategies to maximize revenue.
• Oversee subscription campaign planning and execution.
• Collaborate or lead in the creation of all audience engagement/development events, including all From Page to Stage collaborative community partner events, as well as additional ancillary events.
• Serve as lead in creation of Front of House and Box Office customer service policies, in collaboration with Box Office and Front of House Management with the goal of providing industry-leading patron services.
• Oversee Access programs and budgets in collaboration with Front of House and Box Office management to consistently be an industry leader in Access services.
• Develop relationships within the industry and related businesses to serve WT‘s overall audience development goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• WT gives preference to candidates who have demonstrable experience advocating for equity, diversity and inclusion.
• A comprehensive understanding of marketing theory and practice; experience with performing arts preferred but not required.
• At least five years of increasingly responsible and successful experience in marketing or communications with a proven track record in audience development.
• Strong strategic planning skills and a demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective marketing plans and strategies.
• Experience with subscription and single ticket campaigns in a mid-size performing arts environment and/or equivalent acquisition campaigns.
• Ability to grow an audience with in a well-established mature and highly competitive marketplace
• Track-record of successful team leadership, creating a positive, collaborative and productive culture.
• Strong analytical skills, including knowledge of pricing strategies, statistical analysis and revenue projection.
• Ability to lead the use of social media and web platforms and strategies to drive ticket sales.
• Exceptional writing, communication, editing and graphic design skills or leadership.
• Knowledge of /experience in Chicago and with Tessitura a plus.

COMPENSATION

Salary is commensurate with experience. The range of benefits includes medical, dental insurance and disability insurance, vacation and other paid leave, a 403(b) retirement plan (with employee match) and medical and dependent care cafeteria plans.

TO APPLY

Qualified and interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume and any salary requirements to jobs@writerstheatre.org by August 9, 2019. No phone calls please.

ADVANCEMENT COORDINATOR

SUMMARY

The Advancement Coordinator supports all Advancement department fundraising efforts, with an emphasis on individual giving. As a proactive member of the team, the Advancement Coordinator plays a key role in implementing and maintaining all departmental procedures, understands the departmental objectives and provides support accordingly.

Supervisor: Manager of Major Gifts (primary), with the Director of Institutional Advancement.

Typical work hours are 40 hours a week, M-F 9:30-5:30pm, with some evenings and weekends required throughout the year for meetings and special events and attendance/participation in programs and plays throughout the season. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly responsible for all aspects of gift entry, processing and preferred donor recognition; maintains and updates donor records for continued accuracy and responsible for ongoing database integrity.
• Executes all acknowledgements for individual donors.
• Assists with gift reminders for Trustees and major donors.
• Maintains orderly and chronological paper file systems for all donors, which includes filing solicitation letters, gift correspondence and copies of checks, and general correspondence.
• Produces weekly financial reports for Advancement department.
• Works with Finance department to reconcile contributed income on a monthly basis, executes calendar and fiscal year-end statements, and ensures an accurate annual audit.
• Tracks department expenses being paid through credit cards, check request, company account, etc.
• Regular interaction with donors and Trustees, including answering questions and providing assistance through the Advancement department’s general phone line and email, as well as in person at special events.
• Serves as secondary ticket concierge for VIPs by fulfilling house seat orders and ensuring the best possible service for Trustees and major donors.
• Coordinates and maintains inventory of all Advancement department print materials such as event invitations, print publications, thank-you notes, letterhead, envelopes, folders, etc.
• Coordinates the departmental routing of content for institutional magazine (The Brief Chronicle) and program book for every production, compiling edits and input from all parties.
• Provides support to solicitation mailings for the Director’s Society and the Annual Fund.
• Supports the department with regards to creating agendas for departmental meetings, setting meetings, taking minutes, distributing itineraries and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have one or more years of fundraising or office experience. Demonstrated ability to effectively handle multiple priorities and projects simultaneously with a high degree of attention to detail. Candidate must possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Specific knowledge: Excel, Word and Microsoft Office /Tessitura database experience a plus.

COMPENSATION

Salary is commensurate with experience. The range of benefits includes medical, dental insurance, and disability insurance, vacation and other paid leave, a 403(b) retirement plan (with employee match), and medical and dependent care cafeteria plans.

TO APPLY

Qualified and interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume jobs@writerstheatre.org. No phone calls please.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/BOARD LIAISON

SUMMARY

WT seeks an enthusiastic, independent, and attentive professional to provide high-level administrative support to the Executive Director (ED) and support the Director of Institutional Advancement (DoIA) with Board management, engagement, research, events and meetings.

As the Executive Assistant/Board Liaison (EA/BL), this individual is responsible for providing administrative and strategic support to the ED and will function as the primary contact person for the Board of Trustees and associated committees (Executive Committee, Advancement Committee, Membership Committee and Nominating Committee, as examples).

The ideal individual will have the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations; with strong written and verbal communication; administrative, organizational and people skills, and the ability to prioritize needs. The EA/BL will often work independently on projects and must be able to handle matters expeditiously, proactively, and follow through to successful completion. Must be able to work under pressure at times and deal with confidential matters with discretion.

Typical work hours are 40 hours a week, M-F 9:30-5:30pm, with some evenings and weekends required throughout the year for meetings and special events.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide strategic administrative support to the Executive Director

• Support the execution of the ED's short and long-term goals and responsibilities
• Translate goals into daily/weekly action plans
• Research, prioritize and follow-up on incoming issues and concerns identified by and/or addressed to the ED, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature.
• Manage the ED’s calendar, ensuring that ED’s schedule is handled in an efficient and professional manner
• Schedule meetings
• Organize and coordinate travel plans, itineraries and agendas
• Keep ED informed of and prepared for upcoming commitments and responsibilities, and to ensure her appropriate follow up
• Prepare briefing materials for the ED in preparation for meetings and travel, working closely with staff
• Coordinate and manage routine administrative duties for the ED such as filing and monthly expense reports
• Draft acknowledgement letters, personal correspondence, and presentations, as needed
• As directed by the ED, conduct research, assemble and analyze data to prepare reports and documents
• Communicate directly, and on behalf of the ED, with Board members, staff, donors, and others, as needed
• Coordinate all staff meeting

Supports the Director of Institutional Advancement with Board management and engagement

• Coordinate annual individual Board member meetings with ED and DoIA
• In collaboration with DoIA, provides research and follows up on contacts made and supports the cultivation of ongoing relationships and donor prospects
• Assist with materials related to Trustee annual gifts

Provide administrative support and serve as the primary contact for the Board of Trustees

• Guide ongoing and effective communication with the Board of Trustees
• Coordinate annual calendar of Board & committee meetings;
• Create meeting timelines, prepare and distribute meeting notifications, and agenda materials, manage all correspondence around meeting execution
• Create and maintain Board Manual and binder of relevant materials /Organize publication of annual Board & staff directory
• Coordinate orientation for new Board members
• Event manager for Board meetings: coordinate attendance, arrange catering, create/distribute meeting materials, take and distribute meeting minutes
• Assist with Trustee ticketing requests

QUALIFICATIONS

• One or more year of development or office experience, preferably in arts management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; excellent judgment and discretion with confidential information
• Ability to effectively handle multiple priorities and projects simultaneously with exceptional time management skills, including the ability to work under tight deadlines
• Possess a professional demeanor, strong judgement, maturity and strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate a high degree of initiative and energy, be a flexible team-player, and a have a sense of humor
• Specific knowledge: Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word; Tessitura database experience a plus

COMPENSATION

Salary is commensurate with experience. The range of benefits includes medical, dental insurance, and disability insurance, vacation and other paid leave, a 403(b) retirement plan (with employee match), and medical and dependent care cafeteria plans.

TO APPLY

Qualified and interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to jobs@writerstheatre.org. Please put “Executive Assistant/Board Liaison” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

BOX OFFICE ASSOCIATE

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Box Office Manager, the Box Office Associate will assist in the daily operations of the Box Office including processing transactions, building relationships with audience members, offering additional engagement opportunities and providing exemplary customer service with the ultimate goal of leading the industry in maximizing the customer experience.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Answering phones and emails.
• Processing ticket sales, exchanges and season subscriptions.
• Working as a part of our subscription sales team.
• Working as a will call agent for performances, ensuring a smooth and efficient pre-show experience.
• Assist patrons with questions, accessibility needs and/or ticketing issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A combination of afternoon, evening and weekend availability is required and will be taken into serious consideration when selecting candidates.
• Outgoing, accessible personality and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Superior 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 in high-pressure situations.
• An ideal candidate will possess previous box office experience or customer service experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook required.
• Cash handling experience preferred.

COMPENSATION

This is a part-time position. Competitive hourly rate.

TO APPLY

Qualified and interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to Box Office Manager, Bryan Anderson, at banderson@writerstheatre.org. Please put “Box Office Associate” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

FRONT OF HOUSE ASSOCIATE

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Audience Services Manager, the Front of House Associate will coordinate front of house operations during performances and specials events and will collaborate with the box office and stage management staff to maintain smooth front-facing operations and provide industry-leading customer service, with the ultimate goal of maximizing the customer experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

House Management

• Serve as House Manager for public performances and special events
• Coordinate with box office staff on seating holds and patron information.
• Assist patrons with questions, accessibility needs and/or seating issues.
• Train and manage volunteers on a nightly basis.
• Communicate with stage management staff on nightly operations schedule (house opening, start of performance, late seating).
• If the production allows, late seat patrons after the performance begins.
• Monitor activity during performances.
• Communicate and assist with security and emergency incidents.
• Prepare House Manager and Concessions performance reports
• Operate WT Digital Signage during performances and special events, as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness of Front of House areas including lobby, restrooms, concession center, and other public spaces.
• Assist Audience Services Manager with other duties, as assigned.

Concessions

• Provide Bar/Concessions service for public performances and special events.
• Set up and tear down bar, including displays, concessions, and drink preparation.
• Assist patrons with concessions and drink selections, providing descriptions and suggestions
• Process payments through Square POS system.
• Prepare and deliver pre-order intermission drinks and concessions.
• Track concessions inventory and communicate restocking needs.
• Prepare and reconcile concessions sales reports.
• Ensure displays and lobby areas are clean and accessible.
• Other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Top level customer service experience required.
• Experience in theatrical operations preferred.
• Outgoing, accessible personality with the ability to speak in front of people.
• Superior organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multi-task.
• Professional demeanor while working under pressure.
• Experience with POS systems a plus.
• Strong interest in and passion for live theatre.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• BASSET certification preferred; training will be provided to selected candidate.
• Afternoon, evening and weekend availability is required and will be taken into serious consideration when selecting candidates.

COMPENSATION

This is a part-time position; approximately 10-20 hours/week. Competitive hourly rate.

TO APPLY

Qualified and interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to jobs@writerstheatre.org. Please put “Front of House Associate” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

STITCHER

SUMMARY

Writers Theatre seeks overhire stitchers for the 2018/19 Season and 2019/20. Stitchers are hired on a show-by-show basis, based on the needs of each show. Please inquire for specifics, including dates.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities typically include alterations on existing pieces under the supervision of the costume supervisor; some costume construction is possible.

QUALIFICATIONS

Familiarity with and experience working in professional costume shops is preferred.

COMPENSATION

Competitive hourly rate.

TO APPLY

Qualified and interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to Emily Waecker, Costume Supervisor, at ewaecker@writerstheatre.org. Please put “FY19 Stitcher” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Director of Marketing & Communications