Employment

Full-time and part-time positions available:

DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE SERVICES

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE ASSOCIATE

BOX OFFICE ASSOCIATE

DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE SERVICES

The Director of Audience Services (DAS)is responsible for managing customer service, box office, front of house, rentals and concession for WT to ensure an exceptional experience for all patrons, donors and community members. Working with the Marketing department, the DAS helps set and manage earned ticket revenue strategies including but not limited to single tickets, subscription sales and benefits, and other special programs

Reporting to the Executive Director and Artistic Director and serving as a member of WT’s senior management team, the DAS manages the Audience Services department which is comprised of a 5-person full-time team with multiple part-time second reports and has full oversight of facility rentals, Front of House and Box Office teams.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and track departmental budget (average $700,000 annually)
• Provide input on ticket prices, subscription ticket packages, ticket income revenue, concessions revenue, rentals, etc. that generates $2-3 million in earned income annually;
• Collaborate with Box Office and Database staff to structure demand-based pricing models, sales projections and corresponding pricing and inventory strategies to maximize revenue, using revenue management software.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Artistic Director and senior leadership team to ensure a clear and accurate interpretation of the organization’s vision, mission and target audience.
• Help set season calendar and project attendance and single ticket and subscription sales expectations for the season.
• Supervise the development and execution of building rental events, with an eye on expanding the program to maximize revenue growth, vendor relationships and retention of clients.
• Track and monitor ticket sale trends (single/subscription) to help the Marketing department in planning effective strategies for future subscription and sales campaigns.
• Cultivate a risk-taking work environment that enables innovation and growth in new technology and customer service practices to ensure WT’s vitality.
• Ensure accurate and timely box office records; daily, weekly, quarterly.
• Generate income and expense budgets, specialized reports, records, and statistical data for other departments
• Hire, train, supervise, motivate and support a strong and strategic team including ticketing/customer service, front of house and concessions and group sales and identify resources for staff development.
• Ensure that the patrons’ experience of the theater is welcoming, kind and comfortable.
• Create 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.

Qualifications and Key Competencies

• At least three years in managing ticket staff/successful experience in customer service. Familiarity with the performing arts and performance schedule demands, including industry accepted standard box office and front of house operations.
• A commitment in cultivating and managing a diverse staff.
• Experience with subscription and single ticket campaigns in a mid-size performing arts environment and/or equivalent acquisition campaigns.
• 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.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills
• Calm and approachable manner with strong problem solving skills.
• Knowledge of Tessitura and revenue management software a plus.
• Flexible and adaptable, especially with new technology, procedures and processes
• Must be able to accommodate flexible work hours, including evenings and weekends

COVID SAFETY:

Writers Theatre requires proof of vaccination and face coverings for all employees. 

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, 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. A 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.

Additional information about WT’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive workplace can be found at writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

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.

SALARY:

$55,000 a year.

TO APPLY:

Qualified and interested candidates should a, resume and an expression of interest (cover letter) to jobs@writerstheatre.org. Please include in the sublet line of the email “Director of Audience Services”. No phone calls please.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

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 WT’s 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.

PRIMARY 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 the 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.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS AND 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 Word 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

AN EXECPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY

WT offers a competitive salary in the range of $80,000 to $90,000 annually. Benefits include 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.  

COMMITTMENT TO DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, & EQUITY

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.

APPLICATION PROCESS

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 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.

Writers Theatre thanks you for your interest!

AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE ASSOCIATE

SUMMARY

Writers Theatre seeks an Audience Experience Associate to coordinate front of house operations during performances and special 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. 

DUTIES AND 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 volunteer ushers 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 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.
• Bartending or foodservice experience a plus.
• 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 and Food Handlers’ certifications 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.
• Must be able to comply with organizational COVID safety policies and procedures
• A commitment to ethical conduct in all aspects of the work environment
• A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environment
• A commitment to the protection of confidential information to which this position has access

COVID SAFETY

Writers Theatre requires proof of vaccination and face coverings for all employees.

COMPENSATION

This is a part-time, hourly position with paid sick days and the option to opt into the company’s 403(b) retirement plan (with employer match). Starting rate is $15/hour.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, 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. A 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.

Additional information about WT’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive workplace can be found at writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt

TO APPLY

Please send a resume plus an expression of interest (video, audio, written) that speak to interests, skills, accomplishments, and characteristics that distinguish yourself to Jason Vences at jvences@writerstheatre.org.

Please include in the subject line of the email “Audience Experience Associate Application”. No phone calls please.

BOX OFFICE ASSOCIATE

Writers Theatre seeks a Box Office Associate to assist in the daily operations of the Box Office including processing transactions and providing exemplary customer service.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Answering phones and emails.
• Processing ticket sales, exchanges and season subscriptions
• Providing tech support to patrons as they view digital programming
• Serving as a will call agent for performances, ensuring a smooth and efficient pre-show experience.
• Assisting patrons with questions, accessibility needs and/or ticketing issues.
• 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.
• Previous customer service experience preferred.
• Cash handling experience preferred.
• Must be able to comply with organizational COVID safety policies and procedures
• A commitment to ethical conduct in all aspects of the work environment
• A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environment
• A commitment to the protection of confidential information to which this position has access

COVID SAFETY:

Writers Theatre requires proof of vaccination and face coverings for all employees.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, 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. A 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.

Additional information about WT’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive workplace can be found at writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt

COMPENSATION

This is a part-time, entry-level position. Starting rate is $15/hour.

TO APPLY

Please send a resume plus an expression of interest (video, audio, written) that speak to interests, skills, accomplishments, and characteristics that distinguish yourself to Box Office Manager, Kara Watanachaiyot, at kwatanachaiyot@writerstheatre.org.

Please include in the subject line of the email “Box Office Associate Application”. No phone calls please.