Assistant Director of Marketing

The Penn State School of Theatre seeks a creative, strategic, and collaborativeAssistant Director of Marketing, Communications, and Engagementto lead marketing, communications, audience engagement, and public relations efforts for one of the nation's premier university theatre programs.

This position plays a vital role in advancing the School of Theatre's mission byexpanding audiences, elevating theprofileof Penn State Centre Stage, andstrengthening relationships with community partners, alumni, and donors. 

TheAssistant Directordevelops andexecutesmarketing and communications strategies that promote productions,support audience growth,andadvancetheSchool'sreputation and impact across the University and broader community.

The position oversees brand management, digitalmedia, publications, social media,public relations,special events, and communitypartnerships.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

LeadMarketing Strategy and Audience Development

• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies aligned with the School of Theatre's strategic plan and University priorities.

• Create annual marketing plans for Penn State Centre Stage productions, recruitment initiatives,andspecial events.

• Analyze market trends, audience data, and campaign performance to inform strategic decision-making and improve marketing effectiveness.

• Develop innovative initiatives that strengthen audiencegrowth, increase participation, andexpand communityengagement.

ManageCommunications and BrandStrategy

• Curate andmaintaina consistent visual identity and messaging strategy for the School of Theatre and Penn State Centre Stage.

• Lead the creation, writing, editing, and production of marketing and communications materials, including production campaigns, playbills, brochures, newsletters, advertising, press releases, promotional materials, and multimedia content. 

• Publish and editThe Callboard, the School of Theatre's alumni newsletter.

• Coordinate internal and external communications that advance the visibility and reputation of theSchool.

OverseeDigital Media and Content Creation:

• Oversee and manage the Penn State Centre Stage websiteas a key recruitment, marketing, and audience-engagement resource.

• Create and oversee compelling content across multiple platforms, including social media, email marketing, digital advertising, photography, videography, short-form video, and web content. 

• Developvisual storytelling that highlights productions, students, faculty, and staff.

• Monitor analyticsand performance metrics to evaluate and strengthendigital marketingstrategies.

BuildCommunity Engagement and Partnerships:

• Identify, develop, and cultivate strategic partnershipsacross the University and throughout the broader community.

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Penn State Centre Stage Community Council.

• Foster relationships with community organizations, alumni, donors, andarts andculturalinstitutions.

• Represent Penn State Centre Stage at University and community events.

• Assistin the research, writing, editing, and coordination of grant proposals and funding opportunities.

LeadEventMarketingand Public RelationsEfforts:

• Coordinate marketing and communications for School of Theatre and Penn State Centre Stageproductions, recruitment activities, alumni programs, donor engagement initiatives, and community events.

• Coordinate media relations, photography, and promotional efforts with internal and external partners.

• Maintain production photography archives and help ensuretheatretechnology is operational andevent-ready.

• Develop public relations strategies that increase regional and national visibilityfor the School and Centre Stage.

• Partner with College of Arts and Architecture and University Marketing & Communications colleagueson strategic communications initiatives.

ManageBudgets,Projects, and Operations: 

• Develop and manage marketing budgets for advertising, promotional materials, publications, andspecial events.

• Monitor expenditures and reconcile departmental marketing budgets.

• Oversee production schedules and ensuretimelycompletion of marketing projects.

• Manage multiple priorities whilemaintainingexceptional attention to detail.

Important Note: Due to the production schedule of the School of Theatre, the Assistant Director will be required to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in marketing, communications, or public relations.

• Effective written, editing, and verbal communication skills.

• Experience developing integrated marketing campaigns across print, digital, and social media.

• Experience with social media management, content creation, photography, and videography.

• Effectiveproject management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Experience with website content management systems and digital marketing platforms.

• Proficiencywith Adobe Creative Suite or comparable design software.

• Outstandinganalytical skills and experience evaluating marketing effectiveness through data and reporting.

It is also preferred that candidates haveone or more of the followingqualifications: 

• Experience in higher education, performing arts, nonprofit arts organizations, or cultural institutions.

• Experience with audience development and performing arts marketing.

• Experience writing grants or supporting fundraising initiatives.

• Familiarity with email marketing platforms and marketing analytics.

• Experience planning public events and donor engagement activities.