Director of Marketing

POSITION: Director of Guest Services and Ticketing

DEPARTMENT: Marketing

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time / Salaried / Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Chief Marketing Officer

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them with work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences that are as diverse and vibrant as the city of Houston.

Rob Melrose, Managing Director Dean Gladden and Alley’s leadership team are committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in all aspects of the Theatre’s programming and operations. We are conscious about fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves. We embrace differences and strive to be inclusive of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

JOB STATEMENT

The Director of Marketing is responsible for managing the brand, advertising, and promotions to optimize revenue for the Alley Theatre. This position develops integrated marketing campaigns including advertising planning, media buying, and patron contract strategies (direct mail and e-mail) for subscription and single ticket sales. Additionally, they work closely with the Tessitura team to analyze sales and attendance patterns and identify areas for growth. This position reports to the Chief Marketing Officer and directly supervises Graphic Designers, Senior Marketing Associate, Press & Communications Manager, Digital Manager, Group Sales Manager and Marketing Project Manager.

JOB DUTIES

• Identify marketing opportunities and develop marketing campaigns for subscriptions and individual productions including timelines, advertising, promotions, and collateral.
• Plan, purchase, and schedule print, television, radio, outdoor, and other media as needed.
• Develop and manage all creative materials including graphic elements, print, collateral, and advertising.
• Primary liaison for all advertising/media inquiries from outside sales representatives.
• Manage all direct mail campaigns including contact strategy, proper mailing standards, and post-mailing analysis.
• In conjunction with the Communications Manager, coordinate and manage content for all patron correspondence (print and digital)
• Identify and develop strategic grassroots marketing plans including web marketing tactics, word-of-mouth campaigns, and buzz generation.
• Identify and secure promotional partnerships with media, restaurants, theaters, and designated organizations.
• Determine and manage marketing expenses for individual productions and designated campaigns.
• Propose and manage promotions and contact strategies for development and education departments including development of all support materials from concept to completion.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages PR and Communications Manager, Senior Graphic Designer, Graphic Designer and Senior Marketing Associate.
• Oversee recruitment and training in Marketing, including training in best practices.
• Manages hiring, training, discipline, termination (as needed), and ongoing cross-training with departments as needed.
• Motivating and coaching employees to improve performance, provide feedback, and training opportunities.
• Organizes and oversees the schedules and work of departmental staff.
• Conducts or assists with performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Ensuring staff members follow company policies and procedures.
• Oversee all accounting and financial operations of Marketing including development of annual department budget, payroll, deposits, record keeping, invoicing, and reporting functions.
• Leads and plans a regularly scheduled Marketing meeting.

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE):

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5-7 years of demonstrated leadership experience in Marketing, preferably in a performing arts environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, energized and quickly changing environment.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills.
• Detail oriented, able to prioritize efficiently and multi-task.
• Ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Exhibits a positive attitude with good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and manage a team of ticket office professionals to ensure both short- and long-term goals and objectives are met.
• Understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre, or a commitment to learning, and to be a part of Alley Theatre’s efforts to be an anti-racist organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Ability to lift and move 25 lbs.
• Must be comfortable working in afast-pacedenvironment where directions and priorities can change rapidly.
• The position requires flexibility to be available for weekends, holidays, and evening work hours as performance schedule and events dictate.
• Ability to work in a multi-tasking and public environment with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to be tactful under stress, use good judgment, and lead a team successfully.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Paid vacation, floating holiday, and sick time.
• 401(k) with matching, FSA, HRA (Alley paid deductible).
• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances.
• Discounted Parking only bi-weekly $4 dollars.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Employee wellness program & EAP.
• Houston, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the nation with no state or city income tax.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please go to the following link on the Alley’s website and apply.

https://www.alleytheatre.org/about-us/opportunities/employment

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities, veterans, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Successful candidates will commit to an equitable and inclusive workplace, including but not limited to: racial equity, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, use of gender inclusive language, and cultural sensitivity. Read more at Alley Theatre Official Website - Equity Diversity Inclusion