Chautauqua Institution is hiring: Arts Marketing and Communication Specialist (M

The Arts Marketing and Communication Specialist is engaged in and responsible for the execution of the strategic marketing and communications plan for the Chautauqua Theater Company (CTC) and Chautauqua Opera Company, with additional contributions to the marketing and communication efforts across all the performing and visual arts. Core responsibilities include being the premier arts marketing specialist on staff, development and executing sales and communications materials, and collateral to meet and exceed designated revenue goals and enhance patron engagement. With regard to CTC, the Arts Marketing Specialist is a core member of the CTC management team and participates in strategic and business meetings for CTC year-round. This position will report year-round to the Director of Marketing with a dotted line to the Vice President of Performing and Visual Arts. The incumbent will be responsible for compelling marketing content, media relations, and patron engagement to support the programs and initiatives of Chautauqua Institution and the performing and visual arts companies.

About the Work

• Develop and implement the strategic marketing and communications plan for the Performing and Visual Arts, primarily focusing on the Chautauqua Theater Company, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and revenue goals.
• Sales and Communications Materials Development: Create compelling sales and communication materials and collateral to effectively promote CTC productions and other arts events, aiming to meet designated revenue goals. This includes developing promotional programs, packages, and pricing strategies to meet revenue goals.
• Develop a merchandising plan to generate earned revenue for CTC and other arts areas at Chautauqua Institution’s physical and online sales platforms.
• Patron Engagement Enhancement: Develop and execute strategies to enhance patron engagement, fostering a deeper connection with the performing and visual arts offerings of Chautauqua Institution.
• Act as the main point of contact for performing art “Friends” groups for topics related to marketing and communications.
• Generate engaging marketing content across various platforms, including digital, print, and social media, to attract and retain patrons.
• Coordinate the creation of the season program, program inserts and posters, special event flyers for all CTC activity, including MainStage productions, New Play Workshops, Brown Bags, Recitals, and other special events.
• Oversee the process for the other arts areas, ensuring adherence to and alignment with Institution editorial and graphics standards and style in consultation with Marketing and Communication Colleagues.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets and manage media inquiries to secure positive coverage and publicity for Chautauqua Institution's arts programs and initiatives.
• Work with the Director of Communications on media releases pertaining to performing and visual arts programs.
• Collaborate with other departments within Chautauqua Institution to ensure cohesive and integrated marketing efforts that support the overall mission and objectives of the organization. The incumbent will be a Chautauqua’s Program Department member to facilitate this collaboration.
• Track and analyze marketing performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns and initiatives, making data-driven recommendations for improvement.

About You

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Communications, Marketing, PR, Arts Management, or a similar field. Or equivalent experience.

Experience

• Experience with the performing arts, specifically a theater company is a must. Must have a background in email marketing strategy, automation, and patron sales funnels.
• Experience with digital advertising (Google Ads, Facebook, Instagram) is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be a true marketer – identifies target patrons, formulates their message(s) development, and recommends a marketing strategy.
• Must be able to cultivate and implement demonstrably effective marketing and sales communications with input from the marketing team, artistic and managing directors.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of and enthusiasm for internet culture and major social media platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to produce and present compelling digital and print content.
• Strong sales and organizational skills.
• Must have outstanding communication skills.
• Must be able to work efficiently and maintain focus in a fast-paced, creative, and unpredictable environment.  

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization. The Institution’s office in Washington, DC is located strategically for an ongoing role in the cultural conversations of the nation.

About Your Department

The Marketing, Communications, and Enterprise department at Chautauqua Institution serves as a vital hub for strategic communication, brand management and revenue generation. This department is responsible for promoting the Institution's diverse cultural, educational, religious, and recreational offerings to a wide audience. Through thoughtful planning and targeted messaging, the team engages stakeholders and new audiences and enhances the Institution's visibility and impact. By leveraging both traditional and digital channels, they strive to foster meaningful connections and uphold the Institution's reputation as a center for intellectual exploration and cultural enrichment.

About Your Work Schedule & Location

This position is at Chautauqua Institution’s main campus in Southwestern New York (Chautauqua County). The schedule is full time and may include daytime and evening hours, weekdays, and weekends, especially in the busy summer operating season and during project go-live periods. The position will be based on the main campus in Chautauqua, New York, but may require some travel.

The Arts Marketing and Communication Specialist will average 35-40 hours per week with a periodic increase of working hours (approximately 50-hours per week) required based on business needs during the Chautauqua Assembly.

Total Rewards for Our Talent

Compensation for this position starts at $64,000 - $71,000/annual. Chautauqua Institution’s competitive compensation and benefits suite includes a national health insurance network with Highmark, flexible spend (or health savings) account options, dental and vision insurance, complimentary life insurance, wellness incentives, an employee assistance program, supplemental life insurance, and long-term disability options. The Institution supports planning for retirement through a discretionary employer retirement plan contribution, which has recently been 10% of gross compensation following a designated service period.

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience. Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater. In addition to a traditional gate pass, employees and their families will receive full access to our current and historical programs online at CHQ Assembly.

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.” We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Joining Our Talent Community

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment. You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.