Director of Marketing and Public Relations

Overview
The Lyric Stage Company of Boston seeks a Director of Marketing and Public Relations. The Lyric Stage is one of Boston’s premiere cultural assets. We are seeking a candidate who understands how to attract, build, and retain communities through live theatre.

About the position
The Director of Marketing will energetically and joyfully join the Lyric Stage’s eight-person full-time staff. They will be chiefly responsible for crafting and implementing a marketing plan that elevates the Lyric’s reputation, thoughtfully expands the Lyric Stage’s subscriber base and the number of single ticket buyers, and converts single ticket buyers to subscribers, or other types of emerging membership models.

In accordance with the Lyric Stage’s Anti-Racism and Inclusion Plan, the Director of Marketing will strategically focus resources to marketing all seven productions in an annual season to Boston’s BIPOC communities. It is expected that the Director of Marketing will develop relationships in multiple neighborhoods and will work collaboratively with other members of the Lyric Stage staff to unify marketing efforts with the existing programs including City Stage, KidStage, Community Membership Initiative, the Walking Plays, Lyric First Curtain, and Lyric First Page.

About the Lyric Stage Company of Boston
Founded in 1974, the non-profit Lyric Stage is Boston’s oldest resident theatre company. Its mission is to produce and present live theatre in Greater Boston with an intimate approach that promotes inclusivity and connection. The Lyric Stage leads an effort to integrate live theater and theater education into the lives of all residents of greater Boston.

Prior to the pandemic, over 100,000 people annually attended Lyric Stage shows or participated in its education programs at the Boston Childrens’ Museum and multiple Boston Public Schools. During its history, the Lyric Stage has won multiple awards, co-produced the first full production of the Front Porch Arts Collective, established Fresh Ink Theatre as its new play development partner, and won praise for its inclusive casting.

During the pandemic, the Lyric Stage has maintained its service to the City of Boston by commissioning work from seven playwrights, including six for the Walking Plays, a series of audio plays set in public outdoor spaces in Boston; launching Lyric First Page, a youth playwriting festival; and regular installments of Lyric To-Go, which connects audiences with artists.

The details
Hours: Full-time position; The standard schedule for the Lyric Stage is Monday through Friday, from 10am to 6pm, but each employee has discretion in setting their own schedule, recognizing that as a live theatre company, working nights and weekends is often required. Currently, the work of the Lyric Stage is predominantly done remotely, with an expectation of returning to an in-person office environment some time before the fall of 2021. Some flexibility of working occasionally from home will remain a part of the working culture.

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervises: Digital Marketing Associate, a contracted Graphic Designer, freelance photographers and videographers, and potentially work study students from Emerson College, if desired.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

MARKETING
In consultation with the Executive and Artistic Directors, develops and implements an annual marketing plan, including an annual marketing budget, with specific targets for growth in subscription and single ticket sales, and thoughtful strategies to attract and retain young (below 30) and BIPOC audiences and ensure that Lyric presents itself as a welcoming environment.
Sets and exceeds goals for ticket sales on all individual productions, and season-wide subscription sales.
Collaborates with the Box Office Manager on using all ticket inventory through tactics including, but not limited to, advance promotions and last-minute sales.
Coordinates annual subscription renewal process, including all mailings, and identifies new subscription prospects, including phone, print, and email campaigns to lapsed subscribers.
Embraces innovation and considers new methods for reaching and engaging audiences that drive subscription and single ticket sales.
Works with the Artistic and Executive Directors to develop a long term strategic digital strategy, including live streaming of both paid and free in-person performances. Assists with the implementation of our digital programming, including the filming and distribution of content.
In partnership with the Digital Marketing Associate, develops advertising campaigns for radio, print, television, direct mail, & electronic media.
Leverages the contract graphic designer, freelance photographers and videographers, and other assets to develop all graphic imagery, including show photos, brochures, subscription mailings, playbills, email newsletters, postcards, and fliers.
Monitors marketing spend and measures how marketing activities archive ticket goals.
Provides General Manager with accurate information on ticket sales and marketing expenditures for financial reports
Manages marketing lists and list exchanges with other companies.
Develops synergies between audience development and fundraising activities, including shared subscriber/donor mailing lists.
Assists Development and Front-of-House staff in fulfillment of donor and subscriber benefits, as necessary.
Develops and implements cross promotions with external organizations and partners.
Develops and implements telemarketing strategies, as needed.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Manages all media and press relations, including press kits.
Develops, creates, and executes media sponsorships.
Successfully pitches stories to the press.
Cultivates relationships with print and digital reviewers, and manages press openings.
Builds strong relationships with award nominating committees.
BRANDING AND OTHER DUTIES
Develops and implements, in collaboration with the Executive and Artistic Directors, annual programmatic and institutional marketing plans.
Ensures clarity and impact of Lyric Stage’s message with consistent application of language, images, and copy standards.
Oversees theatre lobby displays.
In collaboration with the Digital Marketing Associate, oversees theatre website, including routine updates.
The Director of Marketing will become certified in PatronManager, the Lyric Stage’s CRM.
Additional duties, as required.

Salary and benefits
In addition to a starting salary of $50,000, the Lyric Stage offers two weeks paid vacation, pays 60% of the employee’s individual health care plan, and participates in an employee retirement plan with up to 3% of contributions matched.

Requirements

Qualifications
The successful candidate will:

Embrace the Lyric Stage’s Anti-Racism and Inclusion plan, building new audiences while continuing to grow the existing subscription base.
Bring at least seven years previous experience in arts marketing or public relations, with demonstrated increasing responsibilities.
Demonstrate experience in successful digital marketing campaigns.
Must be able to develop relationships with multiple community and neighborhood stakeholders, media partners, subscribers, and board and advisory council members.
Demonstrate strong writing skills, a good visual eye, willingness to be a team player, strategic thinking, strong organizational skills, and the ability to take initiative.
Represent our values and code of conduct, and create positive respectful experiences for others.