Marketing & Communications Director

POSITION SUMMARY

Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP), America’s longest continually running youth orchestra, seeks a creative and strategic marketing professional to join our team as Marketing & Communications Director (MCD). The MCD is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communications and institutional marketing plan to promote PYP’s education programs and public performances. They build brand awareness through outreach, publications, communications, and marketing. They take ownership of PYP’s earned revenue goals of concert ticket, program ad, and merchandise sales. The MCD is the point of contact for all PYP’s media relations and oversees all digital outlets including but not limited to PYP’s website, social media platforms, and email distribution.

This position also assists the box office manager with Front of House and the box office, attending concerts and working in the lobby to sell merchandise and display informational materials. The MCD attends meetings of the Board of Directors and relevant committees, taking place approximately once a month.

PRIMARY TASKS AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Marketing and Communications

• In consultation and collaboration with the executive director, develop and implement strategic annual marketing and communications plans
• Work closely with the executive director to generate annual expense/revenue budgets, determine income goals for all concerts, and monitor expenses throughout the year
• Manage timelines and content development for all promotional campaigns
• Oversee the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic communications and publications, including brochures, concert program books, posters, fliers, emails, website, social media, etc.
• Solicit advertisements in concert program books to meet annual revenue goals.
• Regularly analyze and maximize the use of all communications channels; use PYP’s customer relationship management software to analyze concert patron behavior and develop future promotional strategies.
• Proactively develop relationships with and serve as point of contact for print, television, radio, web, and social media outlets; purchase ad placements and negotiate media sponsorships, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with other organizations with similar missions and target audiences in cooperative marketing, advertising, partnerships, and trade agreements.
• Develop and maintain PYP’s style guide and ensure that all institutional materials are consistently branded.
• Maintain a digital asset library of photos, videos, logos, and other graphics
• Work closely with contractors in graphic design, website development, photography, and videography.
• Archive videos, audio, and photos post-event; work with videography team post-concerts to combine remastered audio with shot video.
• Work with the Musical Director to decide what concert videos to post on PYP’s popular YouTube channel and other social channels.
• Evaluate concert patron experience through surveys, focus groups, or other tools; conduct market research and test campaigns in order to increase ticket sales.
• Engage with the Board of Directors, committee volunteers, musicians and parents to serve as ambassadors of PYP.
• Work closely with executive director to test ideas and special initiatives for building audiences and/or increasing program participation.
• Work closely with the Development Director to determine sponsorship benefits and ensure what’s promised is being fulfilled; i.e. social media mentions, ads in the season program book, post-event sponsorship report, etc.

Front of House Management

• Attend all performances.
• Design and implement an attractive and engaging lobby experience for concert patrons.
• Assist the Box Office Manager with ticket sales, will call, or other duties as needed.

Other

• Create branded merchandise and develop a sales plan to meet annual revenue goals.
• Archive press clippings and historical artifacts.
• Establish and nurture relationships with stakeholders, especially PYP families and alumni.
• Attend PYP events and relevant community events as a representative of the organization.
• Attend weekly staff meetings, board and committee meetings, and trainings as appropriate.
• Participate in professional development activities.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 3 years of professional experience in marketing and/or communications, preferably for a nonprofit, arts organization, youth program, or educational institution, with a track record of achieving ticket sales or other earned income goals.
• Ability to think strategically, to see the long-term “big picture” while also staying in touch with the day-to-day details.
• Very organized with the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines; good time management skills are essential; project management experience required.
• Excellent writing and proof-reading skills.
• An understanding of design elements and awareness of trends in current graphic design for youth programs.
• Ability to analyze data and use that data to drive decision making.
• Ability to budget and calculate figures and amounts, such as discounts, etc.
• Experience with customer relationship management software, ticketing platforms, or other databases; experience with Salesforce or PatronManager is a big plus.
• Experience in customer service and/or sales; ability to engage with parents, volunteers, donors, and patrons from a variety of backgrounds in a variety of settings.
• The ability to maintain an upbeat, positive attitude when facing problems; creativity in finding solutions.
• Collaborative nature and excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work with a variety of personalities to accomplish projects as a team, while also being self-motivated and independent.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office365, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience with design and video editing software is beneficial (Adobe Creative Suite preferred).
• Experience with mass email platforms (like Mailchimp) preferred.
• Willingness to learn other computer applications proficiently.
• Minimum typing speed of 50 words per minute.
• General knowledge of and/or enthusiasm for orchestral music, youth music education, and the performing arts.
• Availability on select weekends and evenings during concerts and special events; office hours are 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Our annual Concert-at-Christmas on December 26 from 2:00-10:30 PM is a requirement for this position.
• Valid driver license and access to a reliable vehicle.

Working conditions & accessibility:

The PYP staff works in a hybrid in-person/remote environment, with many employees working remotely for some of the week, however some of the MCD’s tasks must be completed in the office. The workspace is lit with fluorescent lighting and natural lighting. The manager’s office, computer workstation, desk and other equipment are not shared and can be adjusted to make them more ergonomically comfortable.

The MCD’s administrative work includes creating and maintaining computer files, and communicating using email, telephone, and Microsoft Teams (internally). The MCD will prepare merchandise orders, lobby and display materials, and mail materials on a regular basis, and handle incoming mail often. The MCD will spend most of their time working at a computer, either in the office or remotely.

This position attends most PYP concerts and special events (evenings and weekends), and occasionally attends local networking or civic events in the community as a representative of PYP. Must be able to lift approximately 25 pounds, and carry items such as boxes, packages of food, tables, or chairs over a short distance. Our office is ADA accessible and on the ground floor. We are located on SW Barbur Blvd right on the #12 bus line. Ample free parking is available on site.

Salary & Benefits: Salary range is $55,000-$60,000. The MCD receives up to ten (10) days of paid vacation in their first year (vacation days increase each year of employment), will accrue sick leave, and, after 30 days of employment, can enroll in PYP’s health, vision, and dental insurance plans. The MCD can also participate in PYP’s 401(k) plan, to which PYP contributes a percentage of employees’ salaries, currently 3%.

ABOUT PORTLAND YOUTH PHILHARMONIC

PYP, founded in 1924, consists of four large ensembles: The Portland Youth String Ensemble (PYSE) for string musicians, Portland Youth Wind Ensemble (PYWE) for wind, brass, and percussion players, Portland Youth Percussion Ensemble (PYPE), Portland Youth Conservatory Orchestra (PYCO) for intermediate players, and the Portland Youth Philharmonic orchestra (PYP), for the most advanced students. Camerata PYP is a chamber orchestra comprised of PYP musicians concurrently enrolled in one of the other large ensembles. PYP also incorporates music theory instruction into rehearsals, has a chamber music program, free bass classes and wind/brass workshops open to the public, a coaching program for low-income middle school band programs, a Peer Mentor program offering low-cost private lessons, and master classes. The Philharmonic Orchestra annually performs a series of four concerts at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall; all ensembles perform concerts throughout the season at venues in the greater Portland metro area. Learn more about PYP at portlandyouthphil.org.

PYP requires its musicians, staff, contractors, and volunteers to be fully vaccinated.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES/CONTACT

Please email a cover letter and resume (both PDF format) to PYPjobs@portlandyouthphil.org with “Application – PYP Marketing Director” in the subject line. No phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please apply by May 17, 2024 for best consideration.

PYP is committed to recruiting and retaining diverse staff, faculty, and musicians. We seek candidates whose work furthers diversity and who bring to PYP varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.

Portland Youth Philharmonic is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its hiring and employment practices against any applicant because of gender, color, creed, age, national origin, religion, political affiliation, marital status, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

PYP is committed to being a welcoming and safe community for young musicians and their families of all cultures, races, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and circumstances.