Director of Marketing and Communications

Reports to: Managing director

Position summary:  

The Director of Marketing and Communication will play a vital role in this transformative moment for the Playwrights’ Center, telling the story of this dynamic 47-year-old institution and the artists it serves. Working with senior leadership, the  Director of Marketing and Communication manages the Center’s brand and messaging, develops and executes the annual communications plan, and leads the creation of a full range of print and digital materials to promote the Center and its artists.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Content development, design, and production:
  • Plan, write, edit, and oversee (and participate in) design, production, and distribution of:
    • Print materials (season booklet, event collateral, promotional pieces for the organization, etc.)
    • Donor materials, in collaboration with the development directors
    • Digital communications (newsletter, event emails, website, etc.)
    • Social media content
    • Editorial content
    • Video, audio, and other multimedia content
• Manage part-time communications coordinator/designer, as well as freelance designers, developers, photographers, and writers.
• Oversee the design and continuous improvement of the Center’s website.
• Branding, Messaging, public relations, media relations, and advertising:
• Shape and drive the Center’s voice messaging, in collaboration with the senior leadership team.
• Manage and grow the Playwrights’ Center brand, increasing visibility and engagement locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate advertising and PR strategies for the Center.
• Write and distribute press releases, pitch stories to the media, maintain press kit, and track media relations efforts.

Promotion of Artistic programs:

• Promote Playwrights’ Center Core Writers and fellows nationally and locally.
• Market fellowships to attract more applicants and more diverse applicants.
• Support director of membership programs and education coordinator in recruiting, retaining, and communicating with members.
• Attract audiences to the Center’s public events.

Administration:

• Provide tools and templates to staff and board to help them tell the story of the Playwrights’ Center and remain in brand.
• Develop and manage the communications budget with support from the managing director.
• Manage and grow constituent lists (email subscribers, media contacts, etc.) in collaboration with other staff.
• Create and manage the annual communications plan and calendar.

Qualifications and experience:

• Excellent communications skills, both oral and written
• 3+ years experience in communications/marketing, preferably in nonprofit and/or arts sector
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Bachelors degree in marketing, communications, theater, or related field or comparable practical experience
• Experience designing printed and electronic material
• Knowledge of and experience with social media platforms
• Experience with basic web design and content creation (Drupal experience a plus)
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and digital content distribution systems (MailChimp, constant contact, etc)

The communications director is a full-time position based in Minneapolis. The salary range is in the mid 50s. Benefits include health insurance; generous paid time off for holidays, vacations, and sick days; and an optional IRA plan.

The Playwrights’ Center is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position. We celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment filled with mutual respect for all employees. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, résumé, three different writing samples (preferably different types of materials), and a design sample (digital or print) to hr@pwcenter.org.