Associate Director of Communications - Children's Theatre Company

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Associate Director of Communications. This full-time benefits-eligible position requires someone who has demonstrated broad communications skills and knowledge, preferably in the entertainment, museum, sports marketing or retail marketing environment, demonstrated skill in public relations, social media and editorial activities and the ability to positively contribute to an anti-racist organization and assist in dismantling structural racism in theatre. Applicants for this role should have exceptional communication and relationship building skills, demonstrated project-management skills, and a high degree of creativity.



CTC is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and justice in our organization and our community, and thus we seek a broad spectrum of employees. We strongly encourage and welcome applicants who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color, as well as those who are from other underrepresented communities.



ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Led by Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius and Managing Director Kimberly Motes, Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s leading theatre for multigenerational audiences and is one of the 25 largest producing theatres in the United States. A winner of the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, CTC creates extraordinary theatre experiences that educate, challenge and inspire young people. It has set standards of excellence in the quality of its productions, commitment to new work, and innovative education and community partnerships.



DESCRIPTION OF MINNEAPOLIS AND THE TWIN CITIES METRO AREA

Minneapolis and the Twin Cities area has a thriving and vibrant arts scene. The Twin Cities metro area is one of the largest theatre markets in the country, with over 150 theatres. Minnesota year in and year out ranks near the top nationwide in federal and state arts funding and has a strong history of private arts philanthropy.

The Twin Cities area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest and is annually ranked as a top area in terms of quality of life. It is home to several restaurants and chefs who are James Beard nominees or winners. The Minneapolis parks system has been called the best-designed, best-financed and best-maintained in America.



DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

CTC is dedicated to increasing justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all of our hiring for staff, artists, and recruiting of board members. CTC is committed to a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, and is truly reflective of our community. We are also committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination. CTC prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.



POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Communications is responsible for the planning, execution, and management of the public relations, internal and external communications, and organizational social media strategies. This position will raise the visibility of CTC and develop and implement strategic communications to establish national and local institutional identity, create and implement a successful communications strategy, and create vehicles for institutional and artistic storytelling outside the organization; work closely with other departments including development and education, as well as collaborate with marketing, design and audience services colleagues to ensure coordinated, timely, and strategic messaging, both institutional and production related. This role is responsible for planning all social media campaigns, stories, and strategies, and manages Social Media Design Intern in implementing and executing all social media initiatives. They serve as principal writer and editor of CTC show programs and online blog/Off Book as well as copyeditor for all CTC written materials.

This position reports to the Director of Marketing and Communications.



ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Public Relations

• Plan, create, manage, execute, and analyze strategic public relations plans for consistent positive press attention with an emphasis on productions, subscription series, education, and institutional branding; create a year-long editorial calendar for media pitches and story focus to ensure every PR opportunity is maximized

• Build and manage productive relationships with local and national media, and pitch press and place stories for artistic activities and institutional efforts. Cultivate and steward relationships with local and national reporters and journalists and local micro-influencers

• Create unique compelling, and timely pitches for productions, season series, and elevate the institutional brand through securing stories with local and national print, radio, television, and digital media outlets, including bloggers and influencers

• Conceptualize and develop press releases, pitch sheets, informational sheets, media advisories and other materials for public relations

• Handle and prepare artists and talent for interviews including bringing them to off-site interviews and media training when needed

• Understands, navigates, and deploys sensitive, confidential, or embargoed material on behalf of the organization in a trustworthy, collaborative, and responsible manner

• Attend opening nights and manage press on site, arrange seating, and manage follow up for gathering and disseminating reviews and promotion

• Plan, create, and execute influencer events; manage, plan, and execute other marketing-centric events as needed (this does not include external events where CTC has a table or presence, but is specific to events that CTC is hosting)

• Create press-worthy, marketable opportunities and events tied to generating ticket sales for shows

• Identify awards and recognition opportunities for leadership and Board and write nominations on behalf of CTC

• Meet with executive leadership regularly to go over public relations plans and brainstorm creative ideas for stories

• Work with Development and Education Departments to create institutional messaging and storytelling

• Assist Managing Director with crisis communications and reputational management as necessary



Communications

• Act as editor and principal writer for the show program content, as well as all internal and external communications

• Gather content from departments throughout the organization

• Write the content for the Discover More section of the programs

• Coordinate creation of copy and content for organizational website

• Disseminate program drafts to key departments for editing

• Gather artist information such as bios and headshots from actors and creative teams for the shows for the program, website, and cast announcements

• Create Off Book (CTC’s online magazine/blog) articles with a variety of topics from show and artist-related to institutional stories

• Draft copy for monthly external “This Month at CTC” e-newsletter and internal “Stage Door Dispatch” e-newsletter, working with departments throughout the organization to gather content and ensure a full public update

• Serve as editing eye and brand/style editor for all external communications

• Support the communications needs of the Managing and Artistic Directors, the Board of Directors and senior staff as needed



Social Media

• Manage all social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, as well as additional channels as added, for all departments

• Create and manage the yearly social media calendar

• Lead the ideation/creation of organic social media campaigns, gathering and coordinating design of content, writing organic social media copy, responding to consumer messages and comments, and analyzing results of campaigns

• Serve as primary author of social media posts, stories, initiatives, and strategies

• Manage the Social Media Design Intern in the implementation and execution of all social media posts and strategies

• Write and schedule all posts, oversee collection of content, and ensure that social media voice is consistent and on brand, and messaging is in line with overall marketing plans



Marketing

• Participate in marketing team ideation on marketing and communications strategies and campaign planning for shows and subscription series

• Attend production meetings to gather information and act as intermediary between the production and the marketing/communications department; attend rehearsals and run throughs of production and readings to generate content ideas

• Create the annual institutional calendar which includes all campaigns and events occurring in the fiscal year with each department shared internally



Collaborate with all departments in the furtherance of CTC’s goal of being an anti-racist/anti-bias theatre that works towards Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Expand press list and relationships with media sources that focus on BIPOC, LGBTQIAP+, and people with disabilities

• Assist with monitoring and ensuring access, representation, participation, and decision making for historically marginalized communities in the Marketing and Communications Department and in all aspects of CTC’s operations

• Study topics that lead to a deeper understanding of how white supremacy, racial violence, and systemic racism have shaped American society and how that shapes CTC’s workplace and the lives of CTC employees

• Study topics that lead to a deeper understanding of systemic bias against people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIAP+ community and people who are economically under resourced

• Encourage and empower everyone to speak out against racist and biased workplace practices and policies

• Positively contribute to the ACT One platform, creating a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community



Other important duties

• Proactively contribute to CTC’s mission to educate, challenge, and inspire young people and their communities

• Other duties as needed



POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• Demonstrated broad communications skills and knowledge, preferably in the entertainment, museum, sports marketing, or retail marketing industries

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge in public relations, social media, and editorial activities

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects independently

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with press and media

• Demonstrated skill in verbal communication in high stakes situations

• Knowledge of the local press and local market, particularly the family market, strongly desired



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Communication - Ability to communicate clearly and concisely express ideas and ask questions of others effectively

• Editorial – strong ability to write and edit for brand and style guide while achieving compelling narratives

• Creativity – ability to ideate innovative proposals for show and season concepts to create unique and convincing press pitches

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems

• Project management skills – Ability to plan and manage workflows in a holistic and integrated fashion to ensure progress of projects

• Adaptability - Ability to adapt to rapid pace in a changing workplace

• Nimbleness – Ability to quickly shift direction or focus to respond to changing market conditions or new opportunities

• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work efficiently and effectively within given deadlines

• Decision Making – Ability to make critical decisions while following company procedures

• Budget – Ability to plan and work within budget parameters

• Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company procedures



Other Qualities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and social media experience is essential

• Knowledge of web and email tools and technology strongly desired

• A commitment to ethical conduct in all respects of the work environment

• A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environment

• A commitment to the protection of confidential information to which this position has access

• Ability to positively contribute to an anti-racist/anti-bias organization and work to dismantle structural racism in theatre

• A passion for the arts is a plus



COVID-19 Vaccine

All employees of CTC are required to be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19. If a candidate is selected to fill this role, they will be required to provide proof of vaccination. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for those with sincerely-held religious beliefs and practices or a qualifying medical condition which would prevent them from getting this vaccination, so long as it does not create an undue hardship for the company and/or does not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others in the workplace or the employee seeking accommodation.



COMPENSATION

The starting pay range for this full-time position is an annual salary between $62k and $69k. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance; short-term and long-term disability and life insurance; vacation and sick leave; nine paid holidays; and a 403(b)-retirement savings plan.



TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter and resume to Andrew Robertson, Director of Human Resources at jobs@childrenstheatre.org. Please include the name of the position(s) to which you are applying in the subject line of the email.
Salary: Starting range $62,000 to $69,000