Director/Marketing & External Affairs

Director/Marketing & External Affairs

Marshall University is a public comprehensive university with a rich history as one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in West Virginia. Founded in 1837 and named after Chief Justice John Marshall, definer of the Constitution, Marshall University advances the public good through innovative, accredited educational programs. We are located in downtown Huntington, West Virginia, with additional locations in South Charleston, Point Pleasant, Teays Valley and Beckley. Marshall University's mission, inspired by our Vision and Creed, includes a commitment to:

• Offer a wide range of high quality, affordable, and accessible undergraduate, graduate, and professional education that prepares students to think, learn, work, and live in an evolving global society.
• Create opportunities and experiences to foster understanding and appreciation of the rich diversity of thought and culture.
• Maintain a dynamic intellectual, artistic, and cultural life by promoting and supporting research and creative activities by undergraduates, graduates, and faculty.
• Contribute to the quality of life of the community, region, and beyond through applied research, economic development, health care, and cultural enrichment.
• Cultivate the development of an inclusive, just, and equitable community.

Come Meet Marshall and discover what it means to be part of the Marshall University family! We are committed to attracting and retaining quality faculty and staff. In doing so, Marshall University offers outstanding benefit packages to eligible employees only. (E-Class in the job posting). Marshall University Research Corporation (MURC) employees have different benefit options than those listed below.

• Work week is 37.5 hrs.
• A great highlight in December is that Marshall University employees receive almost two weeks off for Winter Break!
• Holidays – Employees receive 13 Paid Holidays
• Annual and Sick Leave – Classified Staff, Non-Classified Staff and 12-month Faculty earn up to 24 days of annual leave per year (max 360 hours) and up to 18 days of sick leave per year. ) Employee Leave
• Health Insurance – Marshall University offers health insurance through West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). There are seven (7) health benefit plans.
• Educational/Tuition Benefits – Marshall University provides tuition benefits to regular employees (after probationary period) and their dependent children.
• Retirement Plans – Marshall University offers retirement through Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA). Full-time benefits eligible employees must participate in the mandated retirement plan (401(a)).
• Life Insurance – Basic term life insurance ($10,000) at no cost and may purchase optional life insurance coverage with pre-tax earnings.
• Wellness Programs – PEIA provides various care management programs and the Pathways to Wellness program.

Position Information

Position Title - Director/Marketing & External Affairs

Banner Position Number - 001642

E-Class - NC - Nonclassified -.53 or >

Department - Artist Series - MU2210

Job Description - About the Marshall Artists Series

The Marshall Artists Series (MAS) is a long-standing, revenue-generating professional presenting organization serving Marshall University and the greater tri-state region. The Director of Marketing & External Affairs plays a critical leadership role in advancing MAS's presenting vision, strengthening earned revenue and audience engagement, expanding public impact, and supporting free Marshall student access as a core institutional priority.

Position Summary

The Director of Marketing & External Affairs reports to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with the Box Office Manager/Finance Director, who oversees the organization's full budget, ticketing operations, and database management. The Marketing Director receives budgeting, financial process, and IT systems training from the Finance Director, and all marketing-related budget oversight is performed under this guidance.

This position serves as the primary marketing, communications, design, and external-relations professional for MAS and encompasses multiple functional areas typically distributed across several positions in larger presenting organizations. The Director leads all marketing, branding, graphic design, digital strategy, media relations, corporate donor stewardship, crisis communications, and audience development efforts, and manages Ticketmaster reporting and sales analytics. The role is directly responsible for generating $25,000 annually in advertising sales.

Functioning as a full creative and communications agency, the Director produces all promotional materials and campaigns and provides hands-on instruction and mentorship to university students seeking professional experience in arts marketing, design, and event promotion. The position requires creativity, technical expertise, strategic judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing, Branding & Communications

Direct and execute comprehensive marketing, PR, and communications strategies that support ticket sales, earned revenue, sponsorship visibility, and long-term audience development.

Align MAS marketing strategy with Marshall University brand standards while preserving MAS's distinct professional identity.

Serve as MAS's primary public information officer and spokesperson.

Lead digital marketing campaigns, including social media, email marketing, paid advertising, and analytics-driven optimization.

Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, and promotional content.

Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.

Use data, market trends, and audience insights—collaborating with MAS Finance—to guide season planning, campaign timing, pricing communication, and promotional investments.

Revenue Enablement

Generate $25,000 annually in advertising sales.

Use Ticketmaster analytics to support pricing, timing, and revenue strategy.

Manage sponsor benefit fulfillment, recognition, and branding deliverables.

Produce donor-facing materials that support advancement and fundraising initiatives.

Provide data-informed recommendations to leadership on audience behavior and revenue trends.

Contract Compliance & Artist Relations

Ensure all marketing materials comply with artist contracts, agency requirements, licensing restrictions, and brand guidelines.

Serve as the internal point of contact for contract-approved marketing copy, billing, credits, and usage rights.

Coordinate with agents, managers, and publicists to secure required approvals.

Maintain accurate records of marketing-related contract obligations and deadlines.

Protect MAS from liability by adhering to restrictions on photography, videography, social media usage, and press access.

Crisis Communications

Lead crisis communication planning and execution for event disruptions, cancellations, and public-facing issues affecting MAS.

Advise leadership on messaging strategy, public relations risks, and stakeholder communications.

Coordinate rapid-response messaging across phone systems, web platforms, ticketing communications, media outlets, and social channels.

Graphic Design & Creative Production

Serve as MAS's in-house graphic designer, producing posters, digital ads, social media graphics, playbills, print collateral, and event branding.

Direct creative strategy and oversee content production across all platforms.

Manage photography, videography, and creative content needs.

Ticketmaster & Revenue Analytics

Collaborate with the Box Office Manager/Finance Director, who builds all events in Ticketmaster and oversees ticketing operations.

Pull and analyze Ticketmaster sales reports to inform marketing strategy and campaign timing.

Track buyer behavior, presales, promotions, and revenue trends to support audience development.

Coordinate with the Finance Director on pricing, holds, ticket allocations, and marketing-related ticketing needs.

Use Ticketmaster data to support advertising sales, corporate benefit fulfillment, and post-event reporting.

Digital Presence & Web Management

Maintain and update the MAS website.

Ensure accurate, timely event information across all digital platforms.

Monitor analytics and adjust strategies based on performance data.

Student Instruction & Experiential Learning

Recruit, train, and supervise students and interns interested in arts marketing, design, communications, and event promotion.

Provide hands-on instruction, mentorship, and skills training aligned with MAS's educational mission.

Support students with varying levels of experience, often serving as their primary instructor in this field.

Community Engagement, Corporate Relations & External Affairs

Serve as a liaison to campus partners, community organizations, and sponsors.

Ensure donor expectations, sponsorship benefits, and customer-service commitments are fulfilled.

Represent MAS at university and community events.

Support fundraising and advancement initiatives through marketing, communications, and donor-facing materials.

Special Projects