Director of Marketing and Communications

Director of Marketing and Communications

The Director of Marketing and Communications leads the organization's marketing, communications, ticketing, and audience development efforts, with a primary focus on increasing earned revenue, strengthening audience loyalty, and elevating institutional brand visibility. This role oversees integrated strategies across subscription and single-ticket sales, pricing, CRM, digital engagement, advertising, public relations, and patron experience in support of more than 150 annual performances and events.

Working in close partnership with senior leadership and Development, the Director helps align revenue-generating and fundraising initiatives through cohesive messaging, audience insights, and collaborative campaign planning. Reporting to the Executive Director & CEO and serving as a member of the senior management team, the position leads a cross-functional team of staff, contractors, and service providers across marketing, communications, patron services, public relations, and design.

Revenue Strategy, Marketing & Audience Development

• Lead the development and execution of integrated marketing, communications, and audience development strategies designed to maximize ticket revenue, subscription growth, patron retention, and long-term audience engagement;
• Oversee pricing strategy, promotional campaigns, subscription packaging, and group sales initiatives to drive earned income and optimize box office performance across all productions and events;
• Develop and implement data-informed CRM and audience segmentation strategies to strengthen customer acquisition, loyalty, and lifecycle marketing efforts;
• Evolve and manage cross-channel marketing campaigns across digital, print, broadcast, social media, email, and out-of-home platforms, incorporating emerging technologies and changing audience behaviors;
• Ensure the organization's mission, vision, and values are consistently reflected through marketing, communications, and audience-facing experiences;
• Lead market research, trend analysis, and campaign reporting to evaluate performance, identify growth opportunities, and inform strategic decision-making;
• Partner closely with Development to align institutional messaging, support fundraising initiatives, and create integrated campaigns and collateral materials;

Brand, Communications & Public Relations

• Steward and strengthen the institutional brand through compelling storytelling, cohesive visual identity, and consistent messaging across productions, programs, and organizational initiatives;
• Oversee the editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of all marketing and communications materials, publications, and digital content;
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets, community partners, and key stakeholders to elevate visibility, strengthen public awareness, and support organizational priorities;
• Serve as a spokesperson and representative of the organization with media and external audiences, as appropriate;
• Ensure consistency and quality across all print, digital, and environmental branding and communications materials;

Patron Experience & Operations

• Oversee Patron Services operations, including Ticket Services and partner with the General Manager to collaborate with Front of House and Concessions, ensuring a seamless and customer-focused patron experience;
• Lead initiatives that enhance customer service standards, improve patron satisfaction, and support audience retention and loyalty goals;
• Develop and implement systems, workflows, and operational procedures that support efficient ticketing, communications, and audience engagement functions;

Strategic Planning & Organizational Leadership

• Establish short- and long-term marketing, communications, audience development, and revenue goals, including associated budgets, forecasting, and performance metrics;
• Monitor and evaluate progress toward departmental and organizational objectives, providing regular analysis and recommendations to senior leadership;
• Contribute to organizational strategy and institutional planning as a member of the senior management team, bringing audience insights and market perspective to decision-making;
• Foster alignment and collaboration across Marketing, Development, Programming, Patron Services, and other departments to support institutional priorities and revenue growth;
• Stay informed on trends and best practices in marketing, communications, audience development, nonprofit management, and the performing arts landscape;

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across marketing, communications, public relations, patron services, and external contractors and consultants;
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture that encourages innovation, accountability, and professional growth;
• Recruit, supervise, evaluate, and support staff and vendors to ensure effective execution of departmental priorities and organizational goals;
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and project teams that strengthen communication, operational effectiveness, and institutional impact.

Skills & Experience Needed

• Bachelor's degree highly preferred; advanced degree or equivalent professional experience preferred. Some college education is required;
• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in marketing, communications, audience development, or revenue strategy within the performing arts, live entertainment, cultural sector, or major consumer-facing brands;
• Demonstrated success driving earned revenue growth through subscription campaigns, ticket sales strategy, pricing optimization, CRM platforms, audience analytics, and data-informed decision-making;
• Strong strategic and analytical mindset with experience translating audience insights and market trends into measurable marketing and revenue outcomes;
• Proven ability to build and strengthen institutional brands through compelling storytelling, integrated marketing campaigns, and cross-platform communications;
• Experience leading high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive teams in fast-paced, creative environments with multiple priorities and deadlines;
• Ability to work effectively across departments and build strong partnerships with artistic, development, operations, and executive leadership teams;
• Strong understanding of audience engagement strategies and evolving consumer behavior within the performing arts and live entertainment landscape;
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with the ability to represent the organization effectively with media, stakeholders, and the public;
• Experience developing and managing departmental budgets, forecasting revenue, and evaluating campaign and operational performance;
• Experience overseeing external agencies, consultants, vendors, and creative partners;
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize strategically, and execute effectively under pressure;
• Familiarity with ticketing systems, CRM platforms, digital marketing tools, and Microsoft Office applications;
• Experience in nonprofit and/or commercial theater or multidisciplinary performing arts organizations preferred;
• Passion for the performing arts and a strong appreciation for multidisciplinary artistic programming.

Salary & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position and is not eligible for overtime. The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $170,000 per year with 100% paid medical benefits, including dental, vision and life insurance ($25,000) for the employee, paid vacation, personal and sick days, 401 (k) and paid parking. Complimentary tickets are occasionally available for performances and events at The Wallis.

How to Apply

Please apply online at No phone calls please. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and encourages applicants of any age, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or gender.