Director & Marketing & External Affairs

Director of Marketing & External Affairs
Position within the Marshall Artists Series (MAS) at Marshall University.

Position Summary
The Director of Marketing & External Affairs reports to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with the Box Office and Finance team. This role serves as the primary marketing, communications, design, and external‑relations professional for MAS, overseeing all marketing, branding, and audience development efforts, and generating $25,000 annually in advertising sales.

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; serve as MAS’s primary public information officer and spokesperson; lead digital marketing campaigns and write press releases.
Revenue Enablement: Generate $25,000 annually in advertising sales; use Ticketmaster analytics to support pricing, timing, and revenue strategy; manage sponsor benefit fulfillment and produce donor‑facing materials.
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 and coordinate approvals with agents and publicists.
Crisis Communications: Lead crisis communication planning and execution for event disruptions, cancellations, and public‑facing issues; advise leadership on messaging strategy and coordinate rapid‑response messaging across platforms.
Graphic Design & Creative Production: Serve as MAS’s in‑house graphic designer, producing posters, digital ads, social media graphics, playbills, and event branding; direct creative strategy and oversee content production.
Ticketmaster & Revenue Analytics: Pull and analyze Ticketmaster sales reports to inform marketing strategy; track buyer behavior and revenue trends; coordinate with Finance on pricing and ticketing needs.
Digital Presence & Web Management: Maintain and update the MAS website and 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.
Community Engagement, Corporate Relations & External Affairs: Serve as liaison to campus partners, community organizations, and sponsors; represent MAS at university and community events; support fundraising and advancement initiatives.
Special Projects: Serve as Director and Producer of the MAS International Film Festival; lead special campaigns, anniversary branding, and institutional storytelling projects.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, graphic design, public relations, or a related field.
Minimum 3–5 years of professional experience in performing arts marketing, media relations, or entertainment promotion.
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
Experience managing budgets, advertising schedules, and vendor contracts.
Proficiency with Ticketmaster, ticketing, and CRM systems.
Adobe Creative Suite proficiency (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities.
Experience with corporate donor stewardship, fundraising, and institutional positioning.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
Experience producing or managing film festivals or special events.
Knowledge of contemporary performing artists across dance, music, theatre, and opera.

Benefits

Work week of 37.5 hours.
Approximately two weeks off for Winter Break.
13 paid holidays.
Annual and sick leave: up to 24 days of annual leave and 18 days of sick leave per year.
Health insurance through West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) with seven plan options.
Tuition benefits for employees and their dependent children.

Retirement benefits via Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA) and mandatory participation in the 401(a) plan.
Basic term life insurance ($10,000) at no cost, with optional additional coverage available.
Wellness programs offered by PEIA, including various care management programs and the Pathways to Wellness program.

Physical Demands
Standing, walking, sitting, bending, squatting and pulling activities occur frequently. The position requires evenings and weekend work, and reliable transportation for local and regional travel.