Director of Marketing

Director of Marketing

Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal, NJ

Reports To: Executive Artistic Director

About Axelrod Performing Arts Center

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC) is a leading cultural institution on the Jersey Shore, committed to producing and presenting a diverse range of artistic performances. As a multi-disciplinary arts organization, APAC collaborates with Broadway directors, choreographers, and designers to produce professionally staged musicals, ballets, and cultural programs that enrich the imaginative, intellectual, and creative soul of our community. Our productions showcase the talents of professional actors, dancers, and singers, delivering world-class entertainment to audiences.

Bell Theater

In addition to our main venue, APAC proudly operates the Bell Theater, a new cultural hub located at the historic Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ. Opened in the spring of 2024, Bell Theater is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to providing exceptional cultural programming to the community. Our vision is to become a leading cultural institution that celebrates diversity, creativity, and excellence in the performing arts. Bell Theater offers a platform for emerging artists while showcasing established acts, all within a space designed to create an immersive and accessible experience for all guests.

Axelrod Performing Arts Academy

APAC is also home to the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy (APAA), which offers unique and comprehensive training in dance and theater arts. APAA emphasizes the importance of performance as an essential part of education, ensuring that students gain both practical experience and a deep understanding of the arts. At APAA, we nurture the next generation of performers, providing them with the skills and confidence to succeed on stage and beyond.

Overview

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC), a leading and rapidly growing multi-disciplinary arts organization dedicated to fostering artistic excellence and cultural diversity, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Development. This senior leadership position is responsible for planning, developing, and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support APAC's mission and expanding programs. As the Director of Development, you will play a critical role in scaling fundraising activities and building a development team to match the growth of our organization.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing Strategy and Planning

·      Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing plan that aligns with APAC’s mission and goals, including strategies for audience development, branding, digital marketing, and media relations.

·      Oversee all marketing and promotional activities for APAC’s performances, events, and educational programs, ensuring consistent messaging across all channels.

·      Identify and analyze target audiences to inform marketing strategies, and use data-driven insights to optimize marketing efforts and improve ROI.

·      Collaborate with the Press Representative, Email and Social Marketing Manager, and other team members to ensure an integrated approach to all marketing campaigns.

Digital Marketing and Social Media

·      Lead the development and execution of digital marketing campaigns, including email marketing, social media, search engine marketing (SEM), and content marketing.

·      Manage APAC’s online presence, including website content, social media platforms, and online advertising, to increase visibility and engagement.

·      Track and analyze digital marketing metrics, providing regular reports on campaign performance and making data-driven recommendations for improvement.

·      Supervise the Email and Social Marketing Manager, ensuring that digital strategies are effectively implemented.

Public Relations and Media Outreach

·      Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets to secure coverage of APAC’s events and initiatives.

·      Prepare and distribute press releases, media kits, and other promotional materials to highlight APAC’s programming and achievements.

·      Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and manage all aspects of public relations, including crisis communication.

·      Work closely with the Press Representative to coordinate media outreach and ensure consistent press coverage.

Brand Management

·      Ensure that all marketing and communications materials are aligned with APAC’s brand identity and reflect the organization’s mission and values.

·      Develop and maintain brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all marketing channels and materials.

·      Oversee the creation of compelling and visually appealing marketing collateral, including posters, brochures, and digital assets.

·      Collaborate with Designers and Marketing Agencies to produce high-quality marketing materials.

Event Marketing and Promotions

·      Collaborate with the Programming and Development teams to develop and execute marketing strategies for special events, fundraising galas, and community outreach programs.

·      Manage promotional partnerships and sponsorships to enhance the visibility and reach of APAC’s events.

·      Coordinate with the Group Sales Coordinator to drive group ticket sales and attendance through targeted marketing campaigns and promotional offers.

Audience Development and Sales

·      Drive ticket sales and attendance through targeted marketing campaigns, group sales initiatives, and promotional offers.

·      Develop and implement strategies to attract new audiences and retain existing patrons, with a focus on increasing engagement across diverse demographic groups.

·      Be responsible for generating over $1 million in ticket sales per season through effective marketing strategies.

·      Monitor and analyze sales data, providing regular reports on ticket revenue, audience demographics, and marketing campaign effectiveness.

·      Collaborate with the Group Sales Coordinator and Media Buyer to optimize audience outreach and ticket sales efforts.

Team Leadership and Development

·      Lead and mentor the marketing team, including the Press Representative, Email and Social Marketing Manager, Designers, Marketing Agencies, Group Sales Coordinator, and Media Buyer, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.

·      Shape the future direction and composition of the marketing team, ensuring that the department evolves to meet the growing needs of APAC.

·      Collaborate closely with the Executive Artistic Director, Development Director, and other senior staff to align marketing strategies with organizational goals.

·      Manage the marketing budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources and maximizing return on investment.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

·      Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

·      Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in marketing, with a focus on the performing arts, entertainment, or non-profit sectors.

·      Proven track record of developing and executing successful marketing campaigns that drive audience engagement and revenue growth.

Skills and Competencies

·      Strong understanding of digital marketing strategies, including SEO, SEM, email marketing, and social media.

·      Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and engage diverse audiences.

·      Creative thinker with a strategic mindset and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

·      Proficiency in marketing software and tools, including CRM systems, email marketing platforms, and analytics tools.

·      Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

·      Experience in supervising and leading a marketing team.

Personal Attributes

·      Passion for the performing arts and a commitment to APAC’s mission.

·      Collaborative team player with a positive attitude and a solutions-oriented approach.

·      Detail-oriented, with a high standard for quality and accuracy in work.

·      Ability to work independently and take initiative.

Application Process

·      To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in the position to Andrew DePrisco, adeprisco@axelrodartscenter.org

·      The Starting Date is October 1, but the position will remain open until filled.