Assistant Director for Marketing & Communications - Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (KCPA) at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Assistant Director for Marketing & Communications




Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (KCPA)




College of Fine and Applied Arts




University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign



The Assistant Director for Marketing & Communications for Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is a senior-level position that develops and implements marketing strategies, manages the Communications team's workflow, fosters and empowers a collaborative work environment, creates efficient work processes, and demonstrates creative, effective problem-solving in order to deepen and increase engagement with Krannert Center and the Performing Arts at Illinois.



Why Illinois?


About Krannert Center for the Performing Arts



Duties and Responsibilities



Communications Leadership


• In collaboration with Krannert Center's Marketing and Communications team and other stakeholders, develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates integrated external and internal communications strategies and plans that support business goals for Krannert Center and the performance-related areas of Illinois Theatre, Lyric Theatre, and Dance at Illinois.


• Utilizes data analytics to develop marketing strategies and assess effectiveness of marketing efforts. Where appropriate designs and implements marketing surveys or other data gathering methods to support and guide marketing strategy.


• Oversee and support the Marketing and Communications team's areas of responsibility, which include direct communications (digital and print), on-site environmental design and communications, paid advertising (digital, print, radio, TV, outdoor, other), publicity and media relations, social media, website content, photography, videography, performance program booklets, and other aspects of the student, customer, and employee journey.


◦ Lead the Communications team in collaboratively identifying and pursuing strategic promotional and paid advertisement opportunities.


◦ Provide creative briefs when appropriate.


◦ Keep clients up to date on the progress of their communications projects.


◦ Oversee the ongoing development and enhancement of the Center's website, developing and maintaining a roadmap for the Center's web initiatives, based on input from relevant stakeholders and working in collaboration with a partner web development company.


◦ Working with the Ticket Services Director, manage the relationship between the Center's website and its ticketing software, identifying and pursuing opportunities for enhanced communications and increased ticket sales.


◦ Oversee the management and enhancement of photography and videography resources.


• As part of the Center's leadership team, provide support for and guidance on internal communications, including opportunities to create two-way dialogue and contribute to the recruitment and retention of staff.


• Build relationships with staff, students, and faculty involved with Krannert Center and the Performing Arts at Illinois and stay well informed about the Center's creative processes and performances.


• Stay informed about campus life, campus policies and procedures, and community life in order to create current, relevant, and responsive communications.


• Maintain knowledge of Krannert Center's diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) efforts and actively apply DEIA principles to the work.


• Build and maintain Krannert Center's brand through market research and communications work.


• Across Krannert Center marketing and communications, ensure visual unity and consistency in messaging along with adherence to Krannert Center, College of Fine and Applied Arts, and University of Illinois writing and identity standards.


• Develop and implement standards to measure the success of communications work in order to make wise decisions about opportunities and the use of resources. Seek, research, and collaboratively implement best practices in external and internal communications.


• Lead management and maintenance of Krannert Center's physical and digital communications archives.


• Lead the communications team's budget management process.


• Contribute to crisis communications planning and management, both external and internal.


Staff Management


• Supervise, guide, and empower the members of the Marketing and Communications team: Assistant Communications Director, Program and Web Editor, Senior Designer, and freelance partners. This work includes but is not limited to:


◦ Assigning projects and ensuring deadlines are met, projects are routed to appropriate stakeholders, work is completed in a satisfactory manner, and solutions stay within budget.


◦ Identifying crossover between projects to streamline work processes as well as create opportunities for collaboration.


◦ As appropriate, using technology to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Krannert Center's communications work and collaborations.


◦ Facilitating resource-gathering for the team; providing coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluations.


◦ Facilitate learning experiences as part of the team's work to stay up to date in the industry.


◦ Determine need for and budget available for freelance specialists to complete necessary work; in areas such as writing/copy editing, graphic design, photography, and videography.


Other Collaborative, Administrative, and Committee work


• As appropriate, participate in various committees and initiatives at Krannert Center, in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, and at the campus level.


• Perform other related duties as assigned.



Minimum Qualifications:



• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.


• Three (3) year (36 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.


• Demonstrated supervisory experience.


Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.



Preferred Qualifications:



• Master's degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.


• Experience working or volunteering directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.


• Experience with communications analytics, market research, competitive analysis, content management systems, and graphic design production (digital and print).


• Experience with collaborative software such as Microsoft Teams and proofing management programs.



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:



• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts at Krannert Center.


• Must possess and be able to put into action a passion for connecting people with arts experiences.


• Excellent collaboration, planning, organizational, time management, public relations, and verbal and written communication skills.


• Ability to develop, coordinate, and manage team-based projects across a complex organization, usually in a deadline-based context.


• Good independent judgment: ability to creatively resolve issues as they arise, adjust priorities as needed, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.


• Ability to work professionally, flexibly, respectfully, and effectively with colleagues and the public, with sensitivity to the diverse perspectives of stakeholders.


• Understanding of the principles of effective written communication and graphic design.


• Ability to find and implement technology to improve working conditions, efficiency, and effectiveness.


• Ability to solve communications, workflow, and managerial issues imaginatively and create support for those solutions.


• Ability to use analytical and organizational skills to both perform day-to-day operations and to be proactive concerning larger picture issues and trends.



Appointment Information



This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The budgeted salary range for the position is $70,000 - $80,000 annually. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements. Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position.



For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .



Application Procedures & Deadline Information



Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 30, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or
bottom of this posting. Application materials should include a cover letter, a current resume, and at least three references, including contact information.


In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Micki Hallam at mhallam@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .


Requisition ID: 1026754
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu