Director of Marketing

DEPARTMENT:  Marketing

REPORTS TO:  President and CEO

HOURS:  Full-time

ABOUT THE ARTS AND EDUCATION COUNCIL OF GREATER ST. LOUIS

At the Arts and Education Council, we believe a region rich with arts and cultural experiences is critical to creating and sustaining vibrant communities. That’s why, since 1963, the Arts and Education Council has kept art happening in the bi-state region by pooling together contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations to invest in more than 70 arts organizations that build creativity, inspire kids, bridge cultural divides, energize communities and enrich lives through the arts.

One of the most powerful examples of our impact is the Centene Center for the Arts, an incubator owned and operated by the Arts and Education Council that is home to 20 arts organizations. Located in the heart of the Grand Center Arts District, the Centene Center for the Arts provides the resources and community these organizations need to thrive, growing their impact across our region.

As the oldest and only entirely privately supported arts funder serving the bi-state region, the Arts and Education Council is an opportunity for St. Louisans to join together to create a real, lasting impact on this remarkably vibrant arts community we all call home. Much of that giving comes through workplace giving campaigns, which are increasingly cited as powerful drivers of employee engagement. For more information about the Arts and Education Council, please visit www.KeepArtHappening.org.

POSITION SUMMARY AND DUTIES:

Are you inspired by the arts and their power to make our lives better? Do you get a little extra pep in your step when you think about creative new ways to share stories that inspire, raise more money and throw big events that celebrate our community? The Arts and Education Council wants to meet you!

The Arts and Education Council seeks a proactive and creative Director of Marketing to develop and implement our marketing and strategic communications activities that result in more awareness and funding for the organization. This person is responsible for overall management and implementation of the Arts and Education Council’s marketing and communications activities, including a quarterly publication, fundraising campaign materials, videos, e-mail newsletter, social and digital media management including website, speaking engagements and media relations. The Director of Marketing also serves as production manager for the annual St. Louis Arts Awards.

The Director of Marketing reports to the President and CEO and supervises a marketing coordinator, part-time work study students, freelance designers, photographers, videographers and more.

A successful candidate should be a highly organized, creative and efficient self-starter with exceptional attention to details and deadlines, excellent writing skills, strong project management skills and superb team leadership skills. This person must be flexible, ambitious and collaborative in our fast-paced, team-oriented environment

The Director of Marketing’s duties include, but are not limited to, these key areas:

MARKETING

• Work with President and CEO to produce and execute annual integrated marketing plan for organization by creating strategies that broaden A&E’s audience and support base.
• Manage team of freelance designers, video producers, photographers, vendors, part-time work study students and external agencies to produce content with the goal of building awareness and raising funds for organization. Content includes but is not limited to: quarterly publication, brand and fundraising videos, social media and email campaigns, Drupal-based website, annual report and solicitation materials.
• Serve as a liaison for external relations committee of the Arts and Education Council board of directors.
• Improve systems to better align marketing.

COMMUNICATIONS

• Work with President and CEO to create and execute strategic communications plan for organization, adhering to brand guidelines, with goal of increasing awareness for and connection to the Arts and Education Council among individual and corporate/foundation donors, prospective donors, and grants and program participants.

• • Write, edit and seek content for weekly blog posts.
  • Manage direct e-mail communications, including weekly e-newsletter, announcements and donor communications.
  • Create, manage and update all content for Drupal-based website, working with external agency for site upgrades and structural changes.
  • Manage and build e-communications distribution list to maximize engagement and impact.
  • Regularly research and produce written and photographic content for quarterly donor publication and annual report.

• Update and maintain brand guidelines for organization, training staff and board on communications related to the organization.

DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY

• Manage design and delivery of annual campaign materials, and print and digital advertisements, engaging and supervising freelance designers when applicable.
• Generate compelling photographic content of grantee and A&E programs and events, serving as liaison to external photographers when applicable.

PROJECT AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Lead 15-person external team and 10-person internal team to produce the Arts and Education Council’s annual St. Louis Arts Awards raising $400,000+, with 600+ guests. Responsibilities include event planning and execution, honoree selection, video production, script writing, marketing, media relations, etc.
• Manage bi-monthly Arts Marketers program, a professional development series for arts and nonprofit professionals featuring guest speakers from local organizations and marketing agencies.
• Maintain and grow partnerships primarily among arts organizations for discounts and distribution channels for the ARTS Card and related programs.

 PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Write and oversee all external messaging and media relations for organization, including press releases, media pitches, speaking remarks, presentations, etc., overseeing contractor as needed.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets throughout St. Louis region with goal of improving awareness of organization and programs.
• Serve as primary media contact and represent the Arts and Education Council in the media when necessary.
• Maintain digital photo archives, up-to-date media lists, media tracking and media archives.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL TRAITS REQUIRED:

• Superb attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Efficient self-starter with ability to work on projects in both team and individual settings
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Willingness and ability to take direction or pursue professional development opportunities.
• Anticipating challenges and proactively offering solutions.
• Keen adherence to accuracy and quality of work.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Willingness to work in an open, collegial office environment.

MINIMUM TECHNICAL AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications, or commensurate experience.

• Three or more years related professional experience preferred. Experience in non-profit sector and fundraising is preferred.

• Experience in marketing strategy, integrated marketing, media planning and brand development. Excellent writing, proofreading and technical skills with digital communications tools. Familiarity with AP Stylebook.
• Proficiency in using digital and social media channels and understanding of how to use those channels to engage support for organizational goals.
• Proven successful event management and website management experience.
• High proficiency in Microsoft 365 including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and InDesign.
• Ability to shoot quality photos and video for digital and print use.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to make frequent telephone calls.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and carry 20 pounds when transporting supplies and assisting development team;
• Hands-on participation with event set-up is required.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., step ladders, stools, stairs, etc.).
• Ability to standing for long periods of time; 25% or more of the workday may be spent standing on feet.
• Ability to reach, stoop, grasp, grab, etcetera.
• Ability to drive and maintain a valid driver’s license

ENVIRONMENT:

• Fast-paced office environment with frequent interruptions from phone calls and conversations.
• Attendance and participation at events and activities through the cultural community expected from time-to-time outside of normal office hours and weekends.
• The Arts and Education Council offers a comprehensive and competitive health, vacation and retirement benefits package.

BENEFITS: The Arts and Education Council is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary range with a suite of excellent benefits including retirement plan with employer contribution, medical leave, health, dental, life and disability insurance and vacation with free parking.

SALARY RANGE: $60,000 – 67,000.00

HOW TO APPLY

Email cover letter, resume, samples and/or electronic portfolio to Lyah LeFlore-Ituen, President and CEO Lyah-L@keeparthappening.org.

For more information about the Arts and Education Council, please visit www.KeepArtHappening.org.