Community and Patron Engagement Specialist - The Young

Universities of Wisconsin•Whitewater, WI

9d•$57,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Young Performing Arts Center in the College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Community and Patron Engagement Specialist. This role is responsible for building, managing, and deepening relationships to connect The Young Performing Arts Center with campus audiences, regional communities, schools, organizations, and patrons. As a primary external-facing representative, this position aims to expand attendance, strengthen patron loyalty, increase community visibility, and enhance the guest experience. It works collaboratively across departments to advance audience development, rental growth, school engagement, and patron stewardship through proactive outreach, relationship management, and strategic coordination.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
Demonstrated experience in relationship management, community engagement, sales, audience development, customer service, or external relations
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Nice To Haves

Experience in performing arts, entertainment, higher education, nonprofit, or cultural organizations
Experience working with school systems or youth programming
Experience supporting donor, sponsorship, or membership programs
Familiarity with ticketing, CRM, or customer database systems

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and expand relationships with community organizations, civic groups, businesses, and other partners to increase group attendance across performances and events.
Serve as the primary point of contact for group leaders and organizational partners regarding attendance opportunities and event participation.
Collaborate with Marketing and Ticket Services to support promotional campaigns, group sales efforts, and seamless customer experiences.
Monitor attendance patterns, customer feedback, and engagement trends; recommend strategies to strengthen participation and repeat attendance.
Maintain accurate records of outreach activity, group sales efforts, and partnership engagement.
Develop and sustain relationships with local and regional school districts, educators, and youth-serving organizations in support of The Young’s Center Stage Series and other educational initiatives.
Promote long-term partnerships that encourage repeat attendance, student access, and meaningful community connection.
Represent The Young at community meetings, events, and engagement opportunities as assigned.
Identify opportunities for collaborative programming and outreach that align with The Young’s mission.
Strengthen relationships between The Young and internal university partners, including academic departments, student organizations, and campus offices.
Cultivate relationships with local businesses, civic leaders, tourism organizations, and community stakeholders.
Identify and facilitate opportunities for co-promotion, shared programming, sponsorship visibility, and collaborative initiatives.
Advance The Young’s reputation as a welcoming, accessible, and vibrant regional gathering space.
Serve as the initial point of contact for prospective and returning rental clients for use of The Young’s facilities.
Respond to inquiries, provide information, and guide clients through early planning stages while coordinating handoff to internal operational teams.
Build strong relationships with campus and community users to encourage repeat business and positive experiences.
Maintain records related to rental leads, client communication, and partnership opportunities.
Support fulfillment and engagement efforts related to Friends of The Young and other patron affinity programs.
Collaborate with the Executive Director to identify highly engaged patrons, prospective supporters, and stewardship opportunities.
Help create meaningful touchpoints that strengthen patron loyalty and long-term philanthropic interest.
Assist with donor events, recognition efforts, and relationship-building activities as assigned.
Work collaboratively with Marketing, Ticket Services, Front of House, Production, and university partners to coordinate audience engagement efforts and event success.
Prepare correspondence, outreach materials, reports, and updates related to partnerships and engagement initiatives.
Maintain accurate databases, contact records, and communication logs.
Exercise sound judgment, initiative, and independent prioritization in managing multiple projects and relationships.