Head of Marketing and Audience Development - The Young Performing Arts Center

Universities of Wisconsin•Whitewater, WI

5d•$65,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The Head of Marketing and Audience Development leads marketing strategy, audience growth, and ticket revenue initiatives for The Young Performing Arts Center at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The position develops data-informed strategies to attract new audiences, strengthen patron relationships, and convert awareness and engagement into ticket purchases. It is a strategic, results-oriented role measured by audience growth, ticket revenue, customer acquisition and retention, and effective use of marketing resources. The role provides creative direction but is not primarily a graphic-design position. The position leads annual and performance-specific marketing strategies, sets target audiences and campaign goals, and advises leadership on audience trends, market conditions, positioning, and opportunities. It develops ticket-sales and audience-development strategies; directs advertising and patron communication channels; manages media, agency, vendor, and university marketing relationships; and oversees budgets, analytics, reporting, and campaign improvement. Success is evaluated through paid attendance and ticket revenue, new ticket buyers and audience reach, retention and repeat purchasing, efficient resource use, and data-informed improvements to marketing and sales performance. The position requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience, significant marketing experience, and demonstrated results in attendance, ticket sales, audience reach, or earned revenue. The role is based in the Department of COAC | Young Auditorium. Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting full-time annual salary of $65,000–$70,000, commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications. UW System employees receive a comprehensive benefits package. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at hire and maintain authorization throughout employment; the university does not offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, arts administration, business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Significant professional marketing experience, preferably in performing arts, entertainment, cultural organizations, attractions, venues, or related industries.
Demonstrated success increasing attendance, ticket sales, audience reach, or earned revenue.
Experience managing marketing budgets and paid media campaigns.
Strong knowledge of digital marketing, audience targeting, email, social media, search, and analytics.
Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and project-management skills.
Ability and willingness to be an active participant in applicable safety rules and regulations, including necessary training and drills.
Legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and able to maintain work authorization throughout employment.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead annual and performance-specific marketing strategies.
Establish target audiences, positioning, campaign goals, budgets, and timelines.
Advise leadership on audience trends, market conditions, competitive positioning, and marketing opportunities.
Strengthen The Young's position as a regional destination for live entertainment.
Develop strategies to increase paid attendance, ticket revenue, and sales velocity.
Grow new audiences while improving retention and frequency among existing patrons.
Use patron, geographic, sales, and campaign data to identify opportunities and guide decisions.
Work with leadership and the box office to monitor sales pacing and adjust campaigns.
Direct paid advertising, email, social media, website, search, and other patron communication channels.
Manage media, agency, vendor, and university marketing relationships.
Establish campaign messaging and creative direction and maintain brand consistency.
Evaluate campaign performance and continuously test and improve marketing effectiveness.
Develop and manage annual and performance-specific marketing budgets.
Allocate marketing resources based on sales goals, market potential, and organizational priorities.
Measure advertising effectiveness, return on investment, audience growth, and ticket-sales performance.
Provide regular performance reporting and recommendations to leadership.
Work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to an inclusive campus environment.
Actively participate in applicable safety rules and regulations, including necessary training and drills.