Communications and Marketing Specialist

Position Summary :

The Marketing and Communications Specialist supports the outreach efforts of the School of Dance and Entertainment by producing various communications pieces intended to market and promote the School of Dance and Entertainment to a variety of audiences including prospective students, current students, potential audience members, and others in the university and external community across multiple media platforms.

The Specialist participates in Audition Days and supports the Coordinator of the Ann Lacy School in planning recruiting workshops and camps.

The Specialist reports to the Dean and Associate Dean of the School of Dance and Entertainment and works closely with staff and faculty within the School of Dance and Entertainment.

Minimum Qualifications :

• A minimum of two years of direct experience is required in the areas of public relations, communications, marketing, development / fundraising, student recruitment, and / or event planning and management required.
• A suitable combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of minimum requirements.

Job Duties :

• Demonstrate an attitude and behavior that reflects the values and mission of the School and University.
• Produce communications pieces intended to promote and build the reputation of academic and performance programs within the School of Dance and Entertainment in coordination with the Communications and Marketing department.
• Ensure communications and marketing products reflect the mission, values, and image of the university and School of Dance and Entertainment.
• Develop and maintain a relationship with Dance and Entertainment leadership, faculty members, and other stakeholders to fully incorporate the essence of academic and performance programs in outreach efforts.
• Coordinate the School’s social media presence across multiple platforms remaining up to date on trends in social media outreach and influence
• Serve as the School’s primary web page administrator coordinating content updates. Work with the university Web Services Manager as needed.
• Remain up to date on current trends and industry standards to ensure relevant communications and marketing outreach.
• Coordinate the collection of performance videography and photography for inclusion in web content, social media campaigns, promotional / recruitment materials and other activities.
• Maintain and monitor the School’s marketing and communications budget to remain within fiscal parameters set by school leadership;

research and suggest cost effective modes of delivering content.

• Develop and implement strategies, initiatives, and programs to increase performance attendance and marketing outreach targets.
• Provide support for School of Dance and Entertainment projects, programs, initiatives, performances, and events as needed including support of Coordinator for Ann Lacy School planning of recruitment activities, serving as back up for staff position functions, and other activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Demonstrated ability to create error-free communication pieces including newswriting and other content with impeccable attention to detail.

As demonstrated in application materials.)

• Proven proofreading skills.
• Familiarity with industry trends.
• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in MS Office, InDesign, Photoshop, and other common software and applications.

Knowledge of Premier Pro, After Effects, Illustrator, Bridge, and Audition are a plus.

• Fluency in social media platforms (Facebook, SnapChat, Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook Ads, Google Ads, etc).
• Fluency in photography and videography.
• Ability to acquire skill in and adapt to changes in technology quickly.
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of initiative and willingness to accept responsibility.
• Ability to work with a team in a highly collaborative environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to demonstrate a customer service attitude and to develop effective working relationships with internal and external constituents
• Must be able to work independently and be self-motivated while still being able to accept supervision and work well in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain excellent attendance and varied work hours.
• Ability to quickly acquire knowledge of dance and arts management including programming and terminology.
• Ability to acquire in depth knowledge of the Ann Lacy School programs and academic requirements.
• Ability to quickly acquire knowledge of the dance and entertainment degrees to accurately develop relevant promotional materials.
• Knowledge of the performing arts audition, rehearsal, and show processes; and event production.
• Ability and willingness to open, close and secure the Gaylord Center day or night as necessary, without presence or assistance of others.
• Mailing and promotional material creation.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions :

• Loud noise from sound systems;
• Loud noise from large numbers performing arts majors;
• High humidity and heat from large numbers of people engaged in vigorous;
• Physical activity; fast moving groups of people in studios and hallways during rehearsals;
• Large numbers of people sitting on floors with book and dance bags; irregular hours including nights and weekends.
• Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Night vision sufficient to safely move in backstage spaces including level changes in darkened theatrical lighting.
• Moving and setting up chairs, tables, and audio / visual equipment.
• Lifting AV carts loaded with equipment from dance studio floors to teaching platform.
• Moving quickly around a large building with 3 floors, often while carrying equipment.

Standard work hours are 9am-6pm, but work schedule shifts based on Ann Lacy School events and activities. Evening and weekend hours are required during Dance and Entertainment rehearsals / shows and recruiting events / workshops / camps.

Usually works 1 night a week during the fall and spring semesters. Must have access to home desktop or laptop and highspeed internet for remote work as necessary.