Employment Opportunities

The Director of Communications drives organizational storytelling both internally and through a variety of media channels. The Director helps to bring life to important aspects of the organization’s work—distilling complex information and framing our work with a particular focus on our education, community engagement, and artist development programs, and major artistic initiatives. Through creative content development and skillful oversight of social media and several print and digital platforms, the Director will aim to strengthen awareness and build connection with the public. The Director also writes and distributes press materials, pitches stories, prepares staff for interviews, advises staff regarding messaging, and secures positive press for Strathmore. The Communications Director is a key member of the Communications & Marketing team, reporting to the Vice President of Communications & Marketing and overseeing the work of other team members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to:

Brand Management and Storytelling (30%)

• Promote a positive and intentional public image for Strathmore, carefully weaving together programming and storytelling to shape awareness of the organization.
• Provide creative input, story ideas, and written content for Strathmore news and online channels to help tell the Strathmore story.
• Develop organizational or leadership statements in response to important initiatives, crises, or national conversations.
• Participate in discussions about organizational strategy, programming, and partnerships with a comms and brand management perspective.
• Develop deep relationships and a working knowledge of all of Strathmore’s mission-focused work, especially our Bloom initiative, Artist in Residence program, and artistic programming.
• Liaise with the Advancement department to strengthen major public fundraising appeals and develop consistent and meaningful messaging that builds relationship and support potential.
• Oversee web content on several major website “hub” pages to help patrons develop a broader understanding of Strathmore’s mission and impact.
  
  

Media Relations (30%)

• Serve as main contact with the national and local media for Strathmore presented events and priorities, which include Music Center concerts, Mansion and AMP performances, Exhibitions, Community & Education Programs, and Special Events.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with key members of the press.
• Develop press strategy, PR calendar, and story pitches in coordination with overall Strathmore and specific Marketing and Communications Department goals and objectives.
• Coordinate all media interviews, live web chats, photo opportunities, and TV and radio appearances.
• Meet and take care of covering press at Strathmore presented events and programs.
• Pitch stories to appropriate media with the goal of gaining the most positive exposure for Strathmore programs and events.
• Write and distribute all press releases, calendars, and media advisories.
• Update organization’s press contact list as necessary.
• Update and maintain media section of www.strathmore.org.
• Collect and maintain Strathmore’s press clip files and archives.

Social Media Strategy and Management (30%)

• Develop and oversee a broad strategy for Strathmore and its sub-brands on important social channels.
• Develop major content and stories for each channel, as part of a larger communications strategy.
• Work with other members of the department to create and schedule content on all channels.
• Strategize important connections within social channels and participate in important conversations.

General Duties (10%)

• Attend weekly marketing meetings and provide input into marketing and communications strategy, goals, and objectives.
• Proofread & improve Strathmore publications.
• Work the marketing table at Strathmore events and festivals in rotation with other staff.
• Help to set Customer Service strategies for the organization.
• Provide yearly budget request for Communications.
• Supervise Communications Manager and freelance writers and designers.
• Oversee and guide staff tasks related to Communications.
• Other duties as assigned.

40 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends.
Available April 1. 

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Satisfactory completion of this job will include:

• Successfully generating positive media for Strathmore
• Appropriate handling of negative press
• Thoughtful storytelling in a variety of channels that helps the public or specific audiences better understand Strathmore & our work
• Building and maintaining good working relationships with the press and colleagues
• Maintaining a deep knowledge of Strathmore’s most important mission work
• Creating positive engagement on Strathmore’s social media channels
• Keeping excellent records of press clips for future use

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

• Employs superior written and verbal communication skills
• Exhibits creativity in approach and is willing to try new things
• Stays in tune with arts media coverage and the work of our peers and other leaders in the arts
• Successfully manages multiple demands, prioritizing and problem solving to make the best use of time and space
• Creates effective, error- free work that produces results
• Manages time effectively
• Displays a high degree of dependability
• Exhibits a professional appearance and deportment
• Contributes ideas to improve Strathmore’s work and public image

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in communications and media relations
• BA or equivalent certification
• Familiarity with the DC media scene
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to process complex information and extract core messages and takeaways   
• Experience with management of social platforms including Facebook and Instagram
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Experience with Photoshop, web content management software (Umbraco specifically), or email automation software is a plus
• Experience or familiarity with Tessitura CRM is a plus
• Desire to grow, learn, and contribute to a team

Strathmore is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Accordingly, Strathmore provides employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, genetic status or information, military or veteran status or in any status protected by federal, state, or local law.

STATUS & SALARY

This is an exempt, salaried position. Salary is commensurate with experience, in the range of $65,000-75,000 annually with a competitive benefits package.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please submit prior to February 12, the following items:

• Cover letter
• Résumé

If submitting your application electronically, the email SUBJECT line must contain the words “Director of Communications.” Only qualified applicants will be contacted. Please direct all submissions to:
Human Resources, hr@strathmore.org

Although emailed applications are preferred, applications may also be mailed to:

Human Resources
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD 20852

The Ticket Office Second Assistant Treasurer plays a critical role in ensuring that the Strathmore Ticket Office operates efficiently and effectively so that this front-line office always provides the highest level of customer services and positive transactional experiences, not only for our Patrons, but also for our Partner organizations and our Rental performing companies.

This position is jointly responsible for, in conjunction with the Ticket Office Treasurer, many essential duties and responsibilities, as outlined below. Generally, this position is responsible for customer service, supervision of part-time associates, and handling various day-to-day and big-picture operational tasks in Strathmore’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, Tessitura. An ideal candidate is personable, detail-oriented, and interested in helping the team find creative solutions. The position requires a combination of daytime, evening, and weekend hours including working show-time events and handling any necessary post-sales/event processing.

The Ticket Office Second Assistant Treasurer reports to the Director of Patron Experience.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Tessitura Services – 30%

• Build performances holistically, including prices, scaling, discounts, promotions, reports, and more in Tessitura in collaboration with the Marketing and Programming teams.
• Assist, as appropriate, with event set-up, setting up discounts, promotions, etc.
• Test and troubleshoot web sales in coordination with Marketing and IT.
• Run reports or set up scheduled reports, as necessary, or answer questions utilizing Tessitura Analytics.
• Help to analyze report results in order to provide expert insight that helps departments make better decisions.
• Join meetings with internal and regional Tessitura Users Groups and Tessitura Extended Services as needed, and assist in problem solving and creative solutions, specifically as related to Ticketing.

Ticketing Services – 25%

• Provide excellent customer service in accordance with Strathmore’s customer service standards.
• Assist patrons in all ticketing needs by phone, in person, and by email/mail—as well as supporting online ticket sales as needed.
• Process, print, distribute, exchange, and refund tickets (or other instruments of admission) for internal and/or external parties.
• Process gift certificates and subscription tickets (if appropriate).
• Solve ticket and Will Call related challenges and other customer service issues.
• Coordinate donation requests with the Development and Marketing departments.
• Coordinate comp ticket requests as approved by Strathmore management.

Ticket Office Operations – 25%

• Oversee events and Ticket Office operations, as appropriate, at the Music Center, AMP and the Mansion.
• Provide, as appropriate, show settlement services, as well as preparing cash, check and credit card deposits in accordance with Strathmore’s established financial policies.
• Create and distribute reports for partners and promoters.
• Coordinate holds with Strathmore departments, partners, artists, and promoters.
• Assist in training the PT Ticket Office staff on policies, procedures, customer service, and Tessitura to ensure exceptional customer service and efficient daily operation.
• Work to become knowledgeable about the many events taking place at Strathmore and help to distribute information so that every PT Ticket Office staff member is prepared to answer questions and assist patrons.
• Ensure that all PT Ticket Office staff always offers memberships and other upsells or benefits to patrons when appropriate.  
• Help the PT Ticket Office staff with trouble shooting technical issues, such as functions in Tessitura.
• Participate in and assist in overseeing all PT Ticket Office staff regarding data base entry, maintenance, and cleanup work as directed by the Director of Patron Experience.
• Must be able to move ticket stock boxes and other heavy (Ticket Office) items.

Communication/Collaboration – 20%

• Attend Marketing meetings and contribute ideas for improving Tessitura systems and services.
• Work with Marketing, Development, Advancement, and Operations to solve problems, find solutions related to ticketing and customer service, and to improve ticketing and connected technology.
• Assist in the preparation of marketing campaigns and edit/proof materials featuring performances to ensure accuracy of billing, times, dates, and prices.
• Assist Strathmore partner organizations, and other entities, utilizing Strathmore Ticket Operation services, with ticket and patron-related services.
• Provide regular feedback about customer service issues, problems, and opportunities to the Director of Patron Experience.
• Support Strathmore Group Sales to ensure that Patron’s needs are met and that coverage for important group buyers is available during leave of main staff members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Accountabilities

Satisfactory completion of this job will be evidenced by excellent attention to detail, anticipation of event needs, exercising sound professional judgment, meeting ticket office goals, building and maintaining good working relationships with staff, partners and other colleagues, keeping excellent records, and working well as a member of the Ticket Office team.

Qualifications/Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in arts, communications, business, administration, or appropriate related degree and a minimum of five years of ticket office leadership experience and a minimum of three years of ticket office experience in a multi-building performing arts environment.
• Demonstrated experience with the Tessitura Arts Enterprise Software program.
• Demonstrated experience with Tessitura Network Express Web (TNEW).
• Demonstrated experience with Tessitura Analytics.
• Demonstrated experience and interest in Tessitura SQL Report Building.
• Demonstrated understanding of finance/accounting systems is a plus.
• Proven customer service (concierge) skills with experience in resolving issues.
• Proven ability to think on one’s feet, to react flexibly and being able to efficiently analyze and interpret the needs of customers – thus being able to offer appropriate solutions. 
• Collaborative and energetic work style, superior people skills, a team player, and ability to lead. 
• Strong planning and organizational skills, ability to prioritize, manage time efficiently, meet deadlines, detail oriented, positive attitude, excellent problem-solving skills, and have the ability to work well under pressure.
• Maturity, poise, initiative, and flexibility to handle complex situations and sensitivity to handle confidential information with professionalism. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, social media platforms, and Internet-based research tools.

Compensation & Benefits

This Ticket Office Second Assistant Treasurer is an I.A.T.S.E. bargaining unit (Local 868) member. Thus, all compensation, as well as benefits, are pre-determined in relationship to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Strathmore is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Accordingly, Strathmore provides employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, genetic status or information, military or veteran status or in any status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Application Information

Please submit the following items:

• Cover letter
• A résumé showing demonstrable accomplishments as indicated above.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. If submitting your application electronically (PDF), the email SUBJECT line must contain the words “Ticket Office Second Assistant Treasurer.” Only qualified applicants will be contacted. Please direct all submissions to: Human Resources, hr@strathmore.org.

Although emailed applications are strongly preferred, applications may also be mailed to:

Human Resources
Ticket Office Second Assistant Treasurer
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD 20852