Marketing and Media Relations Manager

How to Apply

You must apply through the U-M Jobs website (umjobs.org). To be considered, your application package must include a resume and cover letter, not to exceed one page, describing how this position fits with and advances your career goals.

Who We Are

Now in its 148th season, UMS continues to showcase traditional performing arts alongside contemporary artists and is admired across the country for its boundary-pushing roster of artists and its curious and supportive audiences.

Housed on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, UMS is one of the oldest performing arts presenters in the country, committed to connecting audiences with performing artists from around the world in uncommon and engaging experiences. With a program steeped in music, dance, and theater, UMS contributes to a vibrant cultural community by presenting approximately 60-75 performances and over 100 free educational activities each season. UMS also commissions new work, sponsors artist residencies, and organizes collaborative projects with local, national, and international partners.

UMS was selected as one of the 2014 recipients of the National Medal of Arts, the nation's highest public artistic honor, awarded annually by the president of the United States at the White House to those who have "demonstrated a lifetime of creative excellence," according to the National Endowment for the Arts, which oversees the selection process. For more information on UMS visit: https://ums.org/.

We are committed to the development of staff who thrive and contribute to a positive and inclusive environment.

Responsibilities*

Reporting directly to the Vice President, Marketing & Communications, the Marketing & Media Relations Manager is  part of a four-person marketing and communications team that values brainstorming and creative input, with a willingness to experiment and innovate.

Primary responsibilities include planning and executing marketing, press, and promotional strategies to attract audiences to UMS in-person and digital events, ensure that ticket sales and attendance goals are met/exceeded, increase UMS's regional and national visibility, and support communications for learning events and fundraising initiatives. The successful candidate will have strong writing skills and design expertise and will be adept at managing many deadlines for a wide range of projects with both short- and long-term planning horizons.

(35%) Marketing Campaign Development, Advertising & Budget Management

• Develop and implement paid and in-kind print and broadcast advertising plans, adapting for multiple and varied audience segments, including booking, copywriting, and coordinating graphic design
• Create, produce, and distribute UMS collateral, including flyers, posters, and invitations
• Ensure accuracy, brand compliance, and on-time delivery of final all advertising and collateral
• Lead marketing campaigns for Student Tickets, Kids Club, and other discount initiatives
• Research and develop marketing plans for season events
• Collaborate with Group Sales Coordinator to research and contact community-based organizations to promote UMS activities
• Secure media partners and handle partner sponsorship fulfillment
• Hire and supervise graphic design student position and proofread all design collateral. Work closely with a local design agency.
• Manage annual advertising budget of ~$150k

(35%) Press/Media Relations

• Research, write, and distribute press/news releases and media advisories that take activities and translate them into compelling public-facing stories
• Plan strategy and develop story angles for performances, educational activities and special events, including participating in planning and execution around UMS's 150th season in 28/29 and other large initiatives
• Pitch story ideas, coordinate interviews and publicity appearances, manage press tickets, and service press inquiries
• Build relationships with members of the traditional media and new outlets regionally and nationally (when appropriate). Maintain a database
• Populate external online calendar listings with UMS activities and ensure they are kept up to date
• Develop talking points and scripts for radio interviews and other institutional activities
• Distribute and archive press related to UMS

(15%) E-Mail & Digital Communications

• In conjunction with Digital Marketing Coordinator, create, proofread, and deploy UMS e-mail campaigns that support communications efforts. Track effectiveness of campaigns through A/B testing and report analysis
• Write blog posts to support promotional efforts
• Work with the Director of Digital Media to develop and support LinkedIn communications strategy

(15%) Project Management & Administration

• Coordinate subscription renewal campaign each spring, including renewal forms, list management, and mailing
• Coordinate contract work with external photographers. Manage photo approvals with artists and artist management
• Support Director of Digital Media with artist interview requests for blog posts and other social content
• Recruit, train, and supervise graphic design student position, and provide feedback and mentorship
• Attend weekly marketing department strategy meetings and weekly 1:1 with direct supervisor
• Manage and staff in-person tabling opportunities, such as U-M orientations and other public-facing events
• Develop content for annual report
• Perform other duties as assigned in a fast-paced, high-output environment

Required Qualifications*

• 2-4 years of applicable experience in marketing/communications
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage numerous projects simultaneously and in various stages of development. Ability to plan workflow several months in advance, while responding to immediate needs
• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills
• Attention to detail in writing and proofreading
• Ability to be productive and flexible under pressure and able to meet deadlines
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), Google Suite (Gmail, Calendar,  Docs, Sheets, Drive), and Microsoft Office 365 suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to be largely self-sufficient in managing administrative needs
• Routinely moves and positions materials weighing up to 25 pounds across campus and for various event needs

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience working in the performing arts and/or non-profit sector
• Experience working with an email marketing platform (such as MailChimp, ExactTarget, Prospect2) and CRM database, with Tessitura CRM system, and/or Prospect2 email system
• Experience using project management software
• Knowledge of and interest in performing arts and artists

Why Work at Michigan?

We offer a benefits package that includes comprehensive training and career development opportunities, generous retirement savings plans, ample paid time off, and a wealth of family care support: https://careers.umich.edu/benefits/

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Locations

This is a full-time position that occasionally requires evening and weekend work, with a core weekday M-F schedule. It is based in Ann Arbor, MI, on the campus of the University of Michigan.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.