THE POSITION:
The Des Moines Symphony, one of the country's leading regional orchestras, is seeking a highly motivated individual with a demonstrated track record to serve as its Director of Marketing & Public Relations. This Director position is a key member of the Symphony’s administrative leadership team.
The Director of Marketing & Public Relations reports directly to the Executive Director and is responsible for developing and implementing innovative marketing and sales strategies to build audiences and engage diverse populations. This position is directly responsible for establishing and achieving short and long term earned revenue goals and for ensuring a superior patron experience.
The Director of Marketing & Public Relations supervises the Symphony’s Marketing Manager and works directly with the Executive Director, administrative staff, Board, and media as well as numerous vendors to help realize the organization’s earned revenue goals. S/he will be an enthusiastic advocate for the Symphony Orchestra and its associated Academy of Music. The Director of Marketing & Public Relations will develop and implement organizational strategies and activities related to all earned revenue goals, including audience development plans; sales and promotions; market research and ticket sales; and pricing models. S/he will ensure that marketing and public relations efforts support the initiatives contained in the Symphony’s new five-year strategic plan which include broadening the organization’s connections with the entire community. This position will lead the organization's brand identity efforts, including institutional identity and promotional materials. The Director of Marketing & Public Relations will be a principal representative and spokesperson for the Symphony throughout the community and some evening and weekend work is required. In addition, the Director of Marketing & Public Relations serves as the principal staff liaison and helps facilitate the work of the Symphony Board of Trustees Marketing/Ticket Sales Committee.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree with an accredited college or university and come with at least six years’ demonstrated effectiveness in marketing and sales and a proven track record in advertising, branding, public relations and ticket sales for concerts or similar events. Expert knowledge and experience with website management, digital marketing and social media is required.
The successful candidate will be a highly-organized professional who can prioritize multiple tasks and who possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proofreading skills and attention to detail are a must. Experience with another not-for-profit professional performing arts organization or event promoter and knowledge of classical and symphonic music are plusses.
The ideal candidate should have an active interest in and knowledge of local and national arts and audience trends. Experience working with Google and Meta advertising platforms is required, as well as familiarity with database management systems, including Tessitura and Patron Manager. S/he should be experienced in creating, analyzing, and reporting on the success of marketing campaigns with a keen eye for digital trends and emerging marketing strategies. An established network, or ability to quickly establish relationships in the Central Iowa media community is a must.
COMPENSATION
The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience. Medical, dental, life insurance, 401(K) and vacation benefits are provided.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please submit a cover letter of application and resume to Richard L. Early, Executive Director.
Application screening process will begin December 27, 2022.
THE ORGANIZATION:
The Des Moines Symphony is a not-for-profit, professional orchestra formed in 1937 to enrich, educate and inspire the community by performing great orchestral music. The Symphony Association, governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees and operating on an average annual budget of more than $4 million was a founding member of the League of American Orchestras which classifies the Des Moines Symphony as a Group III orchestra. The Symphony Association supports the Symphony Academy and its numerous music education programs including six youth large ensembles, and supports the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra which performs seven pairs of Masterworks concerts, a three-concert Pops Series including the traditional New Year’s Eve Pops, education, outreach and family concerts, and other special events in its home at the Des Moines Civic Center. The Des Moines Symphony also produces and performs a free, outdoor summertime Water Works Pops series as well as the Symphony’s annual Yankee Doodle Pops concert in July on the grounds of the Iowa State Capitol, which attracts tens of thousands of listeners and is the largest single day concert event in the State.
ABOUT DES MOINES, IOWA:
With a metro population of over 709,000 Des Moines is Iowa’s capital city and is becoming known as a progressive, dynamic and growing cultural, business, political and educational center. Des Moines has emerged as one of the Midwest’s strongest local economies and most desirable metro areas and its citizens enjoy a thriving, vibrant downtown and low cost of living. It was ranked the “Wealthiest City in America” by NBC’s Today Show and earned Policom’s number one ranking for “Strongest Local Economy.” It has placed second in Forbes’ list of “Best Places for Business and Careers” and first in the same publication’s list of “Best Cities for Young Professionals.”
In the last several years more than four billion dollars have been allocated to redevelop the city’s downtown, including the addition of the $40 million world-class Pappajohn Sculpture Park and an updated, public art-filled Principal Riverwalk. It is home to Drake University, Iowa’s largest private university, and shares many benefits with Ames, Iowa, 30 miles to the north and home to Iowa State University.
The region boasts one of the nation’s largest interconnected trail systems, with more than 300 miles of biking and walking trails. The city’s average commute time is 20 minutes, and the cost of living in Des Moines is more than 6.1% below the national average. Its safe communities, low housing costs and quality education helped it earn Kiplinger’s 2012 ranking for “Best City for Families.”
