Audience Development and Communications Specialist for Music Organizations

Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College is a residential, coeducational liberal arts college with approximately 3,000 students and 800 faculty and staff. The college is located on a picturesque 300-acre campus in Northfield, Minnesota, a vibrant, historic river town of 20,000 located 45 minutes south of culturally rich and diverse Minneapolis and St. Paul. 

The college offers an academically rigorous, nationally ranked liberal arts education that fosters the development of the whole person in mind, body, and spirit and emphasizes learning in an inclusive and globally engaged community. We encourage applications from candidates committed to multicultural understanding and the enrichment of our diverse community.

Role Description: The Audience Development and Communications Specialist for Music Organizations leads and develops strategies for audience growth, marketing, communications and ticketing for St. Olaf Music Organizations. Coordinate promotional efforts, sales operations, and cross-functional projects that support concerts, tours, and special events in alignment with the artistic and educational mission of the ensembles managed by St. Olaf Music Organizations.

Audience Development and Communications – 50% of time.

• Develop and implement marketing and public relations strategies for the purpose of building and engaging audiences for Music Organizations ensemble performances nationwide, increasing attendance and ticketing revenue, and strengthening institutional visibility through earned and paid media, digital communications, grassroots outreach, and audience-focused promotional campaigns.
• Develop a data-informed environment to track and measure audience development efforts, including promotional effectiveness, audience engagement, patron feedback, and attendance trends among prospective students and other key audiences at concerts and events, using data to inform future audience growth and engagement strategies.
• Plan and attend pre-tour visits as needed, scheduling meetings related to promotion, marketing, audience development, and local alumni and high school engagement; develop a comprehensive strategy that reflects the unique needs of each touring ensemble and city.
• Staff ensemble tour(s) as requested and needed, including onsite ticket management.
• Ensure clear and timely project management between Music Organizations and Marketing & Communications, including advertising, the production of programs and printed materials for the Ambassador ensembles, tours, special events, and the St. Olaf Christmas Festival.
• Oversee production and ensure deadlines for advertising and printed materials including posters, fliers, concert programs, radio media, grassroots efforts, and marketing communication with venues and hosts.
• Lead and implement strategies for social and digital media. Manage all aspects of the website for Music Organizations and the ensembles it supports.
• Manage Musicwear retail operations in conjunction with the Ticketing and Communications Coordinator. 
• Manage and produce printed concert programs in conjunction with the Ticketing and Communications Coordinator. 
• Manage budget and account management for related areas.
• Provide operational and organizational support for the Music Organizations office. 
• Other duties as apparent or assigned.

Ticketing – 20% of time.

• Develop and oversee all aspects of tour and special event concert ticket sales strategy, projections, and execution. 
• Manage on-site ticket sales on tour and train volunteer ticket takers and ushers. 
• Supervise the Ticketing and Communications Coordinator for pre-event ticket sales and onsite ticket management for the St. Olaf Christmas Festival.

St. Olaf Records – 15% of time

• Direct and administer St. Olaf Records as a core component of Music Organizations, maintaining responsibility for high-level strategic planning and comprehensive daily management.
• Establish and execute a sustainable long-range roadmap and development objectives that support institutional priorities and ensure the label’s ongoing success.
• Partner with the Audience Development and Communications Specialist to design and manage promotional campaigns, digital initiatives, and social media outreach tailored to expanding the record label’s visibility.
• Supervise all record-related logistical operations, encompassing inventory control, order fulfillment, sales monitoring, and onsite retail coordination during ensemble tours.
• Monitor financial health and organizational efficiency, reporting on resource requirements and significant strategic shifts to the Director of Music Organizations.

Supervisory responsibilities – 15% of time.

• Supervise and train the Ticketing and Communications Coordinator.
• Manage student staff engaged in concert program preparation and proofreading, establishing workflows, deadlines, and quality-control processes to ensure timely and accurate production.
• Lead recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of student office assistants and proofreaders.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

• Experience: 
• 3 years of experience as a marketing strategist in the performing arts or 3 years of experience as an agency partner with a performing arts client.

• Other:
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and meet St. Olaf College driver authorization criteria with a satisfactory driving record. Hold and maintain a valid passport.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: 
• Advanced degree and relevant coursework in marketing/communications, arts management, music (education or performance) and ensemble performance.

• Experience: 
• Music ensemble and touring experience. Experience working in a college or university setting. 5 years of experience in a leadership role as a marketing strategist in the performing arts, ideally with a musical ensemble at the college or professional level. Proven track record in achieving financial marketing goals within the performing arts industry. Supervisory experience. 

Work Schedule: Full time. Hours to be worked during campus office hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., plus evenings and weekends as required for concert management and tour staffing; local travel (Twin Cities metro area), national, and international travel, for up to 15% of work schedule; overnight trips average 6-7 trips per year. Flexible work arrangements can be proposed and are subject to approval by HR and relevant supervisors.