Associate Director of Marketing and Communications

This position provides essential support to a fast-paced department by spearheading project management of all deliverables related to Ford’s position as a tourist destination, museum, educational institution and working theatre. Serves as institutional writer and editor, ensuring consistent messaging in all communications materials. Responsible for managing institutional design needs including adhering to and maintaining the organization style and brand guide in all materials, website content management, budget planning and tracking and publications. Assists the Director of Marketing and Communications with the creation and implementation of communication and marketing strategies. In all functions, the Associate Director is expected to contribute a high degree of creativity and initiative while upholding the Ford’s Theatre brand and standards across all channels.

Principal Responsibilities

Marketing

• Assist with the creation and implementation of advertising, direct marketing, e-marketing and promotional campaigns related to the theatre, museum and education center
• Manage paid media campaigns including expenses/revenue, timelines, strategy, and content
• Thought leadership as it relates to branding, positioning and best marketing practices
• Develop internal calendars and work hand in hand with Director on season plans
• Work closely with Design Director and Marketing Manager to create collateral, mailings, advertisements, event programs and other marketing material to maximize reach and engagement; manages the production and scheduling to ensure timely distribution and the organization’s ability to test the effectiveness of each marketing activity

• Provide guidance to and review work of Marketing Manager and Digital Content Manager in maintaining front-end web content, creating e-mail campaigns, and ensuring a coherent presence across all interactive media channels and to support growing revenue across these channels
• Additional tasks as needed to support the marketing department including occasional events nights and weekends at the theater.

Website

• Serve as editor of the Ford’s Theatre blog.
• Create, edit, and manage content and editorial calendar under the direction of Director of Communications and Marketing
• Work closely with the Digital Content Manager to make sure all web content is accurate and updated accordingly

Communications

• Proofread all materials for external audiences (print publications, emails and website copy) and oversee corresponding editorial calendars
• Develop and maintain style guide for the institution
• Write and compile content for the website related to performances, special events, daytime programming and institutional background
• Write other institutional communication pieces as needed
• Serve as publications manager for play programs, managing content, deadlines and circulation
• Manage photography and videography needs for mainstage and public programming, education and special events
• Develop and maintain press list
• Write press releases, media alerts, fact sheets and all other press materials
• Pitch and manage press attendance at special events, tours and performances
• Create media plans and pitch story ideas promoting Ford’s Theatre to local, national and international media
• Collate and analyze media coverage
• Establish, develop and maintain effective relationships with key media
• Organize and arrange media interviews, preparing talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed
• Organize and maintain organization’s archive of press clippings, institutional b-roll and photographs
• Conceptualize, organize and supervise photo and video sessions for public relations, marketing and archival purposes

Other Duties

• Track department budget, submit invoices for payment and log expenses
• Serve as staff liaison to TheatreWashington
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

The Associate Director of Marketing and Communications will have at least 5 years of communications/marketing experience, covering areas such as press relations, institutional communications, marketing, and branding. The position requires the ability to take information and synthesize relevant content to engage new and existing audiences across a range of topics and interests. The Associate Director must be able to build relationships and communicate an organization’s mission with clarity and enthusiasm. The position requires someone highly collaborative, who can work well across all departments in a productive and team-spirited way.

Education

• BA in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing or other related field

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of D.C. press and experience with arts-related organization preferred
• Experience managing multiple positions
• Well-versed in Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines under pressure
• Self-starter able to work independently
• Knowledge of Tessitura, Wordfly and/or similar operating systems a plus
• Strategic and creative thinker
• 5-7 years of experience in press, public relations, communications, marketing or journalism.

Salary

Approximately $70,000-$75,000 annually

Ford’s offers a dynamic working environment steeped in culture and history along with a robust benefits package including highly subsidized health insurance, 401(k) contributions, and generous paid leave policies.

To Apply

Email resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Priority will be given to applicants who have submitted their materials by July 18, 2025.

Ford’s Theatre Society is dedicated to fostering an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. We believe that different perspectives strengthen our work and enrich our community. Ford’s Theatre is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer