Communications Manager

Dance Place is hiring! We are seeking a dynamic, motivated, and talented individual to join our team as the Communications Manager for our nationally recognized, cultural arts center in Washington, DC. This full-time, exempt position will bring support to our passion for building a sustainable community of artists, audiences, and students through high-quality performances, commissions, training, and educational programs. This is an onsite work opportunity with an annual salary range of $50,000 - $60,000.

Heralded as the "hub of dance activity in Washington, DC", Dance Place is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages qualified applicants from underrepresented communities to apply. We believe that people of color, people in the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and women must be centered in the work we do. Hence, we strongly encourage people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities to apply to our openings. Come enjoy an exciting and inclusive team environment of movement artists who share a common goal of strengthening the dance field by investing deeply in artists and centering those who have been systemically excluded from such opportunities. For more information on our amazing organization, please visit our site at https://www.danceplace.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies for all of Dance Place's programs, including theater, school, and community outreach, on a year-round basis. This role requires a keen understanding of the current media landscape and the ability to leverage various channels for effective audience engagement. Key components of the strategy include managing press and media relations, creating printed and electronic marketing materials, coordinating advertising efforts, utilizing social media, organizing external appearances, and building partnerships at both local and national levels-all while maintaining a consistent organizational brand. Additionally, the Communications Manager will uphold Dance Place's mission to build a vibrant community of artists, audiences, and students through high-quality performances, commissions, training, educational programs, and a commitment to advancing the field of dance locally, nationally, and internationally.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

At a minimum, the Communications Manager role will be responsible for successfully carrying out the following essential functions and duties:

• Design, implement, and execute tactical plans and content for web, digital and print advertising, social media, email communications, and event materials across all Dance Place programs.
• Manage multiple priorities while collaborating with staff, external vendors, consultants, community partners, advertisers, and patrons.
• Incorporate brand messaging into multi-platform campaigns to enhance brand visibility.
• Apply evolving marketing principles and communication strategies consistently, aiming for continuous progress and growth.
• Lead and execute all aspects of Dance Place's marketing efforts, including direct mail, e-newsletters, website content management, audio/visual production, advertising, and social media initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to ensure up-to-date and accurate content across Dance Place's website, social media channels, newsletters, and other marketing platforms.
• Provide writing, proofreading, editing, and content support for all communications, including e-newsletters, web copy, printed and digital playbills, donor materials, and social media.
• Maintain brand consistency across all organizational materials and communications.
• Develop and manage the marketing budget in coordination with the Development & Communications Director and other staff. Monitor expenditures, forecast potential financial needs or savings, process invoices, and maintain internal accounting records.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop ticket pricing and marketing strategies for performances, classes, and events.
• Participate actively in departmental and cross-departmental discussions and project teams, offering creative ideas and approaches for new and ongoing projects and programs.
• Monitor and enhance departmental initiatives to align with principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
• Serve as a departmental liaison in interdepartmental meetings and project-based task forces, as assigned.
• Create or update design templates, websites, and other communication assets for programmatic marketing using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar software.
• Lead efforts to establish and manage Dance Place's archives* developing archival-based campaigns and marketing initiatives.
• Contribute to reaching Dance Place's annual earned and contributed revenue goals through innovative ideas and collaboration.

*These lists are not all-inclusive, as other duties may be assigned as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Communications Manager carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Dance Place's policies and all applicable laws. This role has oversight and is responsible for managing the overall direction, coordination, assignment of tasks, and performance appraisal for the following position(s): Digital Media Associate; Communications Assistant; volunteers; and interns. Additional supervisory responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, training, rewarding, and disciplining direct reports as well as addressing complaints and resolving problems within the Development and Communications Department.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: EXPERIENCE AND OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education:

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related field.

Experience:

Minimum of three years of experience communications or marketing, with a solid understanding of current trends in digital media and social media.

Required Licensure/Certifications:

Not applicable

Computer/Technology Skills:

Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail) or similar web applications for day-to-day office administration tasks.

Other Necessary Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Keen attention to detail with a focus on producing high-quality work products.
• Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Office products.
• Strong collaboration skills to work seamlessly across all departmental groups and the public at large.

Physical Demands:

This position requires the ability to sit and stand for prolonged times; walk moderate distances; frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs.; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, or crouch; frequently communicate verbally with others; view a computer screen for prolonged periods; and repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers due to typing.

DESIRED SKILLS, QUALITIES, AND ABILITIES (not required)

• An appreciation for the art of dance and Dance Place's mission.
• Positively contribute to Dance Place's workplace culture and values.
• Prior experience in an arts nonprofit setting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Our staff is diverse, small, lively, and highly collaborative. We have frequent interactions with visiting teachers, artists, and students of all ages. While some of Dance Place staff currently work a hybrid schedule, splitting time between our main office in Washington, DC, and remote work, the Communications Manager is an onsite position. Due to the in-person aspects of the position, all employees are required to adhere to Dance Place's current COVID-19 policy.