Assistant Director of Marketing, Communications, and Engagement

About the Role

The Penn State School of Theatre seeks a creative, strategic, and collaborative Assistant Director of Marketing, Communications, and Engagement to lead marketing, communications, audience engagement, and public relations efforts for one of the nation's premier university theatre programs. This position plays a vital role in advancing the School of Theatre's mission by expanding audiences, elevating the profile of Penn State Centre Stage, and strengthening relationships with community partners, alumni, and donors.

The Assistant Director develops and executes marketing and communications strategies that promote productions, support audience growth, and advance the School's reputation and impact across the University and broader community. The position oversees brand management, digital media, publications, social media, public relations, special events, and community partnerships.

Due to the production schedule of the School of Theatre, the Assistant Director will be required to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead Marketing Strategy and Audience Development: Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies aligned with the School of Theatre's strategic plan and University priorities. Create annual marketing plans for Penn State Centre Stage productions, recruitment initiatives, and special events. Analyze market trends, audience data, and campaign performance to inform strategic decision-making and improve marketing effectiveness. Develop innovative initiatives that strengthen audience growth, increase participation, and expand community engagement.
• Manage Communications and Brand Strategy: Curate and maintain a consistent visual identity and messaging strategy for the School of Theatre and Penn State Centre Stage. Lead the creation, writing, editing, and production of marketing and communications materials, including production campaigns, playbills, brochures, newsletters, advertising, press releases, promotional materials, and multimedia content. Publish and edit The Callboard, the School of Theatre's alumni newsletter. Coordinate internal and external communications that advance the visibility and reputation of the School.
• Oversee Digital Media and Content Creation: Oversee and manage the Penn State Centre Stage website as a key recruitment, marketing, and audience-engagement resource. Create and oversee compelling content across multiple platforms, including social media, email marketing, digital advertising, photography, videography, short-form video, and web content. Develop visual storytelling that highlights productions, students, faculty, and staff. Monitor analytics and performance metrics to evaluate and strengthen digital marketing strategies.
• Build Community Engagement and Partnerships: Identify, develop, and cultivate strategic partnerships across the University and throughout the broader community. Serve as the primary liaison to the Penn State Centre Stage Community Council. Foster relationships with community organizations, alumni, donors, and arts and cultural institutions. Represent Penn State Centre Stage at University and community events. Assist in the research, writing, editing, and coordination of grant proposals and funding opportunities.
• Lead Event Marketing and Public Relations Efforts: Coordinate marketing and communications for School of Theatre and Penn State Centre Stage productions, recruitment activities, alumni programs, donor engagement initiatives, and community events. Coordinate media relations, photography, and promotional efforts with internal and external partners. Maintain production photography archives and help ensure theatre technology is operational and event-ready. Develop public relations strategies that increase regional and national visibility for the School and Centre Stage. Partner with College of Arts and Architecture and University Marketing & Communications colleagues on strategic communications initiatives.
• Manage Budgets, Projects, and Operations: Develop and manage marketing budgets for advertising, promotional materials, publications, and special events. Monitor expenditures and reconcile departmental marketing budgets. Oversee production schedules and ensure timely completion of marketing projects. Manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in marketing, communications, or public relations.
• Effective written, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing integrated marketing campaigns across print, digital, and social media.
• Experience with social media management, content creation, photography, and videography.
• Effective project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience with website content management systems and digital marketing platforms.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite or comparable design software.
• Outstanding analytical skills and experience evaluating marketing effectiveness through data and reporting.
• Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, performing arts, nonprofit arts organizations, or cultural institutions.
• Experience with audience development and performing arts marketing.
• Experience writing grants or supporting fundraising initiatives.
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms and marketing analytics.
• Experience planning public events and donor engagement activities.
• A degree in marketing, communications, public relations, arts administration, journalism, or a related field is preferred.

About the School of Theatre and Penn State Centre Stage

Penn State Centre Stage is the professional training arm of the Penn State School of Theatre, where students collaborate with award-winning faculty and accomplished guest artists to produce a dynamic season of classical works, contemporary plays, musicals, and new works. Through a rigorous, hands-on production environment, Centre Stage bridges classroom learning and professional practice, preparing the next generation of theatre artists, designers, technicians, stage managers, and creative leaders while engaging audiences with exceptional live performance.

Additional Information

This position will report to the Director of the School of Theatre, which is part of the College of Arts and Architecture. The College of Arts and Architecture is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.