Director/Marketing & External Affairs

Position Title
Director/Marketing & External Affairs

Organization
Marshall University Artists Series (MAS)

Position Summary
The Director of Marketing & External Affairs reports to the Executive Director and is the primary marketing, communications, design, and external‑relations professional for MAS. The director leads all marketing, branding, graphic design, digital strategy, media relations, corporate donor stewardship, crisis communications, and audience development efforts, and manages Ticketmaster reporting and sales analytics. The role is responsible for generating $25,000 annually in advertising sales and for producing all promotional materials and campaigns. The director also mentors university students in arts marketing, design, and event promotion.

Key Responsibilities

Direct and execute comprehensive marketing, PR, and communications strategies that support ticket sales, earned revenue, sponsorship visibility, and audience development.

Align MAS marketing strategy with Marshall University brand standards while preserving MAS’s distinct professional identity.

Serve as MAS’s primary public information officer and spokesperson.

Lead digital marketing campaigns, including social media, email marketing, paid advertising, and analytics‑driven optimization.

Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, and promotional content.

Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.

Use data, market trends and audience insights to guide season planning, campaign timing, pricing communication and promotional investments.

Generate $25,000 annually in advertising sales.

Use Ticketmaster analytics to support pricing, timing and revenue strategy.

Manage sponsor benefit fulfillment, recognition and branding deliverables.

Produce donor‑facing materials that support advancement and fundraising initiatives.

Provide data‑informed recommendations to leadership on audience behavior and revenue trends.

Ensure all marketing materials comply with artist contracts, agency requirements, licensing restrictions and brand guidelines.

Serve as the internal point of contact for contract‑approved marketing copy, billing, credits and usage rights.

Coordinate with agents, managers and publicists to secure required approvals.

Maintain accurate records of marketing‑related contract obligations and deadlines.

Lead crisis communication planning and execution for event disruptions, cancellations or public‑facing issues.

Advise leadership on messaging strategy, public relations risks, and stakeholder communications.

Coordinate rapid‑response messaging across phone, web, ticketing, media and social platforms.

Serve as MAS’s in‑house graphic designer, producing posters, digital ads, social media graphics, playbills, print collateral and event branding.

Direct creative strategy and oversee content production across all platforms.

Manage photography, videography, and creative content needs.

Collaborate with the Box Office Manager/Finance Director on Ticketmaster event building and ticketing operations.

Pull and analyze Ticketmaster sales reports to inform marketing strategy and campaign timing.

Track buyer behavior, presales, promotions and revenue trends to support audience development.

Coordinate with the Finance Director on pricing, holds and ticket allocations.

Use Ticketmaster data to support advertising sales, corporate benefit fulfillment and post‑event reporting.

Maintain and update the MAS website and ensure accurate event information across digital platforms.

Recruit, train and supervise students and interns interested in arts marketing, design, communications and event promotion.

Serve as liaison to campus partners, community organizations and sponsors.

Represent MAS at university and community events.

Support fundraising and advancement initiatives through marketing, communications and donor‑facing materials.

Serve as Director and Producer of the MAS International Film Festival.

Lead special campaigns, anniversary branding and institutional storytelling projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated expertise in graphic design using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).

Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills.

Experience managing budgets, advertising schedules and vendor contracts.

Ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines and adapt to shifting priorities.

Excellent interpersonal, organizational and leadership skills.

Collaboration with the Box Office Manager/Finance Director.

Experience with Ticketmaster, ticketing, and CRM systems.

Knowledge of contemporary performing artists across dance, music, theatre and opera.

Familiarity with nonprofit administration, fundraising and institutional positioning.

Experience producing or managing film festivals or special events.

Physical Efforts

Standing – frequent 34–66 % of the time

Walking – frequent 34–66 % of the time

Sitting – frequent 34–66 % of the time

Bending – frequent 34–66 % of the time

Squatting – frequent 34–66 % of the time

Pulling – light 11–20 lbs

Pulling Frequency – occasional 3–33 % of the time

Pushing – medium 21–50 lbs

Pushing Frequency – occasional 3–33 % of the time

Lift/Carry – medium 21–50 lbs

Lift/Carry Frequency – frequent 34–66 % of the time

Salary Range
$52,015 - $67,736, commensurate with education, experience and internal equity.

Work Location
MU - Marshall University (Huntington, WV)

Qualifications
Must be able to perform all essential job duties as outlined in the job description.

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, graphic design, public relations or related field.

Required Experience: 3 to 5 years of professional experience in performing arts marketing, media relations or entertainment promotion.

Preferred Education: Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred Experience: Experience with Ticketmaster, ticketing, and CRM systems.

Required Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Supplemental Questions

Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, graphic design, public relations or related field?

Yes

No

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