Marketing Manager

The Garde Arts Center, southeastern Connecticut’s home for the performing arts, seeks a dynamic Marketing Manager to implement marketing and communications initiatives that grow audiences, support ticket sales, and strengthen community engagement. This is a hands‑on role focused on design, campaign execution, content development, and coordination across departments and vendors.

The Marketing Manager works collaboratively with leadership and staff to create and carry out strategies and marketing plans for performances, cinema, education programs, rentals, and institutional initiatives.

The Marketing Manager’s focus is sales, to drive patronage and revenue sources. Storytelling and adaptability are essential. This full‑time role requires ensuring efficiency, timeliness, budget adherence, and high‑quality standards across all productions and events, including rentals, community collaborations, and promotions.

The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment, values teamwork, and brings advertising expertise alongside a passion for community engagement, economic development in New London and southeastern Connecticut, cinema, and the performing and visual arts.

Reporting to the Managing Director, this role acts as a liaison within the institution, serving as a key administrative staff member. The successful candidate will be a strong influencer and negotiator, self‑motivated, and committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace culture that encourages creativity, collaboration, continuous learning, and diversity.

Primary Responsibilities

Designer – Proficiency in design for all marketing channels

Campaign Strategy and Implementation for All Marketing Channels

Manage budget and reporting

Execute marketing campaigns for performances, programs, and institutional initiatives

Coordinate campaign timelines, deliverables, and production schedules

Implement email marketing, direct mail, and advertising placements

Assist with promotional copywriting and campaign materials

Maintain website content and digital marketing platforms; short‑form video production and SEO knowledge a must

Create and distribute email communications and promotional content, including email automation

Manage social media organic content (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)

Coordinate paid digital engagement with contractors or vendors

Draft press releases and support media outreach logistics

Maintain marketing contact lists and campaign records

Audience Engagement

Execute audience development and promotional outreach initiatives, including Special Events on and off premises

Assist with audience research, surveys, and reporting

Support community partnerships and outreach activities

Partnerships & Sponsorship Support

Coordinate sponsor recognition and promotional fulfillment

Support Development staff with marketing components of sponsorships and fundraising initiatives

Assist with cross‑promotional partnerships and community marketing opportunities

Box Office & Patron Communications

Collaborate with Box Office staff on promotional offers and ticketing communications

Assist with patron‑facing messaging and in‑venue promotional materials

Production & Vendor Coordination

Coordinate production and distribution of print collateral and advertising

Maintain marketing calendars and production schedules

Liaise with designers, printers, and media vendors

Administrative & Data Support

Maintain campaign documentation and marketing records

Support CRM communications and audience segmentation

Track campaign performance metrics as directed

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, arts administration, or related field

3–5 years of professional marketing or communications experience in sales

Experience executing multi‑channel marketing campaigns

Strong writing, editing, and organizational skills

Experience coordinating vendors and managing multiple deadlines

Proficiency with email marketing platforms, CRM systems, and website content updates

Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends

Preferred

Experience in performing arts, nonprofit, or cultural organizations

Familiarity with Patron Manager, Salesforce, or similar CRM tools

Experience with WordPress and Google Ad Platform

Experience with My Emma or comparable email marketing platforms

Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite or similar design tools

Working knowledge of META Business

Interest in community engagement and arts programming

Professional Attributes

Collaborative, detail‑oriented, and adaptable

Strong project management and communication skills

Self‑motivated and comfortable working in a small‑team environment

Enthusiasm for the performing arts and diverse audiences

Availability to work nights and weekends as required

Personal Qualities

Independent thinker with a sense of humor and creative problem‑solving skills

Ability to engage effectively with diverse individuals and topics

Detail‑oriented with a passion for the arts

Collaborative team player who can manage multiple complex projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, and public relations skills

Flexible and adaptable work style, with the temperament to work directly with artists

Strong leadership skills capable of galvanizing a team

Compensation and Benefits
The Garde Arts Center offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Additional details will be provided during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Statement
The Garde Arts Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.

Contact
For questions about the position, please contact Jennifer Zembruski, Managing Director, at jenz@gardearts.org.

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