Marketing and Communications Manager

Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is a professional part-time orchestra that enriches and engages a wide audience through artistically vibrant musical experiences. The CSO presents classic and contemporary symphonic works and a diverse suite of chamber, ensemble and community programs. The professional orchestral organisation of the nation’s capital, the CSO champions Australian composers and provides vital pathways for emerging artists.

About the role

The Marketing and Communications Manager oversees the development and implementation of all CSO marketing and communications activity, including event marketing and sales; brand development and elevation; publicity and media relations; and publications.

The Marketing and Communications Manager also supports communications across CSO functions, including community engagement, philanthropy, corporate partnerships and the CSO executive.

Key performance indicators include revenue targets across all income streams, meaningful audience engagement and retention, and elevation of the CSO brand and profile.

Direct working relationships

Internal Box Office, Artistic and Development, Operations.

External stakeholders including marketing strategist, graphic design agency, digital marketing agency, web design agency, print partner, media, photography / videography contractors and counterparts in other arts organisations

Direct reports Publications Manager (10 hours / week)

Working with the CSO

The CSO is an agile, high-achieving and collaborative team of arts and not-for-profit professionals, dedicated to creating memorable musical experiences in and beyond the concert hall.

This role is suited to an experienced marketing professional with a passion for performing arts, excellent creative vision and exceptional interpersonal skills. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a history of developing strong relationships with external stakeholders including strategists, agencies and designers to create a strong, cohesive and effective marketing team.

Main responsibility areas

• Develop and lead the implementation of marketing strategies for the CSO, including:
  • Development of tactical marketing plans in collaboration with other staff
  • Creation of end-to-end multi-channel campaigns to deliver increased attendance with a focus on strengthening brand awareness over time
  • Collaboration with external agencies to develop and deliver strong and cohesive creative briefs
  • Enhancement of brand awareness, audience engagement, and customer loyalty using a data- and analytics-based approach
  • Monitoring, optimising and reporting on all campaigns to understand and learn from marketing activity
  • Identification of new customer segments and the development and implementation of engagement strategies.

• Ensure the strategic coherence of CSO publications, working closely with the Publications Manager
• Oversee CSO public relations by:
  • Nurturing key media relationships
  • Preparing media releases and organising interviews
  • Preparation and oversight of corporate messaging, speeches and grant applications

• Proactively support CSO business areas to deliver against targets, including:
  • Philanthropy communications and campaigns
  • Implementation of corporate partnerships benefits
  • Promotion of CSO community and youth training activity

Essential skills / experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a marketing or communications role.
• Exceptional written, oral and interpersonal communication skills paired with fine attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Demonstrated understanding of delivering effective campaigns integrating digital and traditional marketing channels.
• Commercial acumen with strong analytical skills to identify opportunities, deliver measurable outcomes and meet sales targets, including
  • A proven track record of budgeting, creating and implementing successful marketing campaigns.
  • Understanding of ticketing and pricing strategy.

• Ability to think strategically and deliver tactically.
• Strong relationship building and stakeholder management experience – internal and external.
• Ability to problem solve and work independently and as part of the integrated CSO team
• Strong project management skills with the ability to think creatively, on your feet, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Initiative to ‘roll up your sleeves’ and figure things out if necessary, including developing robust processes for the organisation’s marketing.
  • Interest in CRM and/ or willingness to learn CRM system.
  • A passion for working in the arts and an interest in classical music.
  • Tertiary qualification ideally incorporating marketing, communications, business, creative arts or arts management.

The CSO is an equal opportunity employer, where diversity is embraced and valued. All qualified applicants will be considered.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our employees and building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and perspectives.

We strongly believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Therefore, we welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people of colour, LGBTQI+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities or foreign-born residents.

This position will require attendance at CSO events that take place outside of normal business hours.