Marketing Manager

Marketing Manager

Full-Time | Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center | Old Saybrook, CT

About the Opportunity

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (the Kate) seeks a creative, motivated, and digitally savvy Marketing Manager to drive ticket sales, expand audiences, and strengthen the identity of one of Connecticut's leading cultural destinations.

With hundreds of performances and events annually, a dedicated Katharine Hepburn Museum, and a major expansion underway, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Kate's continued growth. The Marketing Manager will play an important role in introducing new performance and community spaces and shaping how they are promoted and presented to audiences in the years ahead.

The ideal candidate combines creative storytelling, strategic thinking, and strong organizational skills with genuine enthusiasm for the performing arts and a collaborative approach to their work.

The Position

The Marketing Manager leads the Kate's marketing strategy, digital communications, and creative direction, balancing ticket sales and audience development with consistent, compelling branding. This individual will help define and communicate the Kate's distinctive voice across all marketing channels.

The position also requires sound financial judgment, the ability to evaluate marketing effectiveness, and a willingness to adapt strategies based on measurable results.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Marketing Manager works closely with the Director of Development & Community Relations, Box Office Manager, and broader Kate team.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing Strategy, Budgets & Audience Development

· Develop and execute targeted marketing campaigns for performances, special events, education programs, fundraising initiatives, and the Katharine Hepburn Museum.

· Develop and manage marketing budgets, allocating resources strategically across campaigns, platforms, and events to maximize effectiveness.

· Monitor ticket sales and audience trends, adjusting marketing efforts to respond to performance and sales needs.

· Collaborate with artists, agents, and managers on show-specific marketing strategies and promotional opportunities.

· Identify opportunities to reach new audiences and strengthen engagement with existing patrons.

Digital Marketing & Content

· Lead the Kate's digital marketing efforts, including email campaigns, social media, website content, and paid advertising, while managing the relationship with our digital marketing and website partner on advertising strategy, performance tracking, and website development.

· Develop engaging copy and original content that reflects the Kate's personality and connects with diverse audiences.

· Incorporate photography, short-form video, and behind-the-scenes storytelling into promotional campaigns.

· Evaluate digital and traditional marketing channels to determine the most effective approaches for different audiences and events.

Marketing Analytics & Reporting

· Establish and monitor key performance indicators, including campaign engagement, ticket sales, audience growth, and advertising effectiveness.

· Analyze campaign results and prepare regular, actionable reports to assess performance and return on marketing investment.

· Use data and audience insights to refine strategies, improve future campaigns, and guide marketing budget decisions.

Brand Identity & Creative Direction

· Develop and maintain a recognizable, engaging, and consistent brand voice across the Kate's communications.

· Adapt artist-provided materials into compelling promotions tailored to Kate audiences.

· Create and update everyday marketing graphics and materials, while directing and managing outside graphic designers and creative vendors on larger projects, from concept through completion.

· Oversee marketing, promotional displays, and branded communications throughout the Kate's lobbies and public spaces, ensuring a consistent and engaging visitor experience.

· Help shape the opening and public introduction of the Kate's expanded spaces, building awareness and excitement around their future programming.

· Serve as a creative partner to the Museum Coordinator on future Katharine Hepburn Gift Shop merchandise, displays, and branding opportunities.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

· Work closely across departments to coordinate campaigns, share ideas, and support organizational priorities.

· Collaborate periodically with the Board's Marketing/Kate Experience Committee, contributing ideas, updates, and insights to support marketing and audience engagement goals.

· Promote signature events, including the annual gala, Oscar Party, and community programs.

· Lead publicity efforts, including press releases, media outreach, and opportunities to generate coverage for the Kate's performances, programs, and initiatives.

· Build positive relationships with artists, media, and community partners.

· Attend performances and events to remain connected to the Kate's programming, audiences, and culture.

· Contribute to the broader success of the organization by supporting colleagues and assisting with initiatives beyond traditional marketing responsibilities when needed.

Qualifications

We value creativity, initiative, enthusiasm, and a desire to grow alongside professional experience. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, organized multitasker, and collaborative problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

· 3+ years of experience in marketing, communications, or digital media; arts or entertainment experience preferred.

· Excellent writing, storytelling, and creative communication skills.

· Demonstrated experience managing professional social media platforms, including business tools, audience targeting, and campaign management, along with hands-on experience executing paid advertising campaigns and using Google Analytics to assess performance.

· Ability to manage website content and email marketing campaigns.

· Experience developing and managing marketing budgets and evaluating campaign performance.

· Ability to interpret data, prepare meaningful reports, and translate results into actionable marketing strategies.

· Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple campaigns, shifting priorities, and deadlines.

· Proficiency with Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, or similar design tools, with the ability to independently produce and edit routine marketing graphics.

· Excellent interpersonal skills, a team-oriented mindset, and a genuine commitment to the Kate's mission.

Experience with CRM systems, ticketing platforms, photography, or video production is a plus. A bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience is preferred.

We welcome candidates who demonstrate initiative, bring fresh perspectives, and are eager to contribute to the Kate's continued success.

Working at the Kate

The Kate is a highly collaborative organization where teamwork is central to our success. Our relatively small staff works closely across departments, frequently sharing responsibilities and supporting one another to deliver hundreds of performances, programs, and events each year.

We seek someone who enjoys being part of a team, contributes ideas, communicates openly, and is willing to step beyond their immediate responsibilities when needed. A genuine interest in the Kate's programming and mission is essential.

This position requires an active presence at the Kate, including occasional evenings and weekends. We also value work/life balance. Scheduling flexibility works both ways, with

flexibility during traditional workday hours to accommodate performance and event commitments.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position offering a competitive salary commensurate with experience beginning at $70,000.

Benefits include health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, plus a SIMPLE IRA employer match beginning in the employee's third calendar year.

How to Apply

Please email a résumé and cover letter (no more than 1.5 pages) outlining your interest in the position and relevant experience to:

Amy Cripe
amy.cripe@thekate.org

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from a variety of professional backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification.

--- The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (the Kate) is a not-for-profit performing arts organization located in the historic theatre/town hall at 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook. Originally opened in 1911, and reopened as the Kate in 2009, the building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Kate encompasses a state-of-the-art 285-seat theatre and presents work in several genres including music, theater, opera, dance, comedy, film, and a variety of children’s programing. The official Katharine Hepburn Museum is on the first floor and is the only museum of its kind dedicated to the legacy of the iconic actress and one of Old Saybrook’s most celebrated residents. The museum presents an authentic view of the cultural and historical impact of Miss Hepburn and her family through photos, home movies, costumes, awards, movie memorabilia and other items.