Career Opportunities

Director of Marketing and Communications

This senior full time staff position reports directly to the Executive Director.

Ideal candidate for this essential position will be a nonprofit or arts-related professional to lead all marketing activities for this startup performing arts center in South Orange, NJ opened since November 2006. The selected individual will be a personable, positive, and social individual, with integrity and a strong sense of humor, who is able to work well with trustees, corporate partners, volunteers and staff, and who will develop, supervise, evaluate and ensure strategies and plans for the facilitation of all marketing and communications efforts, working in concert with the Executive Director, the Marketing and Communications Committee, and consultants. This is a strong opportunity for someone who wants to be involved in the development of an organization from the ground up.

The Director’s primary responsibilities are as follows:

Develop, oversee and implement a comprehensive institutional and event marketing plan (incorporating media buys, direct mail campaigns, internet-based sales, package and group sales) and develop and oversee outsourced design appropriate collateral materials.
Identify prospects, solicit sponsorships and successfully close deals, including in-kind for SOPAC performances and facility underwriting and securing naming opportunities,
Sell program book advertising;
Create an ongoing membership program and execute the campaign to attract ticket buyers and non-ticket buyers alike;
Create, coordinate and execute special events designed to cultivate interest in SOPAC, with current funders and attract new prospects;
Solicit and secure media sponsorships;
Maintain strong media and promotional contacts;
Track and operate within a departmental budget;

Bachelor’s degree in related field required, advanced degree highly recommended.

Must have demonstrated and quantifiable success in both marketing and strategic planning.

Qualified applicant will have great attention to detail, capable of multi-tasking. Seeking someone with initiative, creativity, self-confidence and energy, who enjoys a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and can work effectively as a team player and an independent, self-starter.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, knowledge of arts and computer literacy required.

Salary/benefits commensurate with experience. To apply, please send resume and cover letter with salary history to info@sopacnow.org or fax to 973-275-0688. Please, no phone calls. More information about the venue can be found at www.sopacnow.org

Internship Opportunities:

Development (year-round) – Seeking Junior / Senior students interested in learning about all aspects of development and fundraising for the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC). Must have strong people-skills, be able to multi-task and work independently on some tasks, and have a strong attention to detail. Hands on experience will include developing solicitation kits, prospect & foundation research, development writing, database management and records management. The ideal candidate will be computer literate, have excellent communication skills and phone demeanor, exceptional Internet researching abilities and a great work ethic. Must be a team player with a good attitude. A writing sample is required when applying for this position.

Responsibilities:

Assist with coordinating mailings and solicitation materials
Conduct research assignments
Work evenings and weekends as needed
Work cooperatively with committees, volunteers, general public, and other professional and support staff as directed
Administrative duties

Events (year-round)- Seeking Junior / Senior students interested in learning how to plan fabulous events for the South Orange Performing Arts Center ( SOPAC). Goal-oriented and highly driven individuals a must! Hands on experience will include on-site management, communications with vendors & clients and invaluable insight into the non-profit event planning industry. The ideal candidate will be computer literate, have excellent communication skills and phone demeanor, exceptional Internet researching abilities and a great work ethic. Must be a team player with a good attitude.

Marketing (year-round) – The marketing intern works with the Director of Marketing and Marketing Manager to execute brand strategy planning, outreach and production. Projects may include materials development and production, media outreach, community outreach, event marketing, research, advertising calls, editing, drafting and more. A writing sample is required when applying for this position.

Stage Management/Production Management Intern - The SM/PM intern will serve as assistant stage manager for Main Stage shows. Through production meetings, technical rehearsals, and preview performances, the intern will assist in all aspects of production stage management. The intern will assist in: creating and updating calendars; managing production contact information; providing daily schedule information; creating and distributing departmental lists and schedules; communicating between production departments, coordinating with the production stage manager on cleaning and maintaining the performance space. The intern will also have a heavy workload throughout the season working directly with professional actors, directors, designers, and bands to help guarantee that every production stays organized and safe. In addition to their work in rehearsals and performance, the intern will also assist the Director of Production in managing the production process, organizing artists, staff, and resources to achieve the artistic goals and technical/production standards of SOPAC.

Qualifications:

A strong theatre background with an emphasis on production, preferably with some professional theatre experience.
High level organizational, computer and production skills needed.
Drive to succeed, eagerness to learn and working hard is a must.
The ideal candidate has long-term career goals of working in stage and/or production management at the professional level.

Electrics Intern - The electrics intern will have the opportunity to learn the duties and responsibilities of being a Master Electrician in a professional theatre setting. He/She will assist the Technical Director in all areas of the Main Stage and Loft lighting and will train under the TD. All interns will get hands on experience as running crew for Main Stage productions. Hanging, circuiting, focusing, and striking all lighting instruments, color, patterns, cable, and effects for each Main Stage and Loft shows. Responsibilities include: facilitating equipment maintenance, organization; scheduling and coordinating with designer, staff, and volunteers; assisting with facility upgrades; and updating all production lighting plots. The Electrics Intern will have a heavy workload throughout the season, and will be required to attend all technical rehearsals, preview performances, and production meetings.

Qualifications:

A strong theatre lighting background, preferably with prior training or experience as a Master Electrician.
The ideal candidate will be interested in pursuing a career as a Lighting Technician, Designer, or Master Electrician.
Must be fearless, dedicated, organized, and eager to learn.