Job Description Job Title Department Responsible to Key working relationships Marketing Officer Communications and Audience Services Marketing Manager Marketing Officer Marketing Manager Head of Learning and Participation Deputy Audience Services Managers Audience Services Manager External web agency The Mercury Theatre The Mercury Theatre Colchester enjoys an excellent reputation for the quality of the work it produces and presents in its two auditoria and through its many community and education partnerships. We aim to cement the theatre's position as one of the main centres of artistic excellence in the East of England by building an audience for a critically acclaimed programme of drama, dance, music theatre and family theatre at the Mercury and on tour. Born out of the Colchester Repertory Company in 1937, and relocating to its current home in 1972, the Mercury now boasts a Main Theatre (500 seats), a Studio Theatre (80 seats), full onsite workshop and wardrobe facilities, award-winning customer service, and a turnover in excess of 3.5m annually, making it both a significant local employer and a major driver of Colchester s creative economy. Vision Our vision is of the Mercury as a theatre where all the people of Colchester and the surrounding area can encounter new ideas and untold stories; can meet to experience top class entertainment; and can unleash the extraordinary power of live theatre to make them think, feel, express, share and be part of something.
Our vision is of the Mercury as a theatre that contributes regionally to the development of new talent and new audiences, and carves out a truly national reputation for the quality of the work that it makes and presents. Strategic Aims Build a reputation for the quality and innovation of our programme Exploit the touring and commercial potential of the work we produce Grow and diversify the audience for our programme Develop a flexible, talented staff team, responsive to changing business needs Diversify income streams and build financial resilience Ensure that the Mercury infrastructure is fit for purpose Develop a robust approach to self-evaluation and risk-management Purpose of the Post The Marketing Officer is one of three staff who support our work through promotion of the theatre and its activities to both existing and new audiences. Main Duties 1. Create marketing plans and deliver marketing activity across the whole marketing mix for programmes and performances nominated by the Marketing Manager 2. Achieve departmental performance targets in support of the theatre s Business Plan. 3. Work with other departments to promote the theatre s activities on and off stage. Responsibilities 1. Act as nominated marketing lead, across the whole marketing mix, for selected shows including in-house productions and presented touring work, and selected activities and programmes. 2. Create and distribute marketing collateral in print and digital formats. 3. Contribute to the writing, editing and proofing of seasonal brochures, liaising with the Artistic Director on in-house productions and with team colleagues on collating material from visiting companies and promoters. 4. Develop and maintain strong relationships with local, regional and national media. Coordinate and write press releases for press and media, following up and arranging interviews as appropriate to secure maximum coverage. 5. Maintain the Mercury s poster sites and on-site display advertising, including digital screens. 6. Attend press nights and other PR events including launch events.
7. Contribute to the Mercury Theatre website ensuring it is up to date with a regular flow of information including news items, blogs, Twitter posts, video and interactive engagement with audiences. 8. Maintain a strong presence for the Mercury Theatre on social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 9. Analyse the ticketing system database to generate sales reports and monitor the effectiveness of individual campaigns (training will be provided). 10. Liaise with visiting companies, promoters and producers on marketing activities as required, ensuring Mercury Theatre brand consistency across all publicity materials. 11. Act as out of hours duty contact for press and social media as scheduled by the Marketing Manager 12. Work box office shifts as required. 13. Promote and ensure compliance with the company s Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety policies in every aspect of the work of the Department. 14. Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Marketing Manager This job description is a guide to the nature of the work required of this position. It is neither wholly comprehensive nor restrictive and does not preclude change or development that might be required in the future. It does not form part of the contract of employment.
Person Specification Post: Marketing Officer Personal Qualities Creative flair, constantly looking for new ways to translate ideas into action Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to listen, build rapport and communicate with people at all levels An enquiring mind, committed to formal and informal continuing professional development Self-disciplined, organised and self-motivating Ability to work in a team, contributing ideas, supporting other team members and taking on a lead role on projects as required Adaptable and receptive to new ideas and initiatives Ability to work under pressure and manage competing deadlines Professional Competencies Essential Experience in marketing for an arts, entertainment, leisure or other service organisation Familiarity with Office computer programmes including Word and Excel Analytical skills and experience of using database and Customer Relationship Management to generate reports and drive campaign targeting Familiarity with graphic design packages, such as Photoshop, and video editing and production for use on websites Experience in contributing to web sites, creating content and securing public engagement Knowledge of social media and developments and experience in the use of social networking sites Excellent copywriting skills An accurate and thorough approach to work with attention to detail and excellent proof reading skills A commitment to continual learning, developing skills in marketing and audience development initiatives
Interest in theatre Ability to manage a project working with others to ensure the timely delivery within budget with effective monitoring Desirable Clean driving license Outline of Terms and Conditions Salary: Hours: Annual Leave: Probationary Period: Notice Period: DBS Check: Pension: Other Benefits 17,513 per annum 40 per week, although additional hours may be necessary in order to fulfil the post s requirements for which Time Off in Lieu is available Annual leave entitlement is 20 days for each holiday year plus statutory Bank Holidays. If you complete one year s service, your holiday entitlement will increase by one day and each year thereafter to a maximum of 25 days per annum. Three months One month by either party in writing after an initial probationary period during which time the notice period is one week by either party Should your post have regular contact with children and/or vulnerable adults a DBS check will be required Colchester Mercury Theatre Ltd operates a Stakeholder Pension scheme. Full details of the scheme are available from the Finance Department Discount on drinks and meals in the Mercury s bar and restaurant The company offers an interest free season ticket loan The company encourages attendance at performances with an allocation of tickets to employees (subject to availability and the Mercury s ticket policy) October 2016