CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

STAFF OPENINGS

Marketing & Communications Director

Position Overview

The Syracuse Orchestra seeks a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Marketing & Communications Director to support its marketing and communications efforts with the overarching goal of driving sales, audience growth, and community engagement. The Marketing & Communications Director will be the primary external-facing point of contact for marketing & communications. This position requires both high-level vision and hands-on implementation, with an emphasis on data-driven strategy. The ideal candidate needs strong analytical, problem solving, and communication skills in order to interpret data, develop insight, and present findings to management. Knowledge of marketing principles, statistical analysis, and digital attribution are preferred. The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in communications and marketing, familiarity with upper management in nonprofit or arts organizations, and proven ability to work on cross-departmental initiatives. The Marketing & Communications Director will supervise the Patron Service Manager.

Compensation

The position is full-time exempt, with a salary range between $55,000 and $63,500. Compensation includes full employer-paid health benefits for the employee, optional employee-paid dental and vision benefits, paid time off, and some flexibility on work location. The selected candidate will begin as soon as possible.

Work Schedule

The position requires regular weekday hours, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional evenings and weekends to support concerts, special events, and donor engagement activities. Attendance will be required at monthly development committee meetings and occasionally at monthly meetings of the Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing & Communications Strategy

• Oversee implementation of organizational Marketing Plan and devise plans and strategies for implementation on an ongoing basis.
• Oversee and approve all digital and print marketing collateral, ensuring compliance with branding and marketing goals.
• Ensure that The Syracuse Orchestra website is current and compliant with branding and marketing goals.
• Plan, create, and provide final approval for implementation of content for patron retention campaigns, audience segmentation, and overall organizational messaging.
• Create and maintain a shared calendar for communications that aligns with institutional marketing, community engagement, and development campaigns.
• Oversee the creation of all print, email, and digital communications content, ensuring timely scheduling and deployment.
• Oversee and provide content and copy for paid digital campaigns executed by Capacity Interactive.
• Oversee and develop the organization’s social media strategy, creating and maintaining a calendar that highlights concerts, education programs, community partnerships, and fundraising initiatives.
• Review and approve all social content to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• In partnership with the Director of Community Engagement and the Special Events Manager, develop and disseminate communications to recruit for community engagement activities, including the annual side-by-side performance.
• Supervise marketing interns and the part-time social media coordinator, ensuring timely, accurate, and brand-consistent output.
• Serve as the primary contact for marketing collateral requested by external presenters.

Content & Public Relations

• Write and distribute press releases and implement media appearances in collaboration with our public relations agency.
• Gather and maintain updated information, images, and program details for promotional use.
• Ensure all digital and public-facing content is current, accurate, and engaging.
• Monitor Google alerts and other media mentions related to the Orchestra, its leadership, and its programs for strategic sharing and amplification.

Data, Analytics, and Reporting

• Request and review reports prepared by Patron Services Manager on the success of digital, social, and email campaigns according to organizational priorities and deadlines.
• Regularly interpret reports on the success of digital, social, and email campaigns to improve both performance and earned revenue.
• Analyze patron behavior, sales patterns, and engagement metrics to refine audience segmentation and improve retention and conversion.
• Use analytics to continually improve open rates, click-throughs, and ticket sales outcomes.
• Present actionable insights to organizational leadership, helping to refine and optimize marketing and communications strategies.

Sales & Revenue Development

• Collaborate with leadership to design and implement group sales initiatives that expand audience reach and increase earned revenue.
• Align communications strategies with revenue goals, balancing artistic, educational, and community impact.
• Support the Patron Services Manager when needed to achieve sales and campaign goals.

Other Duties

• Actively contribute to organizational planning as a member of the senior leadership team.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned to support The Syracuse Orchestra’s missions and goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, or related fields, with a proven track record of driving growth and leading successful teams. Experience in the performing arts or nonprofit sector is desirable.
• Proven success in leading multi-channel communications campaigns with measurable results.
• Strong writing and editing skills with a keen eye for detail and brand alignment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and translate findings into actionable strategies.
• Experience managing staff, interns, or consultants.
• Proficiency with email marketing platforms, CRM databases (Salesforce), and social media management tools.
• Strong knowledge of Google Analytics and social media management (including Meta Business Suite) is essential. Additional experience with SEO, SEM, PPC advertising, and basic HTML/CSS coding is also required. Knowledge of group sales and/or ticketing systems preferred.
• Creative, collaborative, and highly organized, with the ability to balance vision with execution.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Pam Murchison, Executive Director, at pmurchison@syracuseorchestra.org. Please use the subject “Marketing & Communications Director” in the email.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Syracuse Orchestra is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds.

Job Title: Stagehand for The Syracuse Orchestra

Reports to: Stage Manager

Job Description:

Responsible for assisting with the physical operation of the orchestra that includes staging, set-up and strike, and storage and maintenance of equipment. Responsible for assisting with the preparation and appearance of the stage for rehearsals and performances; assisting in the production of orchestra services as determined by the Orchestra Manager and/or Stage Manager by performing the following duties.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist with the set-up of the orchestra: chairs, music stands, percussion, large instruments, and other equipment as assigned. This may include assisting with set changes for concerts. It also includes providing the best possible working conditions for musicians on and off stage and assisting our staff in anticipating logistical problems.
• Assist with implementation of stage logistics in all venues, to ensure the rehearsal/performance space meets all criteria outlined in the CBA contract
• Load and unload the truck at the rehearsal/concert venue in a safe, efficient manner.
• Assist the stage manager with addressing musician working condition concerns as they pertain to the CBA, such as temperature, lighting or safety. Help implement proactive strategies to minimize musician concerns.
• Assist with maintaining inventory of all our equipment, making periodic checks on conditions and performing minor repairs or arranging necessary repairs if needed as assigned.
• Other duties as required by the Orchestra Manager, Stage manager, and other Syracuse Orchestra staff as needed.
• Conduct oneself with professional decorum at all times, to include language and physical appearance.

Qualifications and skills:

• Minimum 1 year of orchestra or theater stage experience preferred
• Working knowledge of orchestral instruments, percussion instruments, and orchestral seating conventions helpful
• Ability to lift, carry and move up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work efficiently as a team member in a deadline-oriented environment
• Ability to work evenings and weekends

Working Conditions

Hours – The Syracuse Orchestra presents a series of concerts throughout the season, with each set consisting of performances at a variety of venues. The schedule is flexible, and stagehands can pick the shifts that fit their schedule. Rehearsals are usually held at any time during the day and are typically 6-8 hours. Out of town concerts times lengthen the call times and vary depending on the location of the event. This position is part time on an AS NEEDED BASIS with advance notice.

Physical Demands – The stagehand will have to lift supplies, instruments and equipment. This person may also need to stand for long periods of time while preparing and running concert events.

Pay Rate is $18.00/hr with a minimum 2 hr call

How to Apply:

Please email a letter of interest, three references, and a resume to:

Andrew Teller
Orchestra Manager
ATeller@SyracuseOrchestra.org

Or send a hard copy to:

The Syracuse Orchestra
Attn: Andrew Teller
709 James Street
Syracuse, NY 13203