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BSM seeks Audience Development Manager (Full Time)

JOB SUMMARY

As the BSO celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2016, this exciting new position reinforces the orchestra’s commitment to building future audiences for the BSO’s second century as a top priority. Our initiatives have been boosted by a recent multi-year grant from the Wallace Foundation for audience-building, and the board has created a task force, ‘Reimagining the BSO Experience’ to help identify ways to heighten engagement with new and existing patrons.

The Audience Development Manager’s primary goal will be to attract, retain and engage new audiences for BSO product lines at both the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and the BSO’s second home, the Music Center at Strathmore in N. Bethesda. Specifically, the main focus will be on cultivating more diverse and younger patrons in the 25-39 age range for both the new Pulse Series and BSO core Classical and Pops programs. The Audience Development Manager will execute tactics to generate high levels of audience satisfaction, expand audience engagement and enrichment activities, and grow revenue in key areas. Additional areas of focus will include defining and implementing patron relationship programs to achieve high levels of retention, and the analysis of efforts to identify priorities and future strategies. The Audience Development Manager will work closely with the Pulse Project Coordinator and other artistic and operations staff to curate authentic and stimulating concert experiences both for patrons age 25-39 and other target segments as requested. This position will be measured by timely execution and campaign results that successfully grow ticket sales.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Pulse and Next Gen Audiences

  • Work closely with the Pulse Project Coordinator to create and deliver a compelling and customized BSO concert experience tailored to (largely new) audiences ages 25-39.

  • Through creative, digital and social tactics and engagement, continue to grow audience base for the BSO’s Passport (40 and Under) and Student Select (college) programs that feature BSO core product.

  • Create and cultivate partnerships with local organizations and affinity groups that cater to target demographics.

  • Enhance signature series/programs to appeal to diverse audiences.

  • Utilize emerging technologies, social media platforms and data trends to establish a unique and friendly relationship with target groups.

  • Devise, disseminate and collect Next Gen audience member feedback. Oversee analysis and communicate feedback to key staff members.

  • Work closely with BSO musicians to make personal connections with key audience segments including pre- and post-concert events, fun and interactive musical soirees at local restaurants and bars, pop-up concerts, etc.

  • Collaborate with in-house writers and digital content developers to provide a content-rich marketing and social media strategy designed to cultivate the 25-39 age group.

  • Work with in-house designers and marketing staff to create and maintain a fresh, unique brand identity for the Pulse series. Will also develop an appropriate and customized marketing plan to grow loyalty and drive return audiences.

    All Key Audience Segments

  • In coordination with the Director of Marketing & Sales, set annual patron retention goals for the institution and monitor progress against goals.

  • Manage special promotional activities and programs that drive patron retention goals.

  • Develop communication plans to further engage key demographics.

  • Track metrics and evaluate audience development efforts against key performance indicators and report analytics in this area.

  • Spearhead grassroots efforts at both the Meyerhoff and Strathmore to further attract niche groups.

  • Create special events designed to grow new audiences both on and offsite.

  • Develop Strathmore- specific partnerships and relationships to enable extension of marketing efforts.

  • Consistently monitor and track the portion of the Marketing budget expenses related to audience development.

  • Collaborate with the BSO Ticket Office on related customer service initiatives.

  • Attend concerts; represent the Marketing Department at concerts and events with an eye to increased patron engagement and retention.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, or a related field.

  • Two (2) to four (4) years of general marketing experience, arts marketing experience preferred.

  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of advertising and marketing disciplines including marketing systems, ticketing and subscription based sales.

  • Demonstrated superior organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.

  • Demonstrate creativity, an innovative spirit, initiative, strong problem resolution, and be able to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

  • Proficient in Microsoft programs, including but not limited to Excel, Outlook and Word. Ability to learn other software programs as needed. Familiarity with Tessitura ticketing software or other types of customer databases is a plus.

  • Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present effectively internally and externally and an ability to proofread for grammar, spelling and punctuation with a high degree of accuracy.

  • Schedule flexibility and willingness to work some nights and weekends for concert duty as needed.

  • Direct experience with a symphony orchestra and/or performing arts presenter highly preferred. A passion for and working knowledge of classical music preferred.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND ON THE BSO

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is internationally recognized as having achieved a preeminent place among the world's most important orchestras. Acclaimed for its uncompromising pursuit of artistic excellence, the Baltimore Symphony has attracted a devoted national and international following while maintaining deep bonds throughout the Maryland community through innovative education and community outreach initiatives.

Organized in 1916, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is the only major American orchestra originally established as a branch of the municipal government. Reorganized as a private institution in 1942, it maintains close relationships with the governments and communities of the city and surrounding counties, as well as with the State of Maryland.

The BSO made musical history in September 2007, when Maestra Marin Alsop led her inaugural concerts as the Orchestra’s 12th music director, making her the first woman to head a major American orchestra. With her highly praised artistic vision, her dynamic musicianship and her commitment to accessibility in classical music, Maestra Alsop’s directorship has ushered in a new era for the BSO and its audiences.

More information about the BSO can be found at our website: www.BSOmusic.org.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • Competitive salary negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

  • A benefits package that includes

    • Health insurance, at low cost to the employee

    • Dental, Life, and Long-Term Disability Insurance, paid entirely by the BSO

    • Generous paid time off, including annual, personal, and sick leave

    • Two 403(b) plan options

    • Flexible Spending Accounts

    • Employee Assistance Program

Categories:
Marketing
Employer Name:
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Job Title:
Audience Development Manager
Employer Website:
http://www.BSOmusic.org
Employer Contact Information:
[email protected]
Job Submission Requirements:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to [email protected] (no later than June 24, 2015). No phone calls, please. Relocation assistance is not provided. EOE/M/F/V/D The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences of relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

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