Position: Marketing and Communications Manager               
Location: Cork
Terms: Permanent Full Time 
Package: Based on experience & qualifications
Reporting to: CEO

For over 165 years, Cork Opera House has been part of the cultural fabric of Cork city. As one of Ireland’s leading and unique performing arts venues, it presents 270-300 shows per year and attracts over 200,000 patrons with a busy programme of both visiting performances and in-house productions. Cork Opera House is looking for a suitable candidate to join its Senior Management Team as Marketing and Communications Manager. 

Purpose of the Role
Reporting to the CEO, the Marketing and Communications Manager will assume responsibility for the marketing and communications function to deliver the key objectives of this role. This role primarily is a sales role, with responsibility to sell an average of 200,000 tickets per year through traditional marketing activities teamed with communications - as well as the promotion of Cork Opera House as one of Ireland’s leading performing arts institutions.

The Marketing and Communications Manager will lead the marketing team and will be responsible for developing and implementing all advertising, production of marketing collateral, online advertising, social media, advertising for sponsors, events management, managing all PR activities and achieving agreed shows gross margin budgets.

Duties/Responsibilities: Marketing

• Promote Cork Opera House as Munster’s flagship performing arts venue;
• Determine and deliver sales targets on a show by show basis, in consultation; with the CEO, Programme Manager and Finance Department; 
• Manage the reporting of sales to the CEO and Finance Department;
• Manage and control the Marketing Department’s budget to include the delivery of all marketing activity within agreed budgets;
• Lead the Marketing team in developing and implementing marketing campaigns aimed at maximising sales in support of the venue’s programme of shows;
• Maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders in the effective delivery of marketing and promotional activities, such as the Box Office, Production, Technical, House and Business Development Departments, as well as artists, directors, promoters and production companies, media, suppliers, sponsors and business partners;
• Ensure the effective use and management of the various communications channels used in the marketing mix such as the company’s website, online and social media platforms, direct marketing, advertising, public relations activity and printed materials;
• Lead the creative brief to ensure effective application of the company’s brand across all marketing activity and materials; including for example, radio and print advertising, outdoor branding, online and social media advertising, show programmes & season brochures, video and photographic materials and written messaging;
• Manage events such as season launches or marketing related promotions;
• Extend the organisation’s marketing reach to support the growth of new audiences as the programme dictates, attracting not only new types of patrons to the Opera House but also patrons from further afield in the region; 
• Expand and improve the communication channel mix, with a strong focus on digital marketing; 
• Continue to build and maintain relationships with key media and social media influencers; 
• In conjunction with the Facilities and Operations departments, improve the overall patron experience from purchase through to show attendance.

Duties/ Responsibilities: Communications

• With the support of the CEO, create a PR strategy that builds and maintains the company’s image and reputation, while prioritising ticket sales at the same time;
• Maximise press coverage and that every opportunity to develop our brand/sell tickets is explored on an ongoing basis;
• Maintain relationships with key journalists, bloggers, influencers and community leaders and develop Cork Opera House’s position in the cultural media landscape; 
• Advise the CEO and Board Chair and manage matters of public relations to include handling all press enquiries to the office of the CEO; 
• Seek opportunities to prioritise institutional marketing opportunities in close consultation with the CEO;
• Project manage season launches, event launches and in-house production launches, with the support of the wider Marketing team;
• Seek opportunities to promote the wider Cork Opera House programme in collaboration with promoters;

Duties/ Responsibilities: In-House Productions 

• Be the Marketing and Communications & PR lead for in-house productions; 
• Write and distribute press releases relating to all in-house produced activity in consultation with the CEO and creative team;
• Design and implement Marketing and PR campaigns for each in house production, including tasks such as but not limited to:
• Print and online editorial preview coverage; 
• Attendance of reviewers, bloggers, photographers & invited guests at opening performances plus event management on the night;
• Organising and managing photography and photoshoots for print media support in close consultation with Marketing Manager and managing the approval and distribution process;
• Be responsible for the set-up of interviews, including briefing interviewees and facilitating meetings.

Person Specification/Behavioural Competencies Required

• Possess excellent communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to present creative Marketing and Communication plans in a clear and professional format;
• Effectively communicate internally across departments and externally with key stakeholders;
• Ability to lead and motivate within the Marketing and Communications department and influence across other departments in the Cork Opera House;
• A high level of interpersonal skills with the ability to think laterally and strategically and be highly innovative; 
• Analytical and data driven and be technologically savvy and digitally up to speed;
• Be capable of delivering on goals and objectives, staying calm under pressure and meeting deadlines as set out in yearly Marketing and Communication plans.

Knowledge, Experience & Skills Desirable

• An approved degree level qualification in Marketing/MII Membership and / or Communications/Public Relations;
• 3-5 years working in the arts, entertainment or charitable sectors would be of benefit.

To apply:
Please send a covering letter and CV to recruitment [at] corkoperahouse.ie by Monday, 19 September 2022.