Publicity Director

OVERVIEW: The Publicity Director is responsible for the year-round effort to communicate, publicize and promote the activities and purposes of the Savoyards to the public, and presenting a consistent and coordinated image to the public in all communications and media.

SCOPE: The Publicity Director will address all public activities of the Durham Savoyards, including, but not limited to, major productions, auditions, and sing-through sessions. These efforts may extend to additional activities such as informal performances and communications with the general membership.

APPOINTMENT: The Publicity Director is appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Governors, and serves as a non-voting member of the Board of Governors. The term of office is for an entire production year, and typically runs from one annual meeting until the next. The Publicity Director may serve an unlimited number of terms.

STAFF: The Publicity Director will have the authority to identify and appoint assistants to help fulfill the duties of the office.

DUTIES:

• Develop a coordinated publicity strategy and implementation plan for the production year. Work with the Business Manager to prepare a line-item budget. Present the strategy, plan and budget to the Board of Governors for their approval.
• Direct implementation of the publicity plan. This may include, but is not limited to: 1) Development and distribution of all publicity materials, including display advertising, posters, television and radio announcements, press releases, web pages, and other promotional materials; 2) Promotional activities and marketing efforts, including those aimed at special groups (retirement communities, schools, etc.).
• Work closely with the Business Manager on all financial matters
• Identify and appoint assistants as needed, and provide appropriate supervision to assure that all tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Work closely with other members of the Durham Savoyards organization to assure timely and efficient exchange of materials and information relevant to publicity efforts. These members include, but are not limited to: producer(s), director(s), and those persons responsible for web pages, social events, ticket sales, fund raising, informal performances, program publication, and database management.
• Establish and maintain liaison with members of the local community who can facilitate publicity efforts. These persons include, but are not limited to: theatre staff responsible for public contact (marketing, box office, etc.); the press (arts and features writers, marketing coordinators); reviewers (theatre and music critics); and publicity directors from other community arts organizations.
• Assist the Board of Governors with its business. May attend all meetings of the Board.’
• Submit a formal year-end report to the Board in accordance with the bylaws of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS: The Publicity Director must be well-organized, attentive to detail, possess excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and be facile with the web (Internet) navigation and the appropriate use of electronic mail. Previous experience with at least one publicity effort is highly desirable. Experience with community-based theatre, music, arts or other non-profit organizations is desirable but not required. Experience with editing, proofreading, publication design and layout, graphic design, and standard office support computer software (word processing and spreadsheets) will be a plus.