Ars Lyrica Houston performs a wide range of Baroque and early Classical era music on instruments that recreate the original sounds of this vibrant repertoire. Its programming, which features neglected gems alongside familiar masterworks, creates a contemporary context for the dramatic potential, emotional resonance, and expressive power of early music. Ars Lyrica is committed to serving a diverse community, including underserved segments of the local population, through educational and community outreach activities.
Founded in 1998 by harpsichordist and conductor Matthew Dirst and incorporated in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) organization, Ars Lyrica relies on a core group of Houston’s finest period-instrument musicians, which it augments regularly with internationally renowned guest artists. Ars Lyrica has created a distinctive identity among ensembles that specialize in Baroque music through its innovative programming: Artistic Director Dirst draws on a rich repertory of chamber and dramatic music, often highlighting exceptional works that merit revival. Its local subscription series at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is popular with audiences and critics alike, and its recordings have garnered international critical acclaim and recognition, including a Grammy nomination for Best Opera 2011.
We are currently seeking to hire a Marketing and Events Manager our 2024-2025 season and beyond. In this role, you will be responsible for managing all marketing, public relations, and events activities with the goal of creating greater awareness of ALH, increasing ticket sales, and attracting and diversifying the audience base. In addition, you will work closely with and report to the Executive Director. This is a one-year contract with the possibility of transitioning into a full-time exempt employee with benefits after one year. The proposed compensation range is $45,000 to $55,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
MARKETING & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
- Develop and implement an annual marketing and communications plan that will include recommendations for effective PR and advertising, direct mail and e-mail campaigns, promotion of ALH concerts, recordings, sponsorships, development of ALH website, strategies for individual ticket sales and subscriptions, donor cultivation programs, and identifying and attracting new audiences
- Strategize with ALH Team on promotional materials, initiatives, PR tactics and partnerships
- Oversee marketing budget set by the Executive Director
- Work with photographers, videographers, and graphic designers (with ALH Team) to create promotional materials
- Support fundraising by creating and proofreading printed materials such as sponsorship and donor packets
- Track individual ticket sales and subscriptions with the goal of increasing sales
- Manage marketing volunteers and interns
PUBLIC RELATIONS
- Secure coverage of ALH, its artists, recordings, programming, outreach, and other initiatives in local, regional, national, and international print, online and broadcast media
- Manage all public relations activities including media pitches, reviews, previews, interviews, features, and calendar listings
- Nurture current media relations and creating new relationships with the media
- Secure new media sponsorships
- Produce press releases, press kits
- Coordinate production of season programs and ads
- Design and implement a robust media plan for social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube)
EVENTS & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
- Assist with all ALH’s events, including concerts, galas, house concerts, and fundraisers
- Manage and expand audiences by building relationships, networking, and organizing events (mixers, backstage tours, collaborations with other groups)
- Identify natural partners for ALH in the community and establishing mutually beneficial relationships
- Help secure sponsorships involving financial and in-kind donations with local businesses for ALH’s fundraisers and events
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of two years of experience in arts administration, PR, marketing, customer service, special events or related fields
- Demonstrated success in planning, executing, and evaluating diverse marketing strategies
- Familiarity with Houston media market and key contacts
- Strong problem solving and organizational skills, willingness to take initiative and to contribute in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to successfully prioritize, organize, and follow through with tasks
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure with multiple deadlines
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Familiar with graphic design, website, email marketing, and CRM platforms (including but not limited to Canva, Salesforce, Squarespace, MyEmma)
- Availability during ALH events on selected weekends and evenings
- Experience in working with non-profit arts organizations is a plus
- Interest, knowledge, and enthusiasm for classical music is a plus
Special Note to Applicants: When applying for this role, please provide your cover letter, resume and three references. Please also address the job responsibilities and qualifications in your cover letter. Each prospective candidate of interest will be invited to interview with the Executive Director and the search committee. In the meantime, questions or comments should be directed to Kinga Ferguson.