Head of Marketing and Communications

OCTAGON THEATRE; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regional theatre seeks a Head of Marketing and Communications to define and implement ambitious strategies that enhance its brand and reach diverse audiences. The role involves collaboration with a new team and key stakeholders, utilizing data and insights to guide decisions and ensure successful marketing outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience in arts and cultural marketing, capable of developing strategies.
• Proven ability to analyze data and inform decisions with insights.
• Strong organizational skills for managing multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Create marketing strategies that align with the business plan.
• Lead and develop the marketing team to meet objectives.
• Build partnerships with stakeholders to enhance reputation and impact.

Skills

Arts marketing experience

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Data analysis

Leadership

Job description

Head of Marketing and Communications

Using audience insights and a ‘big picture’ approach, you will deliver sector-leading, ambitious marketing strategies. Your work will make a major contribution to growing income, increasing loyalty, impacting our communities, and enhancing our brand and reputation.

The Octagon is a thriving and award-winning regional producing theatre that creates work for local and national audiences and engages diverse communities in creative, life-enhancing opportunities. We are known for being a friendly, welcoming theatre with a track record of nurturing careers on and off-stage. You will ensure the audience remains at the heart of all decision-making and that our brand identity is consistently prominent.

It's a pivotal time to take up this role. We’ve recently reviewed our marketing team structure and skills, and you’ll be leading a new team. Working closely with your team, colleagues, and external partners, you’ll ensure the Octagon delivers creative and data-driven strategies across all marketing and communications. As a key member of our leadership, you’ll collaborate with other senior colleagues to define and achieve shared objectives for our future success.

Our ideal candidate will have experience in arts and cultural marketing, with a background in developing strategies for both existing and new audiences. You’ll combine creative thinking with data, insights, and evaluation to inform sound decisions. In a small, busy organization, you’ll know when to step in and when to delegate and coach others. Collaboration is essential: you’ll be a trusted partner and enabler for colleagues to achieve shared objectives. You’ll be self-motivated, well-organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

As the major independent cultural organization in a large and diverse borough, we have a responsibility to lead and champion culture for everyone. We especially welcome applications from individuals whose backgrounds are currently underrepresented in cultural leadership roles.

Key responsibilities are:

1. Work with the Senior Management Team to create a robust business plan and develop marketing strategies aligned with that plan, including ambitions, financial resilience, and impact as an arts charity.
2. Lead the marketing department to ensure successful plan delivery, resource management, and team development.
3. Ensure marketing budgets are well managed and that we meet our marketing goals and objectives.
4. Build meaningful partnerships with internal teams, stakeholders, press, sector leaders, and community partners to enhance our reputation.
5. Develop research, evaluation, and segmentation frameworks that utilize data and insights for strategic decision-making, impact reporting, and audience consideration at every stage.
6. Provide creative and insight-informed leadership to ensure our brand is audience-focused and our identity is consistently reflected in all communications and decisions.