The Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies for all of Dance Place’s programs, including theater, school, and community outreach, on a year-round basis. This role requires a keen understanding of the current media landscape and the ability to leverage various channels for effective audience engagement. Key components of the strategy include managing press and media relations, creating printed and electronic marketing materials, coordinating advertising efforts, utilizing social media, organizing external appearances, and building partnerships at both local and national levels—all while
maintaining a consistent organizational brand. Additionally, the Communications Manager will uphold Dance Place’s mission to build a vibrant community of artists, audiences, and students through high-quality performances, commissions, training, educational programs, and a commitment to advancing the field of dance locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Communications Manager carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Dance Place’s policies and all applicable laws. This role has oversight and is responsible for managing the overall direction, coordination, assignment of tasks, and performance appraisal for the following position(s): Digital Media Associate; Communications Assistant; volunteers; and interns. Additional supervisory responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, training, rewarding, and disciplining direct reports as well as addressing complaints and resolving problems within the Development and Communications Department.

At a minimum, the Communications Manager role will be responsible for successfully carrying out the following essential functions and duties:

• Design, implement, and execute tactical plans and content for web, digital and print advertising, social media, email communications, and event materials across all Dance Place programs.
• Manage multiple priorities while collaborating with staff, external vendors, consultants, community
partners, advertisers, and patrons.
• Incorporate brand messaging into multi-platform campaigns to enhance brand visibility.
• Apply evolving marketing principles and communication strategies consistently, aiming for continuous progress and growth.
• Lead and execute all aspects of Dance Place's marketing efforts, including direct mail, e-newsletters, website content management, audio/visual production, advertising, and social media initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to ensure up-to-date and accurate content across Dance
Place’s website, social media channels, newsletters, and other marketing platforms.
• Provide writing, proofreading, editing, and content support for all communications, including e-newsletters, web copy, printed and digital playbills, donor materials, and social media.
• Maintain brand consistency across all organizational materials and communications.
• Develop and manage the marketing budget in coordination with the Development & Communications Director and other staff. Monitor expenditures, forecast potential financial needs or savings, process invoices, and maintain internal accounting records.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop ticket pricing and marketing strategies for performances, classes, and events.
• Participate actively in departmental and cross-departmental discussions and project teams, offering
creative ideas and approaches for new and ongoing projects and programs.
• Monitor and enhance departmental initiatives to align with principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
• Serve as a departmental liaison in interdepartmental meetings and project-based task forces, as assigned.
• Create or update design templates, websites, and other communication assets for programmatic marketing using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar software.
• Lead efforts to establish and manage Dance Place’s archives* developing archival-based campaigns and marketing initiatives.
• Contribute to reaching Dance Place’s annual earned and contributed revenue goals through innovative ideas and collaboration.

*These lists are not all-inclusive, as other duties may be assigned as needed.

About Dance Place

Rooted in the United States capital, Washington D.C., Dance Place supports movement artists by creating opportunities for creative development, performance, and education. By investing deeply in artists and centering those who have been systemically excluded from such opportunities, we strengthen the dance field. Dance Place accomplishes its mission by: Supporting the creation and development of new dance work by artists and companies from the Washington, DC area and around the United States. Presenting dance performances by artists and companies from the Washington, DC area, from around the United States, and from around the world of a variety of dance genres in our theater, online, and in locations throughout the D.C. metro area; Providing opportunities for youth and adult dancers to engage in a wide range of dance classes in our dance school; Serving our city and the arts community therein, through inclusive ticketing options, scholarships to our educational programs, broad access to programs both on our campus and throughout the city, and civic participation in advocacy, local government, and neighborhood growth.

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