Job Description
The Director of Marketing is a senior leader of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra Association, responsible for driving earned revenue, expanding and diversifying audiences, and strengthening the QCSO's brand presence across the region and beyond. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position leads all marketing, communications, ticket sales strategy, and audience engagement initiatives in alignment with the QCSO's mission to inspire, entertain, and engage the Quad City community through superb symphonic music, music education, and cultural leadership, and its vision to be where access meets inspiration. This role ensures a cohesive, patron-centered experience across all touchpoints—from initial awareness through long-term loyalty—while supporting the artistic excellence and community impact of the organization. This is a full-time exempt, in-person, on-site position based in Davenport, Iowa, requiring regular presence at the office, concerts, and community events. Organizational Leadership & Team Structure The Director of Marketing is a member of the senior leadership team and collaborates closely with the Director of Development, Director of Education & Community Engagement, Director of Finance, and Music Director & Conductor to advance organizational goals.
Current Direct Reports:
Box Office Manager Patron Services Associate Additional Oversight:
Office Manager for social media platform management Marketing vendors, agencies, and contractors (design, advertising, PR, digital, print, video, etc.) Box office support staff and venue ushers Marketing interns and project-based staff as applicable Key Responsibilities:
1. Marketing Strategy & Revenue Generation Develop and implement comprehensive, multi-channel marketing strategies to achieve annual ticket revenue and attendance goals across all concert series. Lead all subscription, single-ticket, and group sales campaigns, including pricing strategy, packaging, and promotions. Establish and manage the marketing budget; monitor ROI, sales pacing, and campaign performance. Analyze ticketing and audience data to optimize pricing, maximize revenue, and support accessibility goals. Develop corporate, community, and group sales initiatives to expand access. 2. Audience Development Design and implement strategies to grow, diversify, and retain audiences across all programs and venues. Utilize PatronManager (Salesforce-based CRM) and Feathr (digital marketing platform) to segment audiences, track engagement, and guide targeted marketing efforts. Collaborate with Education and Development teams to align audience engagement strategies with institutional goals. Advance initiatives that reduce barriers to attendance and position the orchestra as an inclusive community asset. 3. Brand, Communications & Public Relations Serve as the steward of the QCSO brand, ensuring consistency, clarity, and impact across all communications. Lead media relations efforts, including press strategy, storytelling, and cultivation of regional and national media relationships. Oversee all public-facing communications including advertising, program books, press releases, email campaigns, and digital content. Support Executive and Artistic leadership with messaging and spokesperson preparation as needed. Ensure communications reflect the QCSO's artistic excellence, community relevance, and strategic priorities. 4. Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Lead strategy and execution across all digital channels including website, email, social media, and digital advertising. Oversee content development and campaign planning to ensure cohesive storytelling across platforms. Analyze performance metrics (PatronManager, Feathr, Google Analytics, email and social platforms) to optimize campaigns and improve conversion. Identify and implement innovative tools and platforms to enhance audience reach and engagement. 5. Ticketing & Patron Experience Oversee all ticketing strategy and operations in partnership with the Box Office Manager. Ensure PatronManager CRM is effectively utilized for ticketing, reporting, segmentation, and patron communications. Monitor sales trends, campaign performance, and patron feedback to improve results and experience. Champion an exceptional patron experience across all customer touchpoints. 6. Leadership & Team Management Lead, mentor, and support marketing and box office staff in achieving individual and organizational goals. Foster strong collaboration across departments to ensure alignment of messaging, programming, and revenue strategies. Manage relationships with external vendors to ensure high-quality, cost-effective work product. 7. Strategic Planning & Governance Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to long-range planning and organizational strategy. Provide regular reporting and analysis to the Executive Director, Marketing Committee Chair, Program Advisory Committee Chair, and Board of Trustees on marketing performance and revenue outcomes. Support season planning through audience insights, sales trends, and market data. Staff and support the Board's Marketing and Program Advisory Committees. 8. Community Presence Serve as a visible and engaged leader representing the QCSO in the Quad Cities region. Attend concerts, events, and community functions to strengthen relationships and enhance visibility. Promote the orchestra's role as a vital cultural and educational resource. Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree is required, degree in marketing, arts administration, communications, or related field is strongly preferred. 5-7+ years of progressive marketing experience, preferably in the performing arts or nonprofit sector. Demonstrated success driving ticket revenue, audience growth, and customer engagement. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required. Experience working with CRM systems preferred (QCSO uses Patron Manager - Salesforce). Expertise in digital marketing, audience segmentation, and analytics tools (QCSO uses Feathr). Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders. Graphic Design experience preferred, with knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Canva. Demonstrated discretion, professionalism, and ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and maintain a strong attention to detail. Ability to pass required background checks. Key Competencies:
Creative and compelling storyteller Strategic and analytical thinker Data-driven decision maker Collaborative and people-centered leader Deep commitment to the performing arts and community engagement Work Environment:
Full-time, exempt position In-person, on-site role based in Davenport, Iowa Evening and weekend work required for concerts and events Active presence at performances, community events, and board meetings Compensation:
Compensation for this permanent, full-time exempt position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include generous paid time off; health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement savings option; complimentary ticket benefits, and more. Start Date:
Immediate Start - July or August 2026. Application Procedure:
Please send a letter of intent and resume via email to: Brian Baxter, Executive Director bbaxter@qcso.org No phone calls please. Selection Process:
Applications will be paper-screened and those demonstrating superior qualifications will be invited to an in-person interview. Equal Opportunity Statement The QCSOA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. The QCSO strives to maintain a workplace that fosters mutual employee respect and promotes harmonious, productive working relationships. QCSO believes that discrimination and harassment in any form constitute misconduct that undermines the integrity of the employment relationship. Therefore, all employment decisions at the QCSOA are based on merit, individual qualifications, and job requirements, without regard to age, color, creed, physical or mental disability (including HIV-positive status), gender identity (including transgender or transsexual status), national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. The QCSOA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
