We are currently seeking applications for the Marketing & Programming Director position at Folk Alliance International. Read below to learn more about the position.
About Folk Alliance International
Folk Alliance International (FAI) was founded in 1989 to connect folk music leaders aiming to sustain the community and genre. FAI is an arts nonprofit and NEA-designated National Arts Service Organization based in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. FAI is a member of the Alliance of Performing Arts Conferences (APAC) and the Performing Arts Alliance (PAA). FAI convenes artists, music business industry professionals, and folk music communities on a global level with a mission to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation, and promotion.
As the leading international voice for folk music, FAI is a member organization and worldwide community for artists, agents, managers, labels, publicists, arts administrators, venues, festivals, and concert series presenters. Folk music is broadly defined as including a variety of genres in the musical arts and industry.
FAI presents an annual event consisting of a conference, awards show, and artist showcases as well as year-round programming.
About the Position
The Marketing & Programming Director will be responsible to project manage, develop, and execute a marketing plan as well as curate and implement programming initiatives, including panels, webinars, and events to support and further the strategic plan, goals, and mission of the organization. This position requires a creative and strategic thinker who can blend technical programming skills with marketing expertise and play a vital role in elevating the organization.
The Marketing & Programming Director will work closely with the leadership team and staff to ensure that the organization’s communications, programming, and marketing advance FAI’s strategic plan and mission.
Responsibilities
Marketing
- Develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies to promote our organization, events, and programming initiatives.
- Create engaging and persuasive marketing campaigns across various channels, including social media, email newsletters, website content, and press releases.
- Conduct market research to identify target audiences, understand their needs, and tailor marketing efforts to effectively reach and engage them.
- Collaborate with design and content teams to create visually appealing and compelling marketing materials, including graphics, videos, and written content to ensure high impact communications.
- Measure and analyze marketing campaign performance, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize reach, engagement, and conversion.
- Understand and track marketing trends to adapt FAI to best practices in membership marketing, fundraising, social media, and other emergent marketing practices and make recommendations to FAI leadership.
- Collaborate with ED and board of directors to strategically plan and execute marketing initiatives to achieve the following: grow the base of members, increase program participation, increase visibility in the music industry, strengthen the FAI and folk music brand, and further engage in the FAI community and industry at large.
- Collaborate with and under direction of the ED to inform and inspire members, donors, FAI community, music industry and other constituents via social media, website, blog, and email newsletter campaigns by sharing pictures, news, events, needs, and stories.
- Expand social media footprint by executing and updating all social media outlets including LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
- Develop and execute other marketing initiatives and assets as developed in collaboration with and under direction of Executive and Deputy Directors.
- Continuously gather stories and photos of FAI programs and activities to effectively demonstrate impact in marketing and development activities.
Participate with the development team in the planning, creation, and execution of fundraising campaigns. - Manage online advertising campaigns (via Google AdWords and social media advertising) to build external brand and advocacy for social change through music.
- Ensure all marketing and communication pieces adhere to the organization’s branding guidelines and that they are consistent across all external-facing materials and communications.
- Responsible for managing the development, distribution and maintenance of the FAI website and all print and electronic collateral, including the annual report, brochures, flyers, e-blast newsletter, promotions, and other.
- Maintain the quality and integrity of marketing data and analytics and regularly report on metrics.
- Work with outside vendors, including PR contractor or firm.
- Give direction and oversee team members such as graphic designer to create materials such as flyers, programs, marketing tools, web and email ads, videos, and white papers.
- In collaboration with FAI senior team, manage marketing assets to partners (for our conference and other programs/events) and receive marketing assets from partners for distribution.
- Work on additional marketing and communications activities as directed by senior management.
Programming
Project manage organization’s programming and provide curation support as directed by Executive Director (ED).
- Manage the logistics of programming initiatives, including scheduling, coordination, and technical requirements, and ensure the smooth execution of programmatic events overall, including organization’s annual conference and year-round virtual programming.
- Help curate and organize panels, webinars, workshops, and other events focused on folk music and related cultural topics.
- Collaborate with musicians, artists, scholars, and industry professionals to develop captivating and informative programming and ensure people across all backgrounds will have access to and benefit from FAI’s programming, events, and resources.
- Support ED to source and secure panelists for year-round programming.
- Stay updated with current trends and developments in folk music, cultural programming, and the music industry at-large to bring fresh and engaging content to our audience.
- Consult with the Deputy Director in terms of programming budgets, digital logistics, project management, and long-term planning.
- Manage and support the communications team on all external facing written content for the community, industry, and general public.
- Communicate with FAI office staff, applicable board committee(s), volunteers, contractors as needed/requested as well as review/respond to all programmatic requests/suggestions as needed.
- Project manage FAI online program delivery, including but not limited to creating promotional language, agenda-setting, hosting and logistics, delivery of webinars, peer sessions, and group gatherings.
- Provide facilitator, hosting or moderating for FAI programming as needed from time to time.
Manage or oversee management of pre-recorded and digital programmatic content.
Team Leadership
- Build and lead a team of volunteers and staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to team members, empowering them to contribute their best work. - Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between programming, marketing, and other departments to ensure alignment and coordination.
- Prepare quarterly marketing and communication reports to leadership.
- Manage marketing budget and propose changes as needed, based on strategic goals.
Qualifications
- Relevant experience in programming and marketing.
- Minimum of five years of experience in a managerial role involving PR, marketing, or communications.
- Proven experience in event programming and management, preferably in the music industry and/or non-profit arts sector.
- Strong knowledge of folk music, its history, and cultural significance is preferred.
- Proficiency in programming webinars and online events.
- Exceptionally detail-oriented, organized, and track record of managing programs, projects and campaigns effectively and efficiently.
- Experience in developing and implementing marketing strategies across various channels with a focus on digital marketing.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences and convey the value of folk music and our organization’s mission.
- Proficiency in using marketing tools, analytics platforms, and content management systems.
- Competent in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), Google Suite, and slide presentation software, social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Tik Tok, LinkedIn and Facebook), e-marketing platforms (currently using MailChimp), Zoom, and any other agreed upon platform to schedule sessions.
- Ability to manage online signups with Signup Genius or another agreed upon platform.
- Basic knowledge to perform website content updates (currently using WordPress).
- Ability to capture organization’s mission and translate it into a marketing strategy as well as creative and captivating initiatives and assets.
- Strong organizational, rapid problem-solving, and project management skills, with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work successfully with a limited budget and work comfortably in a fast-paced environment.
- A tremendous drive and strong ability to achieve outcomes.
- Ability to embrace and incorporate direct feedback.
- Passion for folk music, cultural heritage, and community engagement preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
FAI offers a competitive compensation with a salary range between $60,000 and $75,000, benefits package, and a vibrant work environment dedicated to promoting folk music and preserving cultural heritage. If you are a versatile individual with a passion for programming and marketing, combined with a deep appreciation for folk music, we invite you to apply for the role of Marketing & Programming Director at our non-profit folk music organization and a standard benefits package that includes health insurance, annual and sick leave, and paid holidays.
The office is headquartered in Kansas City, MO, but remote work is an option.
How to Apply
Resumes should be submitted through the form below. It is intended that video and/or in-person interviews will commence August 2023 and continue until the position is filled.
FAI is committed to increased diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in its structure and operations as attention to these goals makes it stronger and helps better serve its members, community, and mission. Don’t check off every box in the qualifications listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities – such as women, LGBTQ+, and people of color – are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.
FAI welcomes candidates who are fully committed to joining an organization that is proactively focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants from populations underrepresented and who align themselves with FAI’s values and goals are strongly encouraged to apply.
Contact the office if you require accommodation during the application process. Please email Jennifer Roe at jennifer@folk.org if you have any questions.