Head of Marketing and Audience Development - The Young Performing Arts Center

Location: Whitewater, WI

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Position Title

Job Category

Academic Staff

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Marketing Manager

Job Duties

Attention

The Young Performing Arts Center at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Head of Marketing and Audience Development (Marketing Manager, CM014).

Position Summary

The Head of Marketing and Audience Development leads marketing strategy, audience growth, and ticket revenue initiatives for The Young. The Director develops data-informed strategies that attract new audiences, strengthen patron relationships, and convert awareness and engagement into ticket purchases.

This is a strategic, results-oriented marketing position. Success is measured through audience growth, ticket revenue, customer acquisition and retention, and effective use of marketing resources. The Director provides creative direction but is not expected to serve primarily as a graphic designer.

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.

Key Job Responsibilities

Marketing Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and lead annual and performance-specific marketing strategies.
• Establish target audiences, positioning, campaign goals, budgets, and timelines.
• Advise leadership on audience trends, market conditions, competitive positioning, and marketing opportunities.
• Strengthen The Young's position as a regional destination for live entertainment.

Audience Development & Ticket Revenue

• Develop strategies to increase paid attendance, ticket revenue, and sales velocity.
• Grow new audiences while improving retention and frequency among existing patrons.
• Use patron, geographic, sales, and campaign data to identify opportunities and guide decisions.
• Work with leadership and the box office to monitor sales pacing and adjust campaigns.

Advertising, Digital & Creative

• Direct paid advertising, email, social media, website, search, and other patron communication channels.
• Manage media, agency, vendor, and university marketing relationships.
• Establish campaign messaging and creative direction and maintain brand consistency.
• Evaluate campaign performance and continuously test and improve marketing effectiveness.

Budget, Analytics & Performance

• Develop and manage annual and performance-specific marketing budgets.
• Allocate marketing resources based on sales goals, market potential, and organizational priorities.
• Measure advertising effectiveness, return on investment, audience growth, and ticket-sales performance.
• Provide regular performance reporting and recommendations to leadership.

Department

COAC | Young Auditorium

Compensation

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting full-time annual salary within the range of $65,000 - $70,000 commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications.

UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, arts administration, business, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant professional marketing experience, preferably in performing arts, entertainment, cultural organizations, attractions, venues, or related industries.
• Demonstrated success increasing attendance, ticket sales, audience reach, or earned revenue.
• Experience managing marketing budgets and paid media campaigns.
• Strong knowledge of digital marketing, audience targeting, email, social media, search, and analytics.
• Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and project-management skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to an inclusive campus environment

Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations, including necessary training and drills

Measures of Success

Success will be evaluated through

• Growth in paid attendance and ticket revenue.
• Growth in new ticket buyers and audience reach.
• Increased retention and repeat purchasing.
• Effective and efficient use of marketing resources.
• Demonstrated use of data to improve marketing and sales performance.

How to Apply

Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:

Cover Letter

Resume

Name and contact information for three professional references

Contact Information

If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or [email protected].

For questions regarding this position, please contact

Heather Haywood

[email protected]

(262) 472-4869

To Ensure Consideration

Applications received by November 27th, 2026, are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

CAMPUS INFORMATION

UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university’s 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs — online and in person — from associate to doctoral levels.

Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university’s arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities — a priority mission since the 1970s.

UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin’s Park Place.

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin (https://www.wisconsin.edu).

Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).

Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.

For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see  Annual Security and Fire Safety Report if you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.

UW IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.