Marketing and Communications Manager

Kerfuffle is seeking a creative, reliable, and strategic Marketing and Communications Manager to lead our marketing efforts towards families, teachers, community organizations, and schools. The Marketing and Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing Kerfuffle’s annual marketing plan including social media, and other digital marketing channels. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of growing the organization and actively shaping its next chapter.

About Kerfuffle:
Kerfuffle is an award-winning midwestern theatre and dance company devoted to creating aesthetically and emotionally engaging performances for children ages 0-6 years old. Founded in 2015, Kerfuffle centers young children as major creative partners in the development of new work and shares playful, multi-sensory performances in museums, libraries, parks, and other nontraditional spaces. Children’s imagination is at the center of Kerfuffle’s process. In order to understand what engages, delights, and surprises children, Kerfuffle’s plays are developed through creative drama workshops where young people create stories, characters, and worlds in collaboration with adult artists. Kerfuffle is a registered 501(c)3 organization and is the 2020 recipient of the Zeta Phi Eta-Winifred Ward Outstanding New Children’s Theatre Company Award through the American Alliance for Theatre and Education.

About the job:
We’re looking for an excellent storyteller with graphic design experience. The ideal candidate is passionate about Kerfuffle’s mission, has exceptional writing and communication skills, works well independently, and demonstrates strong organizational abilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Marketing & Audience Development

• Develop and implement annual marketing and communications strategies
• Maintain a cohesive brand across all platforms
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure marketing aligns with artistic vision
• Create and execute marketing plans for productions, educational programming, and fundraising campaigns
• Develop and cultivate relationships with audience members
• Identify and build relationships with potential sponsors
• Attend monthly staff meetings

Content Creation & Media Relations

• Create content for all promotional materials
• Write compelling copy for all campaigns and communications, including press releases.
• Facilitate press outreach, invite reviewers, and coordinate press ticket needs as necessary.
• Assist with updating and maintaining website content
• Attend Kerfuffle performances, rehearsals, classes, and other events as necessary

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in marketing, communications, or related field
• Detail-oriented, organized, able to work independently, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Graphic design experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with email marketing tools (Mailchimp, Ludus), Social Media (Instagram and Facebook), web design (Wix), and Google Office Suite
• Experience with Canva and Adobe Creative Suite
• Experience working with nonprofit, arts, and/or educational organizations

Time Commitment: Approximately 5 hours per week. This is a contractor position with a starting stipend of $350 per month for approximately 20 hours/month on average. Kerfuffle is committed to increasing staff stipends over time as our budget grows.

Kerfuffle is an itinerant company without a permanent performance space. Administrative work is done online and performances, events, and classes are programmed throughout Chicagoland.