Marketing & Programming Apprentice

Marketing & Programming Apprentice
League of Chicago Theatres
17 N. Wabash, Suite #520
Chicago, IL 60602 

Stipend: $10,000 total (paid hourly based on weekly schedule; paid twice monthly on the 15th and last day of the month)
Part Time: Approximately 24 hours per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays preferred)
Time Frame: July–December 2026 (exact dates to be finalized; includes one week off for Thanksgiving)
Work Model: Hybrid — in‑office, remote, and on‑site at events. Evening and weekend event attendance required.
Reports To: Director of Marketing and Director of Programming, with additional support to Membership and Administrative teams.
Deadline to Apply: June 30, 2026

About the Organization: 

League of Chicago Theatres (LOCT) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support, promote and advocate for Chicago’s theatre industry. Through our work, we ensure that theatre continues to thrive in our city. We represent an alliance of over 200 theatres throughout Chicago providing professional development, fundraising, regranting, artistic programming, advocacy, audience engagement and ticketing services. 

Our membership encompasses a diverse list of companies including not-for-profit and commercial operations, suburban and city-based, all-volunteer storefront operations and large regional theatres. This diverse and supportive ecosystem is a strength of our community and encourages us as a service organization to offer a wide variety of programming to meet the varied needs of our member theatres. 

About the Opportunity:  

The Marketing & Programming Apprentice plays a key role in supporting LOCT’s marketing, programming, and membership initiatives. This position is designed as a hands‑on learning experience for individuals pursuing careers in arts administration, marketing, communications, programming, events, or arts advocacy. 

The Apprentice will work closely with the League Marketing and Programming teams, gaining experience in campaign development, data analysis, event support, and cross‑departmental project management. The role includes opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and independent project ownership. 

 Learning Objectives:  

Data Analysis  

• Learn how to gather and interpret demographic data for development purposes.  

Writing 

• Develop skills in crafting compelling marketing copy for different platforms (e.g., social media posts, blog articles, email newsletters).  
• Practice writing clear and engaging content that aligns with brand voice and marketing goals.  
• Develop skills for brevity and accuracy in describing and promoting programming.  
• Refine communication skills for accurate audience development. 
• Strengthen communication skills for a service organization setting. 

Social Media, Email Newsletter, and Content Creation  

• Gain proficiency in managing and scheduling social media posts across various platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).  
• Learn to create visual content (graphics, videos) using tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.  
• Understand the basics of creating and executing social media campaigns.  
• Learn to update and maintain website content using content management systems (CMS) like WordPress.  
• Understand Email Platforms like Dot Digital and how to build and send email campaigns. 

Customer Interaction  

• Develop effective communication skills for engaging with customers through various channels (e.g., email, social media comments).  
• Learn how to handle customer inquiries, feedback, and complaints professionally and efficiently.  
• Gain insights into customer behavior and preferences through direct interaction and feedback analysis.  

Leadership 

• Develop skills for leading collaborative projects across departments.  
• Develop skills for communicating objectives and expectations across departments.  
• Learn how to develop and maintain a budget and financial records. 

Program & Event Management 

• Develop skills to coordinate programmatic planning and event management. 
• Develop skills for identifying needs and opportunities to serve League membership. 
• Develop skills to manage event planning from ideation to event wrap up. 
• Learn how to navigate and negotiate event agreements.  
• Develop skills to coordinate event expectations with event hosts, partners, and contractors.  

Projects:  

Data Analysis 

• Weekly Discussion with Marketing Manager on social performance and trends  
• Compile data from members including contact information, upcoming show information for Fall and Holiday Theatre Guide 

 Writing  

• Drafting social media copy/captions  
• Blog posts on leagueofchicagotheatres.org  
• Drafting campaign materials for LOCT Beyond the Stage, It’s Theatre Season and Chicago Theatre Week.  

Marketing and Communications 

• Capturing Content at Programming Events  
• Pitching social media content ideas – It’s Theatre Season, Beyond the Stage and Chicago Theatre Week 2027 
• Drafting social posts - It’s Theatre Season, Beyond the Stage and Chicago Theatre Week 2027 
• Make minor website page updates and create LOCT Event Pages to go with upcoming programs 

Program & Event Management 

• Support the creation and printing of event materials  
• Support communications for event coordination  
• Join the programming team at events and be a lead advocate and steward for the League 
• Support the coordination and delivery of event material drop offs  

Member Interaction  

• Network at League Events and Festivals  
• Answer inquiries from members regarding show submissions, league events, and Chicago Theatre Week build 

Events 

• Community Empowerment Series 
• Navigating the Sector  
• Annual Spotlight Gala 
• Shuttle to the Show 
• Industry Nights  
• Chicago Green Theatre Alliance Drop & Swaps 
• Chicago Theatre Week & Kick Off Preparation  
• It’s Theatre Season 

Mentorship: 

• Weekly One on One Check ins with Director of Marketing and Director of Programming 
• Bi-weekly One on One Networking session with supporting departments   
• One on One check-in with Executive Director of LOCT  
• Will be responsible for leading one marketing project 

Some of the role’s specific and essential tasks may include: 

Marketing  

• Social and Digital Data Analysis 
• Drafting multiple types of content including: 
  • Website and social media copy 
  • Marketing materials, including client alerts and newsletters 
  • Internal communications 
• Occasional delivery of marketing materials  
• Capture and edit video content for the League’s social media pages and websites 
• Lead strategic social campaigns to boost donor engagement and maximize year-end giving for nonprofit initiatives 
• Social Media  
  • Create and manage theatre-related content for Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn utilizing both posts and stories. Share content that is inclusive, professional, and on brand. 
  • Engage with other users on the platform and respond to questions/comments in a timely manner. 

Programs & Events 

• Plan programs and events leading deadlines, milestones and processes  
• Develop, track and manage budgets and operations for department activities  
• Assist in the selection, scheduling and production of performances, cultural collaborations and partnerships with other arts and community organizations for 2027 programs and events. 
• Assist in the selection, scheduling, and contracting of facilitators, consultants, trainers, artists, etc. for special events. 
• Create and implement data gathering systems for events. 
• Assist the Development team with outreach and grant research 

Experience & Knowledge 

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work or educational experience in nonprofit management, event planning, marketing, social media, or similar professional work experience. 

Skills 

Candidates should have demonstrated ability of: 

• Passion for building the future of Chicago Theatre. 
•  understanding of the history, culture and current landscape of Chicago Theatre. 
• Demonstrated communication skills, both oral and written. 
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; attention to detail. 
• Commitment to social justice and racial equity. 
• Effectively track data in excel or other project management platforms 
• Is technologically savvy including back-end website proficiency and social media skills 

Applicants must include: 

• Resume (required) 
• Cover Letter (required) 
• Two references (required) 

Pay Frequency: Apprentice will be paid twice monthly on the 15th and end of the month 

Benefits Eligible: No 

Requires Compliance with LOCT Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement 

LOCT is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer 

and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 312-554-9804 or submit a request via business@chicagoplays.com. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check. 

LOCT is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workforce.