Organization: Westside Theater & Bare Bait Dance
Location: Westside Theater - 1200 Shakespeare St, Ste 2, Missoula, MT
Position Type: Part-time, flexible scheduling
Overview:
The Marketing and Communications Manager works as part of a small team to create a unified, compelling message for Bare Bait Dance (BBD) and the Westside Theater (WT) and to aid in expanding its audience and community reach. Reporting directly to the directorial team (Artistic and Executive Director, Managing Director, and Development Director), the Marketing and Communications Manager is critical in expanding our digital presence, increasing our public profile, and maximizing class and performance attendance. In setting and executing a marketing & public relations plan to achieve this goal, the Marketing and Communications Manager will design and implement the tools to enhance external communications and produce engaging content for our social media platforms, quarterly newsletter, blogs, website, and ensure timely and lively communications with outside partners and the community.
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Executive & Artistic Director
Key Responsibilities:
- Content Creation and Graphic Design: Create visually engaging promotional materials (posters, flyers, digital content, signage, etc) to advertise programming and events.
- Digital Platform Strategy & Management: Drafting, designing, scheduling, and publishing marketing content across online platforms, including social media channels and website.
- Community Engagement: Respond thoughtfully and timely to communication to engage with our online and in-person community to build relationships with audiences, clients, followers, influencers, and partner organizations. This includes managing direct corresponsdance, asynchronous messaging, and mass communication.
- Event Participation: Attend and participate in major Bare Bait Dance and Westside Theater events to capture content, network with community, and create engagement with our audience.
- Media Relations: Coordinating print advertising efforts, press releases, and media pitches
- Strategic Communications: Brainstorm creative and straightforward ideas to improve the organizational messaging, marketing strategies and branding
- Analytics & Reporting: Monitor social media, website, and search engine metrics to track communication effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Provide regular updates and reports on metrics while staying up-to-date with social media trends and best practices to continually refine strategies.
Qualifications:
- Strong graphic design and digital media skills (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite, etc.)
- Knowledge of social media strategies and platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Creative problem-solving
- Interest or experience in performing arts, production, and live events
- Strong project management and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Degree in some visual arts, design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Job Classification: .5 FTE, year-around, part-time position
Working Hours & Conditions:
- 20 hours per week, with occasional evening and weekend commitments depending on BBD|WT’s event calendar.
- The weekly schedule is dependent on the employee’s availability, but must remain consistent once set.
- Reasonable accommodations will be made to support candidates with disabilities.
Compensation: $35,000/year
Benefits:
- Opportunity to work in a creative and community-centered environment
- Access to free classes, subsidized space rentals, and discounted services
- Complimentary or discounted tickets to Westside Theater performances and events
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
Nonprofit Employment Consideration:
Working in nonprofit arts offers deep personal fulfillment and opportunities for meaningful impact. However, the compensation may not be equivalent to that in the private sector. Applicants should thoughtfully consider this tradeoff before applying.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
BBD|WT is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected category. We strongly encourage applications from historically underrepresented communities and individuals.
If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at info@thewestsidetheater.com or call us at 406-209-9778.
Application Process:
Please submit the following to info@thewestsidetheater.com with the subject line: M&CM Applicant: [your name]
- Letter of Interest
- Resume or CV
- 3 Letters of Recommendation or 3 References
- Ideally: include Design Portfolio demonstrating event promotional designs and stratagies
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Incomplete or improperly submitted applications will not be considered. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence, and references will not be contacted without prior permission.
Hiring Note:
To provide robust employment opportunities at the Westside Theater, we are extremely interested in hiring a candidate who is interested in the Marketing and Communications Manager position AND one of our other current openings (Technical Director|Lighting Designer or Administrative Assistant). If you have related experience in one of the other positions and are interested in applying for a joint position, please give us context of your abilities and experience in your Letter of Interest and Resume. Please change the subject line of your email to: M&CM + [TD|LD or AA] Applicant: [your name].
About Bare Bait Dance (BBD) and Westside Theater (WT):
Founded and directed by Joy French, Bare Bait Dance is Montana’s only full-season professional dance company. Bare Bait Dance (BBD) focuses on presenting professional contemporary and modern dance works, as well as dance theater, in Montana for Montanans.
BBD is a 501c3 nonprofit that owns, curates, and produces at the Westside Theater in Missoula, MT. The Westside Theater (WT) is an open space, convertible dance venue that seamlessly transitions between studio and theatrical needs, offering flexible seating for 80 to 120 audience members.
We’re a small but mighty team of 7 part-time administrators who also identify as artists, 6 salaried dancers, and an extended network of guest artists, choreographers, musicians, and other collaborators. Our team operates in an integrated and collaborative environment, sharing a commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts ecosystem in Montana.