THE ORCHARD THEATRE DARTFORD

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1 Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1ED www. MARKETING OFFICER THE ORCHARD THEATRE DARTFORD APPLICATION PACK Registered Office: Fifth Floor, 89 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1DA

2 Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1ED www. THE ORCHARD THEATRE was officially opened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent on Thursday 14 April 1983 and has since established itself as one of the South East s premier theatre venues. Designed to be flexible to enable it to stage everything from large West End musicals, to drama, orchestral concerts, comedy and hospitality and cabaret events using the flat floor configuration, the venue also included the first specially designed acoustic ceiling in Britain for music, drama and conferences. During the years has welcomed some of the best entertainers including the iconic actor David Essex, English Tenor Alfie Boe, Joan Collins and comedy legends Dawn French, Lenny Henry, Ken Dodd and Norman Wisdom. The theatre also offers first class hospitality, including The Restaurant, which is becoming increasingly popular for pre show dining, where it offers a great ambiance, delicious food and a welcoming team. The programme encompasses big West End musicals, plays, comedy, the annual pantomime (which is always the centre piece of the programme, attracting a big name cast) and dining events created inhouse both in The Restaurant for 100 or the main auditorium for up to 250. The Theatre is building a reputation for launching new productions prior to national tours or West End transfers with recent premieres including Derren Brown s last three tours, Peter James Perfect Murder and Dead Simple, Blockbuster and Peppa Pig. has been operated by HQ Theatres and Hospitality on behalf of Dartford Borough Council since It is the second largest regional theatre operator in the UK, operating ten venues including the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend and the White Rock Theatre in Hastings. The company also operates restaurants, bars and coffee shops, along with corporate and private events and celebrations, both in all HQ Theatres and independently. The company also owns and manages the award-winning Copper Horse Restaurant & Cottages at Seamer near Scarborough and the Tanglewood Restaurant in York. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, 89 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1DA

3 JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION Principal place of work: Dartford [OTD] Reporting to: Marketing Manager : Purpose of the post: Under the management of HQ Theatres & Hospitality, OTD will provide first class entertainment and hospitality, and an exceptional experience for all audiences. To promote, its activities and performances to external audiences to ensure attendance and financial targets are met through robust and creative strategies within budget. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MARKETING As directed by the Marketing Manager and in partnership with external promoters, creation and management of highly effective marketing campaigns for shows and hospitality-led events to achieve agreed financial targets and marketing objectives. In conjunction with the Marketing Manager liaison with the design and print agency, for the production of print requirements to support shows and hospitality events. Under the guidance of the Marketing Manager, the management of the hospitality marketing budget and the creation and management of highly effective hospitality marketing campaigns for all its events and services. Development of marketing campaigns in respect of community and education activity in order to maximise attendance at events, workshops and classes. Monitoring of campaign effectiveness and audience trends via data analysis from the ticketing system (Audience View). Administration of direct mail and other marketing campaign channels, booking in and creation of the advertisements for the venue. Copy writing and proof reading as required and to a high standard.

4 Management of the work of any apprentice, internship or marketing volunteer, including target-setting and monitoring, to ensure best-value contribution to the range of marketing activities. To assist the Marketing Manager through general administrational tasks including sales information, updating and overseeing the various internal marketing schedules and reporting. PR To support and participate in all promotional events. To ensure that all the Health and Safety procedures are adhered to and risk assessments are completed. To continue to develop and establish relationships with local businesses which benefits marketing and sales of productions. To proactively investigate and pursue promotional opportunities with local businesses and organisations. ONLINE To manage the show pages of the website for the venue, ensuring accuracy of information and maximisation of on-line sales at all times and ensure that the internal screens are updated. Development of the digital communications strategy, to include website, e-shots, online listings and social networking sites to help achieve marketing objectives. PRINT & PUBLICATIONS To take an active role in the production of the venue season brochures and theatre newsletters to ensure strong and regular communications with the theatre s friends scheme, groups and schools. To lead the production of in-house programmes for weekly productions. GENERAL Liaison with the Ticket Office Manager and Ticket Desk to ensure their appropriate participation in relevant marketing initiatives/campaigns, the effective management of the ticketing database and the routine housekeeping of the ticketing system. Deputising, as required, for the Marketing Manager, across all functions, activities and events to ensure the smooth and consistent operation of all activities and targets of the department. To represent the marketing department as required at meetings and promotions. Adherence to all Group and Theatre Health & Safety at Work procedures, to minimise the risk of injury and accidents, personal and to others.

5 To attend appropriate training courses, in the interests of maintaining his / her awareness of current developments and trends. Any other related duties and responsibilities as may reasonably, from time to time, be required by the Marketing Manager. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Experience of marketing in a live entertainment environment. Evidence of high-level organisational ability. Excellent creative writing and proof reading skills. The ability to perform well as part of a team and take on a lead role in projects as required and lead on show campaigns. Ability and willingness to be flexible to business need, working not only during the weekday daytimes, but also, as required, at weekends, and on Bank Holidays. Excellent people management and development skills. Computer literacy and numeracy appropriate to the requirements of the Post. An organised, outgoing and professional attitude. High level communication skills and an excellent manner and proven ability to build strong relationships when dealing with the media, promotors, the public, stakeholders, industry colleagues, local authority representatives and businesses. An ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure. Demonstrable enthusiasm for live theatre and entertainment, and for the provision of excellent service.

6 Desirable Experience of Adobe Photoshop. Experience of working with a ticketing system. Educated to degree level. Good visual eye for creative print production.

7 HOURS OF WORK AND SALARY c. 20,000 per annum 40 hours per week including evening, weekend and Bank Holiday working to suit the needs of the business. To apply, please send a copy of your CV and an accompanying letter, which sets out clearly your interest in this post and suitability, to: Beth Dewhurst Marketing and Sales Manager Home Gardens Dartford Kent DA1 1ED Or bdewhurst@ Closing date for applications: Monday 2 nd November 5pm Interviews will be held week commencing 9 th November.