Who we are
National Sawdust commissions, produces, and presents cultural programming rooted in sound, supporting artists in various disciplines who are passionate about experimentation and innovation. In its intimate venue equipped with a state-of-the-art spatial sound system, National Sawdust connects audiences to the performing arts’ powers to inspire deep thinking, joy, and uphold human dignity.
"In the 21st century, artists are creators, educators, activists, and entrepreneurs. At National Sawdust, we empower them to drive change—locally and globally—reshaping the musical and cultural landscape for the future."
— Paola Prestini, Composer, Co-Founder, and Artistic Director
About This Role
As Director of Communications and Marketing, you’ll be at the heart of National Sawdust’s growth story. We’re a dynamic, fast-paced organization redefining what an arts organization can be. This is a rare opportunity to merge your passion for the arts with cutting-edge marketing and startup-style innovation, all while driving impact at a cultural institution that’s making waves in NYC and beyond.
You’ll be the chief storyteller, brand architect, and audience strategist. Whether you’re shaping our narrative, launching bold campaigns, or forging partnerships, your work will amplify the voices of groundbreaking artists and connect audiences to experiences that inspire and transform.
You’ll report to the Managing Director while collaborating closely with the Artistic Director, CauseLab, Director of Development, and PR Consultant, and oversee the Community Marketing and Editorial Manager to execute bold and impactful strategies.
What You’ll Do
Strategy & Leadership
- Build and execute a next-gen communications strategy that reflects our startup mindset and artistic innovation.
- Cultivate strategic partnerships across NYC’s arts and culture ecosystem to expand our reach and influence.
- Collaborate with leadership to align messaging with fundraising and programming goals.
- Think like a disruptor: Analyze trends, find gaps, and position National Sawdust as a cultural trailblazer.
Digital Innovation & Brand Building
- Own and optimize National Sawdust’s digital ecosystem, including website management, social media, and email strategies, to engage diverse audiences.
- Craft a compelling brand story that integrates ticket sales, email campaigns, and digital content, driving audience engagement and revenue growth.
- Oversee all aspects of the organization’s website, including redesigns, CMS builds, and developer coordination, ensuring alignment with the brand and mission.
Media & Public Relations
- Be the voice of National Sawdust by crafting compelling stories and developing press pitches that inspire coverage
- Collaborate with PR consultants to orchestrate impactful media campaigns that amplify visibility.
- Build and manage press systems, ensuring timely responses and delivering quarterly Press & Social Media Reports to leadership and the Board of Trustees.
- Pitch creative story ideas to secure media coverage for programming, initiatives, and events.
Team & Resource Management
- Lead a nimble communications and marketing team that thrives on creativity and collaboration.
- Collaborate with marketing consultants to execute impactful advertising campaigns that amplify National Sawdust’s mission.
- Oversee all visual materials, from campaign designs to development collateral, ensuring they reflect the organization’s bold, innovative identity.
- Manage budgets with precision to ensure every dollar drives measurable results and supports strategic goals.
Day to Day
- Execute media plans by managing announcements, press releases, and timely responses to press inquiries.
- Refine and execute ticket sales and email marketing strategies to enhance audience engagement.
- Develop and manage visual assets for marketing and development, including advertisements and Mailchimp campaigns, to align with brand goals.
- Adapt to organizational needs, ensuring alignment with National Sawdust’s mission and evolving priorities.
What You Bring
- Vision and Innovation: You’re a strategic thinker who thrives in a startup culture, unafraid to challenge the status quo and innovate.
- Proven Experience:
- 7+ years in communications, marketing, or branding, preferably in the arts or creative industries.
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing comprehensive communication plans.
- Experience in public relations, internal communications, media relations, and crisis communications.
- Energy and Adaptability: You move fast, think big, and adapt on the fly, bringing a dynamic energy to every project.
- Exceptional Skills:
- Outstanding writer and storyteller with a keen eye for design.
- Proven track record in digital strategy and crafting impactful narratives.
- Passion for the Arts:You’re deeply connected to the arts and excited about working in an environment where creativity meets entrepreneurship.
- Leadership and Collaboration:
- Proven ability to manage a team, build consensus, and lead projects to completion.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to make strategic decisions and oversee large-scale initiatives.
- Collaborative mindset with a track record of working effectively across departments.
