The Director of Marketing and Communications is a senior leadership role at Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO), responsible for shaping and executing innovative, data-informed strategies that drive ticket sales, grow audiences, and enhance the Orchestra’s visibility. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the senior staff team, the Director leads earned revenue generation, audience development, digital marketing, patron communications, and institutional branding initiatives.
This position manages two full-time team members (Marketing Manager and Patron Services Manager) and oversees key consultants, including LACO’s national public relations firm 21C Media, a local PR consultant, graphic designers, photographers, and videographers. The Director collaborates cross-functionally with Development, Production, and Artistic teams to ensure all outward-facing communications are aligned, on-brand, on time, and effective.
The ideal candidate is a creative and collaborative marketing leader with a sharp focus on results, exceptional storytelling instincts, and a passion for live performance. They will bring strong campaign execution skills, a flair for audience engagement, and an eagerness to contribute to LACO’s next chapter of innovation and growth.
This is a pivotal moment for LACO, as the Orchestra prepares to become the resident ensemble of the new Colburn Center, a world-class Frank Gehry-designed concert hall opening in 2027. The Director will play a central role in shaping the narrative around this historic transition, crafting campaigns that build anticipation, attract new audiences to downtown, and position LACO for long-term institutional growth.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Earned Revenue & Audience Development
Develop and lead strategies to achieve earned revenue goals of $600,000+ annually from sales of subscriptions, single tickets, and merchandise.
Oversee audience segmentation, pricing models, and sales initiatives to expand LACO’s patron base across demographics and geographies.
Set, monitor, and report on measurable KPIs for marketing campaigns and sales performance; monitor results and optimize accordingly.
Collaborate with Patron Services Manager to ensure seamless customer experience and service.
Strategic Marketing & Campaign Management
Create and implement annual marketing plans that integrate print, digital, social, email, OOH, and grassroots tactics.
Supervise development and execution of all collateral: season brochures, print and digital ads, email newsletters, direct mail, program books, and branded merchandise.
Coordinate with graphic design and multimedia consultants to maintain brand cohesion across platforms.
Work closely with the PR firm to amplify earned media and institutional visibility locally, nationally, and globally.
Digital & Content Strategy
Oversee content strategy and analytics across digital platforms, including website, email, and paid/organic social media.
Ensure brand voice and visual identity are compelling, consistent, and audience-focused.
Collaborate with photographers, videographers, and other creatives to produce engaging promotional and storytelling assets.
Budgeting & Reporting
Develop and manage annual marketing expense budget (~$550,000) in coordination with Director of Finance and Administration.
Track campaign ROI, audience engagement trends, and channel performance using tools like Google Analytics, email dashboards, and CRM reporting.
Provide regular updates to the Executive Director and Board on marketing and sales performance.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
Supervise and mentor the Marketing Manager and Patron Services Manager, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.
Manage relationships with contractors and consultants to ensure timely, on-budget delivery of creative assets and services.
Partner with senior leadership to align marketing efforts with institutional priorities and strategic goals.
TO APPLY
Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume to: info@laco.org. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum five years of progressive leadership experience in marketing, communications, or audience development within a performing arts or live events context.
Demonstrated success in driving ticket sales and growing diverse audiences.
Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce/PatronManager), email platforms (e.g., EMMA), and marketing analytics tools.
Experience managing staff, contractors, and cross-functional campaigns.
Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Familiarity with and/or passion for classical music or adjacent arts sectors.
Experience managing public relations consultants and coordinating earned media strategies.
Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and Office365.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Strategic, entrepreneurial thinker with a results-driven mindset.
Passionate about connecting people to the arts.
Highly organized, deadline-focused, and attentive to detail.
Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to collaboration.
Creative sensibility with a talent for storytelling and audience engagement.
history
Beloved by audiences and praised by critics, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, known to Angelenos as LACO, is a preeminent interpreter of historical masterworks as well as a champion of contemporary composers. Headquartered in the heart of the country’s cultural capital, LACO has been proclaimed “America’s finest chamber orchestra” (Public Radio International), “LA’s most unintimidating chamber music experience” (Los Angeles Magazine), “resplendent” (Los Angeles Times), and “one of the world’s great chamber orchestras”(KUSC Classical FM).
Iona Brown and Orchestra
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra with music director Iona Brown.
LACO was founded in 1968 as an artistic outlet for the recording industry’s most gifted musicians. Founder, cellist James Arkatov, envisioned an ensemble that would allow these conservatory-trained players to balance studio work and teaching with pure artistic collaboration at the highest level. The Orchestra presented its first performances with the financial backing of philanthropist Richard Colburn and managerial expertise from attorney Joseph Troy, who also became the Orchestra’s first president. Sir Neville Marriner, Gerard Schwarz, Iona Brown, C...hristof Perick and Jeffrey Kahane, LACO’s illustrious music directors, each built upon a tradition of joyous music-making performed by exceptional artists. Jaime Martín, praised as “a visionary conductor, discerning and meticulous” (Platea Magazine), joined LACO as Music Director at the start of our 2019/20 season.
LACO has made 31 recordings, toured Europe, South America and Japan, performed across North America, and garnered eight ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming. The Orchestra’s offices are located in downtown Los Angeles.
mission
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through intimate and transformative musical experiences which exemplify and foster artistic excellence, education and innovation.
vision
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra seeks to be a cultural force in Los Angeles and recognized as a premier orchestra worldwide.
