Remote 10 hours / week (average) mid-October – mid-June (primarily self-scheduled, but with some availability during weekday work hours for meetings)
Onsite / full time during the summer festival (July 5–August 2, 2026)
This is a part time contract role responsible for the strategy and timelines to promote the Festival’s training programs and public performance series. The Communications Manager works closely with BDF’s Director, Director of Training Programs, Arts Events Manager, PR Department, and Box Office manager to attract applicants, audiences, and individual donors. This position also oversees the contract Social Media Manager and Graphic Designers year-round and the Documentation team during the festival.
Primary activities include:
- Drafting copy and selecting images for print and digital materials including brochures, advertisements, social media graphics, and email-newsletters.
- Ad, print, mailing budget management
- Aligning the team around deadlines and messaging
- Exploring new opportunities to increase visibility in the community, coordinate cross promotional partnerships, adding listings to event calendars etc.
- Overseeing the documentation team onsite during the festival, responsible for scheduling and planning content
- Reporting on the success of marketing efforts
Experience:
- Knowledge and experience in communications for performing arts, arts education, and/or dance
- Experience creating and executing campaigns across print and digital media platforms
- Working knowledge of design programs, social media platforms, and email marketing services
- Ability to problem solve quickly, collaboratively, and creatively
- Experience managing a team and delegating tasks
- Comfortable working remotely and with a primarily remote team
Compensation:
Oct-June $2000/month
During festival: $5200 plus travel, room, and board
Please submit a resume and 2 examples of your work (brochure, marketing plan, social media campaign, eblasts) by September 30 to dancefest@bates.edu.
About Bates Dance Festival:
The Bates Dance Festival is comprised of four interwoven programs: the Young Dancers Intensive (YDI), a rigorous two-week program serving pre-professional dancers ages 14-18; the Professional Training Program (PTP) serving dancers ages 18 and up; a performances series featuring renowned contemporary dance artists from around the world and community outreach activities including the Youth Arts Program serving local youth ages 7-16 with dance, music, theater and visual arts training.
