Marketing Assistant

DEPARTMENT: Marketing

REPORTS TO: Associate Director of Sales and Marketing 

LOCATION: Onsite in La Jolla, CA on the scenic UC San Diego campus

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, non-exempt (hourly) with a comprehensive benefits package

COMPENSATION: $21.00-$22.00 per hour

SCHEDULE: Full time within regular office hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.), with occasional evening or weekend hours as needed, up to 40 hours per week total.

APPLICATION MATERIALS: Resume and cover letter required; portfolio or other relevant work samples are optional.

ABOUT THE ROLE: 

Based at La Jolla Playhouse’s administrative offices, and under the guidance of the Associate Director of Sales and Marketing, the Marketing Assistant supports campaigns for our season of six shows each year, the annual WOW Festival and other events and programs. This role is ideal for an organized, detail-oriented early-career marketer who wants hands-on experience across campaign coordination, audience outreach and marketing department operations in a collaborative theatre environment.

The Marketing Assistant must be able to work with accuracy and with strong attention to detail in a busy, deadline-driven environment. Someone who enjoys organizing information, tracking many moving parts, and helping projects move forward will thrive in this role. The role requires an ability to respond to requests swiftly and with flexibility, while not losing sight of deadlines and priorities. 

The marketing team is lean, collaborative and supportive. The Marketing Assistant will be hands-on and willing to jump in alongside colleagues on a wide variety of tasks, while also gaining broad exposure to arts marketing campaigns. This role offers daily variety, meaningful creative-sector experience, and the opportunity to contribute to a world-renowned organization that values collaboration, curiosity and care.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Marketing Campaigns

• Assist with and coordinate the briefing and production of campaign assets and collateral, including but not limited to: brochures, flyers, postcards, advertising assets, venue signage and more.


• Gain understanding of the brand guidelines; proofread assets and review designs for quality control and consistency.


• Route assets for approvals, collate changes and ensure proper sign-off from internal teams.


• Source quotes from multiple suppliers and coordinate the print process with external printers.


• Work closely with the Associate Director and Marketing Manager to deliver on the advertising schedule by deadlines.


• Coordinate student and community outreach efforts and campaigns, including postering in those communities. 


• Coordinate front-of-house displays and signage at our theatres and for events.


• Maintain detailed records of projects and timelines to ensure internal records are correct and future-proofed.


• Maintain organization of internal asset files and keep the archives accurate and up to date at all times.


• Collaborate on content creation projects and assist to create video, photo and written content. 


• Collaborate in creative planning sessions for marketing and sales campaigns and other projects. 

WOW Festival

• Attend WOW taskforce meetings and serve as one of the key team members on-site during the festival weekend.


• Assist in project-managing festival marketing, including materials, signage, outreach and the Festival Info Booths. 

Public Relations

• Under the guidance of the Director of Public Relations, maintain online listings for all public-facing events.


• Assist in the creation of press kit materials.

Events

• Represent the Playhouse at performances and events in support of marketing and communications initiatives as needed, for example, opening nights, audience video/photo shoots, WOW Festival and community events. 

Administration and General

• Process, code and gain approval for invoices promptly, maintain accurate records and budget-keeping.


• Contribute to maintenance of department calendar and project management software (Airtable), schedule and set up meetings, take and distribute meeting minutes as needed. 


• Coordinate filing and archiving of marketing materials. 


• Be an active participant in the communications team and other agreed cross-departmental teams.


• Carry out other similar reasonable duties as required.

WHAT YOU BRING:

Required qualifications 

• Some professional, internship, volunteer, campus, freelance, or project-based experience supporting marketing, communications, events, content, arts administration or a related team. 


• Good administrative skills including a high level of attention to detail, professionalism and confidence suitable for working in a busy office environment. 


• Strong computer skills including excellent knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to learn new programs if required, such as Canva, Airtable, and Tessitura. 


• Ability to set priorities, timelines and monitor progress toward goals. Excellent time management skills, ability to work independently, coordinate simultaneous projects and meet deadlines.


• Good copywriting, grammatical and proofreading skills.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to deal with a wide variety of stakeholders. 


• Ability to assess situations, solve problems, gather and process relevant information.


• A positive hands-on attitude, ability to work well as part of team, a willingness to take instruction and advice, and to ensure endorsement before implementation where appropriate. 


• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and commitment to the Playhouse’s mission and values.


• A passion for the arts – and more specifically, theatre!

Preferred qualifications 

• Experience within theatre or the arts industry, or agency setting, or working with creative/media. 


• Some knowledge of graphic design and the briefing process.


• Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel locally in support of events and initiatives (work-related mileage is reimbursed).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This role operates in a shared cubicle environment that requires frequent verbal and written communication, focus amid background noise, and comfort using computers, phones, and other standard office equipment. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

This role is primarily based in an office environment and includes regular computer use, participation in meetings and attendance at events and performances, including occasional evenings and weekends. The position may occasionally move materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance. Some activities may require prolonged standing or walking during busy periods or events.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

• Medical, dental, vision, life and LTD insurance


• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match after one year


• Paid time off (vacation, sick, holiday, and more)


• Free parking on UCSD campus


• Complimentary tickets to Playhouse performances


• The opportunity to contribute to a nationally recognized arts organization with a collaborative, mission-driven team

APPLYING FOR THIS ROLE:

Please submit your resume and cover letter. Your cover letter should describe your relevant experience, why you're interested and a good fit for the role, and any additional information that supports your application.

Every application is reviewed by a member of our team. Applicants are not screened out solely by AI or keyword filters. 

Not sure you meet all the qualifications? If you think you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We welcome candidates with diverse experiences and backgrounds and carefully review every application.

Because we receive a high volume of applications, the review process may take a few weeks. All applicants will receive a response. While we're unable to provide individualized feedback, we sincerely appreciate the time and effort you put into applying and thank you for your interest.

ABOUT LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE:

La Jolla Playhouse is a place where artists and audiences come together to create what’s new and next in the American theatre, from Tony Award-winning productions, to imaginative programs for young audiences, to interactive experiences outside our theatre walls. Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, the Playhouse is currently led by Artistic Director Jessica Stone and Managing Director Debby Buchholz. The Playhouse is internationally renowned for the development of new plays and musicals, including mounting 120 world premieres, commissioning more than 70 new works, and sending 37 productions to Broadway, garnering a total of 42 Tony Awards, as well as the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. We are committed to diversity in all areas of our work, on and off stage. We lead with our values and encourage individuals with unique perspectives to apply. EOE