Associate Director of Communications, Digital Development Project

Associate Director of Communications

Organization: Digital Development Project

Summary

This highly collaborative role is suitable for a person interested in communications, who is organized and can work autonomously, and who is passionate about new work development in the performing arts from a dramaturgical lens.

Description

DDP is seeking to add an Associate Director of Communications for our 2027 cycle. This highly collaborative role is suitable for a person interested in communications, who is organized and can work autonomously, and who is passionate about new work development in the performing arts from a dramaturgical lens.

This is a remote/hybrid position with office space available for candidates in the Chicagoland area. The Associate Director of Communications will be responsible for implementing and organizing strategies around public-facing communications, including email newsletters, marketing emails, social media, web presence and brand management. The Associate Director of Communications will work in collaboration with the Artistic Director, Managing Director, as well as Guiding Circle and Program Directors.

DDP is looking to hire this candidate in advance of our 2027 Cycle for a probationary period with a full contract for 2027. Candidates must have daytime availability on Central timezones for weekly meetings, email and internet capabilities, as well as experience in industry standard communications and graphic design software and applications, such as Canva, Adobe, etc.

Position Details

Reports To: Artistic Director, Managing Director, Guiding Collaborators, Program Directors
Location: Chicago, IL (Remote/Hybrid)
Status: Part-time, Hourly contract three months, option to renew for 2027 contract
Salary: 25-50 hours a month, at $30 USD per hour
Start Date: Rolling; looking to have someone start in October 2026

DDP’s Vision

To create an equitable space for playwrights and dramaturgs to hone their craft and creative voices, with mutual collaboration at the center of the work.
To foster a community for emerging artists, who are uniquely poised to shape the future of theatre.
To be led by process over product, with focus on innovation, artistic growth, and models of best practice.

What Success Looks Like

Success means that DDP’s communications consistently reflect the quality, professionalism, and impact of its work while helping the organization reach and engage a growing international audience.

Brand Strategy & Organizational Positioning

Lead the development and evolution of a communications strategy aligned with DDP’s mission, organizational strategy, and growth priorities.
Serve as first-touch oversight of DDP’s brand, setting brand strategy, positioning, standards, and direction across audiences, channels, programs, partnerships, and organizational initiatives.
Lead positioning and messaging for major programs, projects, partnerships, public announcements, and strategic initiatives reflective of DDP’s values.
Monitor cultural, media, marketing, and audience trends and translate insights into strategic opportunities.

Marketing, Campaigns & Audience Growth

Set campaign objectives, audience strategies, positioning, messaging, timelines, and measures of success, with the DDP Guiding Circle leading day-to-day execution.
Manage social media accounts, ensuring all posts are live on time and on each platform, responding to any requests or queries on any and all platforms, engaging in partner outreach, and following up on cross-promotional opportunities.
Organize communication databases while leading audience growth and diversification strategies, including approaches to reach underrepresented audiences and reduce barriers to participation.

Public Relations, Media & Reputation

Develop and steward strategic promotional and cross-sector partnerships that expand reach, relevance, and engagement.
Write clear and compelling copy and image descriptions.

Digital, Content & Social Storytelling

Set the strategic direction for DDP’s digital ecosystem, including website, social media, CRM, email, digital advertising, and emerging platforms.
Track and maintain an archive of all social media graphics within the Organization’s Google Drive.
Support marketing and social media by building language for fundraising posts, and having input on design for fundraising

Communications Leadership & Management

Attend meetings with Program Directors and DDP Leadership (Managing Director and Artistic Director).
Support the Artistic and Managing Directors, Program Directors, and the Guiding Circle by preparing reports.
Any other tasks assigned by the Artistic and Managing Directors.

Qualifications and Desired Skills for the Ideal Candidate

May have a degree and/or significant experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field.
Professional English-language writing and editing skills
Working knowledge of digital and social media platforms including but not limited to: Instagram, Facebook, Gmass, WordPress, Google Suite, Slack, and Notion
Strong project management and organizational skills, and the ability to plan and prioritize completing tasks.
Expressed interest in the values of The Digital Development Project.

Applicants must be able to be paid in USD and legally work for a US-based organization. Applicants will be considered contract workers and are responsible for paying taxes as required in their residential state/province and country.

This role is a contract role, beginning with a three-month provisional contract with the ability to extend for the full 2027 Cycle. The hours and compensation for this role are $30 USD at 25-50 hours a month; the number of hours will be based on the candidate’s interest and capacity.