At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging communications and marketing strategies for the UK’s orchestral sector.
- Company: Join the Association of British Orchestras, a key player in the classical music industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and 25 days holiday plus public holidays.
- Other info: Hybrid working available, with opportunities for growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while connecting with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in marketing or communications, strong writing skills, and social media savvy.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) is the national body representing the collective interest of professional orchestras, youth ensembles and the wider classical music industry throughout the UK. Our mission is to enable and support an innovative, collaborative and sustainable orchestral sector by providing advice, support, intelligence and information to the people who make British orchestras a global success.
Role Purpose
The Marketing & Communications Manager is responsible for delivering clear, effective and strategic communications for the Association of British Orchestras. The role ensures that members are informed, engaged and mobilised, and that the organisation’s policy, advocacy and sector-facing work is communicated clearly and consistently. It supports both internal member communications and external stakeholder engagement, including campaigns and public-facing messaging.
Key Responsibilities
- Member Communications
- Overall responsibility for the regular communications with members across email, newsletter and digital channels, collating clear and engaging updates on sector news, policy developments and ABO activity.
- Produce the ABO News, ABO Updates (monthly) and bulletins for members, with input from the ABO Team in line with their areas of expertise.
- Work with the Membership & Operations Manager to ensure members are well-informed about services, benefits and opportunities.
- Overall responsibility for managing the info@ mailbox, working closely with the Membership & Operations Manager, and fielding queries to colleagues as appropriate.
- Events & Projects
- Manage the promotion of all member events and opportunities, including the Annual Conference.
- Manage the online booking process for all events including the Annual Conference, working closely with the Membership & Operations Manager.
- Secure advertising and related income from industry traders and exhibitors for the Annual Conference in line with agreed income targets.
- Manage the Conference marketplace and sponsor relationships leading up to and during the event.
- Manage the production of all promotional materials, resources and the conference app.
- Support the event management team as required.
- Public Affairs
- Support the Head of Policy & Communications on disseminating policy updates and sector issues, assisting with stakeholder communications where required (e.g. funders, government, sector partners).
- Support the delivery of sector campaigns, ensuring members are informed and activated as appropriate.
- Support the Membership & Operations Manager in coordinating member calls-to-action (e.g. consultations, surveys, advocacy actions).
- Digital, CRM & Database Management
- Maintain the organisation’s CRM/database, ensuring data accuracy and GDPR compliance, drawing on colleagues as necessary.
- Segment audiences for targeted communications.
- Oversee email marketing systems ensuring alignment with membership records.
- Use CRM insights to improve engagement and retention.
- Produce basic reporting on engagement metrics and communications performance.
- Manage website updates and ensure member-facing content is current and accessible, drawing on the ABO Team as required.
- Manage the ABO’s social media platforms, driving engagement and increasing the visibility of the ABO’s work.
- Compile and create digital visual marketing content to be shared across ABO’s social media platforms, website and e-communications.
- Monitor national and trade media, industry news and social media channels.
- Ensure tone, clarity and consistency across all communications.
Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as incidental to the role, in line with the needs of the organisation. Given the ABO’s small administrative team, a commitment to flexible working and teamwork is essential. It may be necessary to revise the job description from time to time to reflect the experience and skills of the successful candidate.
Person Specification
- Experience in communications, marketing or membership engagement (ideally within arts, culture, charity or membership sectors).
- Strong writing and editing skills with ability to simplify complex information.
- Experience managing email marketing and digital communications.
- Confident using CRM or membership database systems.
- Social media management and creating social media content.
- Understanding of audience segmentation and targeted communications.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a small team environment.
- Experience in membership organisations or professional bodies.
- Familiarity with public affairs, advocacy or policy communications.
- Experience supporting campaigns or mobilisation activity.
- Knowledge of the UK cultural or creative sector.
- Experience promoting events or conferences.
Working Relationships
- Head of Policy & Communications: line manager, provides strategic direction; close collaboration on policy messaging, campaigns and influencing activity.
- Membership & Operations Manager: coordination on member communications, event delivery, CRM systems and engagement strategies.
- Chief Executive: support for organisational messaging and external stakeholder engagement.
Terms & Conditions
- Pension: The ABO will make a contribution of 5% of salary in accordance with Pensions Auto‑Enrolment regulations.
- Contract: 0.6 FTE (three days per week), permanent.
- Days/Hours: Standard working hours are 09:30‑17:30. Some flexibility around working hours may be required during the conference period. Working days and commencement date to be agreed with the successful candidate. The first six months will be a probationary period, during which time either party may terminate the contract on one week’s notice. Thereafter, the notice period will be three months.
- Location: Hybrid working is available, ideally with minimum 2 days in the office per week.
- Holidays: 25 days per annum plus statutory public holidays (pro rata) and the period between Christmas and New Year when the office is normally closed.
- Other: A season ticket loan is available, plus benefits as tenants of Somerset House.
Equality and Inclusion
The ABO strives for an orchestral sector that is fully inclusive, representative and reflective of the communities that we serve. We believe that everyone deserves to have the same opportunities at every level in our industry. The ABO strives to be an equal opportunities employer. We will ensure that no individual receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, ethnic or national origin, religious beliefs, gender, sex, gender reassignment, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments to the role in confidence, please email Judith Webster, Chief Executive.
Marketing & Communications Manager in London employer: Association of British Orchestras
The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions creativity and collaboration within the classical music sector. With a commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on equality and inclusion, the ABO provides its team with meaningful opportunities to engage with members and stakeholders alike, all while being based in the inspiring setting of Somerset House. Join us to make a real impact in the orchestral community and enjoy a supportive culture that values your contributions.
Contact Detail:
Association of British Orchestras Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Marketing & Communications Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the orchestral and arts sector. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to industry professionals for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your marketing and communications projects. Include examples of campaigns you've worked on, newsletters you've crafted, or social media content you've created. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, recent projects, and challenges they face in the orchestral sector. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities as they come up. So, keep an eye on our listings and get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Marketing & Communications Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Marketing & Communications Manager role. Highlight your experience in communications and marketing, especially within the arts or membership sectors, to show us you understand what we're all about.
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Since strong writing is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to simplify complex information. Keep it clear, engaging, and reflective of the tone we use at the Association of British Orchestras.
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements related to member communications, event promotion, and digital marketing. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous positions, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with the ABO!
How to prepare for a job interview at Association of British Orchestras
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the Association of British Orchestras and their mission. Understand their role in the orchestral sector and think about how your experience in communications and marketing can align with their goals. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Since strong writing and editing skills are crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss examples of your work. Bring along samples of newsletters, campaigns, or any other relevant materials you've created. This not only demonstrates your ability but also gives you a chance to talk about your thought process and the impact of your work.
✨Engage with Their Digital Presence
Familiarise yourself with the ABO's social media platforms and website. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance their digital communications and engage members effectively. Mention specific strategies or ideas you have for improving their online presence, as this shows initiative and creativity.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle multiple priorities. Think of scenarios where you've successfully managed communications or events in a small team environment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience.
