Audience Development Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Attention:

The Young in the College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Community and Patron Engagement Specialist (Outreach Specialist, OE009).

Job Details:

The Community and Patron Engagement Specialist is responsible for building, managing, and deepening relationships that connect The Young Performing Arts Center with campus audiences, regional communities, schools, organizations, and patrons. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position serves as a primary external-facing representative of The Young and plays a key role in expanding attendance, strengthening patron loyalty, increasing community visibility, and enhancing the overall guest experience.

Working collaboratively across departments, this role advances audience development, rental growth, school engagement, and patron stewardship through proactive outreach, relationship management, and strategic coordination.

Working Relationships

Works closely with

• Executive Director

• Marketing Manager

• Ticket Services staff

• Production and Front of House staff

• University departments and student organizations

• Community partners, educators, and business leaders

Work Environment / Schedule

This position requires regular evening and weekend work based on performance, event, and community engagement schedules. Work is performed in office, venue, and community settings.

1. Audience Development and Group Engagement

• Develop, maintain, and expand relationships with community organizations, civic groups, businesses, and other partners to increase group attendance across performances and events

• Serve as the primary point of contact for group leaders and organizational partners regarding attendance opportunities and event participation

• Collaborate with Marketing and Ticket Services to support promotional campaigns, group sales efforts, and seamless customer experiences

• Monitor attendance patterns, customer feedback, and engagement trends; recommend strategies to strengthen participation and repeat attendance

• Maintain accurate records of outreach activity, group sales efforts, and partnership engagement

2. School and Community Partnerships

• Develop and sustain relationships with local and regional school districts, educators, and youth-serving organizations in support of The Young's Center Stage Series and other educational initiatives

• Promote long-term partnerships that encourage repeat attendance, student access, and meaningful community connection

• Represent The Young at community meetings, events, and engagement opportunities as assigned

• Identify opportunities for collaborative programming and outreach that align with The Young's mission

3. Campus and Community Connectivity

• Strengthen relationships between The Young and internal university partners, including academic departments, student organizations, and campus offices

• Cultivate relationships with local businesses, civic leaders, tourism organizations, and community stakeholders

• Identify and facilitate opportunities for co-promotion, shared programming, sponsorship visibility, and collaborative initiatives

• Advance The Young's reputation as a welcoming, accessible, and vibrant regional gathering space

4. Rental Relationship Management

• Serve as the initial point of contact for prospective and returning rental clients for use of The Young's facilities

• Respond to inquiries, provide information, and guide clients through early planning stages while coordinating handoff to internal operational teams

• Build strong relationships with campus and community users to encourage repeat business and positive experiences

• Maintain records related to rental leads, client communication, and partnership opportunities

5. Patron Engagement and Donor Experience

• Support fulfillment and engagement efforts related to Friends of The Young and other patron affinity programs

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to identify highly engaged patrons, prospective supporters, and stewardship opportunities

• Help create meaningful touchpoints that strengthen patron loyalty and long-term philanthropic interest

• Assist with donor events, recognition efforts, and relationship-building activities as assigned

6. Collaboration and Administrative Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with Marketing, Ticket Services, Front of House, Production, and university partners to coordinate audience engagement efforts and event success

• Prepare correspondence, outreach materials, reports, and updates related to partnerships and engagement initiatives

• Maintain accurate databases, contact records, and communication logs

• Exercise sound judgment, initiative, and independent prioritization in managing multiple projects and relationships

Department:

The Young

Compensation:

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $57,000 - $60,000.

UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW SystemEmployee Benefits Brochure.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience

• Demonstrated experience in relationship management, community engagement, sales, audience development, customer service, or external relations

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in performing arts, entertainment, higher education, nonprofit, or cultural organizations

• Experience working with school systems or youth programming

• Experience supporting donor, sponsorship, or membership programs

• Familiarity with ticketing, CRM, or customer database systems

• Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds

• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills

Applications received byJune 7, 2026are ensured full consideration. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Onlycompleteapplication packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• Name and contact information for three professional references

Contact Information:

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Heather Haywood

Office Manager

262-472-4869

haywoodh@uww.edu

If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 orhr@uww.edu.

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources.UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.

UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university's 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs - online and in person - from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university's arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities - a priority mission since the 1970s.

UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin's Park Place.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin (https://www.wisconsin.edu).
Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).
Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.
For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see Annual Security and Fire Safety Report if you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.

UW IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.