Marketing Services – PCS Theater
Independent Contractor (1099)
1. About PCS Theater
The Players Club of Swarthmore (dba PCS Theater) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) performing arts organization – operating since 1911 and dedicated to producing bold, accessible, and artist-driven theatrical experiences while fostering community engagement, education, and creative collaboration.
Each year, PCS Theater:
- Produces approximately 15 theatrical productions
- Operates across two performance stages
- Hosts fundraisers, educational classes, workshops, and community events
Offers building and space rentals for performing artists and organizations
PCS Theater values creativity, inclusion, collaboration, and artistic excellence. As a small but ambitious organization, we rely on a mix of professional contractors and passionate volunteers to bring our mission to life.
More information about our work and programs can be found at PCSTheater.org.
2. Purpose of This RFP
PCS Theater is seeking proposals from qualified independent contractors to provide marketing leadership, strategy, and/or execution services in. This RFP is structured to allow flexibility and scalability based on organizational needs and contractor expertise. Any or all of these roles discussed below are ideal for a creative, organized self-starter who enjoys working in a mission-driven, volunteer-led community theater to tell powerful stories about how theater can transform lives and touch hearts.
Interested candidates may apply for one option or multiple options, clearly indicating their preferred scope of work.
Stipends are available for all roles outlined below, with scope and compensation to be discussed during the selection process.
3. Scope of Services – Three Contract Options
Option 1: Marketing Director
Role Type: Strategic Leadership + Volunteer Development
Contract Status: 1099 Independent Contractor
The Marketing Director serves as the strategic lead for all marketing efforts and is responsible for recruiting, guiding, and empowering a team of internal volunteers to execute marketing initiatives. Working collaboratively with volunteers and Board leadership, this Marketing Director promotes productions, programs and events; strengthens the PCS Theater brand; seeks to grow attendance; increases participation; and fosters community engagement.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop and oversee the annual marketing strategy for all PCS Theater activities aligned with our mission, production calendar, and budget
- Recruit, organize, and manage a volunteer marketing team that will consist of a Main Stage Marketing Manager, Second Stage Marketing Manager, Children’s Series Marketing Manager, and Fundraising Marketing Manager.
- Assign tasks, set timelines, and ensure accountability
- Maintain consistent branding and messaging across platforms
- Oversee creation of marketing materials including: email newsletters, social media posts and campaigns, website updates, press releases, posters, flyers and programs.
- Coordinate marketing schedules and plan and execute marketing campaigns for:
- 15 annual productions
- Fundraising events
- Classes and workshops
- Facility rentals
- Collaborate closely with Producing Directors, Executive leadership, and production teams for content and key messages
- Track progress and provide performance insights (e.g., ticket sales trends, email engagement, social reach)
- Recommend strategies to grow attendance, donors, and volunteers
- Host internal webinars or training sessions for volunteers in areas of marketing expertise (e.g., branding, social media, audience development, content creation, analytics)
Deliverables:
- Annual and seasonal marketing plans
- Volunteer marketing team structure and workflows
- Internal training webinars or workshops
- Ongoing leadership, oversight, and reporting
Option 2: Graphics & Print Marketing Contractor
Role Type: Creative Production & Execution
Contract Status: 1099 Independent Contractor
This role focuses on visual and print-based marketing materials, supporting PCS Theater’s promotional needs across productions and events.
Responsibilities include:
- Design and produce:
- Flyers
- Posters
- Programs
- Brochures
- Press releases (layout and formatting)
- Support and coordinate:
- Photo shoots
- Image selection and preparation
- Update website graphics and promotional assets
- Ensure brand consistency across all materials
- Prepare files for print and digital distribution
- Collaborate with PCS Theater leadership and other contractors as needed
Deliverables:
- Print ready and digital design assets
- Consistent visual branding
- Timely delivery aligned with production schedules
Option 3: Social Media Manager (Strategy & Implementation)
Role Type: Full Social Media Ownership
Contract Status: 1099 Independent Contractor
The Social Media Manager is responsible for strategy, content, and execution across all social media platforms, serving as the voice of PCS Theater online while managing a team of content creators.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop a comprehensive social media strategy
- Manage and post content regularly across all relevant platforms
- Create and schedule content promoting:
- Productions
- Fundraisers
- Classes and workshops
- Special events
- Rentals
- Coordinate with photographers, designers, and leadership
- Engage with audiences and respond to comments/messages as appropriate
- Track analytics and adapt strategy based on performance
- Maintain a consistent brand voice and tone
Deliverables:
- Monthly content calendars
- Platform-specific strategy
- Performance analytics and insights
- Ongoing content creation and posting
4. Compensation
- All roles are structured as part time independent contractor positions
- Stipends are available, depending on scope, experience, and selected option(s)
- Compensation structure may be monthly or per series per project as approved by Board of Governors and will be mutually agreed with the selected contractor(s).
5. Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include:
- Overview of qualifications and relevant experience
- Option(s) being proposed (1, 2, 3, or combination)
- Examples of past work (links or samples)
- Proposed scope of services
- Proposed pricing or stipend structure
- Availability and estimated time commitment
- References (optional)
6. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Experience with arts, theater, or nonprofit organizations
- Quality and relevance of past work
- Understanding of PCS Theater’s mission and scale
- Ability to collaborate with staff and volunteers
- Feasibility and sustainability of proposed approach
- Cost effectiveness and understanding of non-profit budgetary constraints.
7. Contract Terms & Review Process
- All positions are 1099 independent contractor roles
- Contractors are responsible for all taxes and insurance
- Engagements will be reviewed on a quarterly basis
- Each quarterly review will serve as a mutual decision point to continue, modify, or conclude the partnership
- PCS Theater reserves the right to engage one or multiple contractors
8. Submission Instructions
Please submit proposals, including cover letter, electronically to:
Anne Marie Scalies
Submission Deadline: May 15, 2026
9. Questions
Questions regarding this RFP may be submitted via email no later than May 15, 2026.