TOC Arts Partners Seeking Chief Marketing Officer for by Brooklyn Academy of Music
October 13, 2026 – New York City-based TOC Arts Partners was recently retained by Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). The search is being led by senior strategist Brenna Thomas. The CMO will lead marketing, creative services, ticketing, audience research, revenue forecasting, communications, and brand storytelling for an organization that showcases both emerging artists and modern icons.
The chief marketing officer leads a dedicated team (17+ staffers) to build a rigorous marketing plan and implement innovative tactics that amplify BAM’s position as one of this nation’s most celebrated and influential cultural institutions. This role works across the organization to develop innovative marketing and communications strategies, and then oversees comprehensive campaigns that strengthen the BAM brand; drive awareness of its programs; expand and diversify its audience; and achieve the organization’s revenue goals.
Candidates for this role must have 10+ years of experience as a marketing lead in an in-house brand or arts non-profit of similar scale to BAM. They should have a proven track record of developing and executing large-scale, multi-channel campaigns in the cultural sector. Expertise in digital marketing, audience development, and brand strategy; ability to balance creative vision with data-driven decision making.
In addition, those applying for this position should have strong leadership skills with the ability to manage, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of marketers with various levels of experience. They must have the ability to translate artistic and brand vision into compelling marketing campaigns as well as excellent collaborative skills, with experience working across departments and with external partners. Proficiency in marketing technologies, CRM systems, and digital marketing platforms is desired along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-informed decisions.
For more than 150 years, the Brooklyn Academy of Music has been the home for adventurous artists, audiences, and ideas—engaging both global and local communities. With world-renowned programming in theater, dance, music, opera, film, and much more, BAM showcases the work of emerging artists and innovative modern masters.
TOC Arts Partners (formerly Tom O’Connor Consulting Group) is a national strategy and executive search firm for arts and culture organizations. Its team of seasoned arts leaders brings decades of first-hand experience in organizational strategy, capital project transitions, and operational excellence for arts institutions. The firm has worked alongside more than 150 arts and culture client partners in 25 states and across 11 unique genres, from stages to screens, museums to municipalities. These include both the firm’s strategy and executive search clients—including over 100 searches for executive and senior leaders.
Select clients have included Williamstown Theatre Festival, Pioneer Theatre (Salt Lake City), Marin Cultural Center, Ballet Hispánico, The Hult Center for the Performing Arts, The Metropolitan Opera, New York Theatre Workshop, The Moth, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Dramatists Guild Foundation, and more.
Related: TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
Ms. Thomas is a non-profit leader with 20+ years of experience in arts management and development. Having worked at various sized institutions around New York City, she has built a broad knowledge of board development and governance; major gift cultivation and individual giving campaigns; institutional giving and high-level funding partnerships; Government relations and advocacy work; and event planning.
Union Arts Center Search
Following an extensive national search, TOC Arts Partners recently assisted Union Arts Center in Seattle, WA, with the recruitment of Yuvika Tolani as the first permanent artistic director. The search was led by vice president of executive search, Cynthia Fuhrman.
“As a former resident of Seattle myself, I have enjoyed many performances of both ACT and Seattle Shakespeare over the years,” said Ms. Fuhrman. “So it was a privilege to work with the board and staff of the newly combined companies to find their first artistic director. Yuvika’s unique expertise in both theatrical production and urban planning and engagement felt like actually finding a needle in the haystack. With the work ahead for this company, I feel confident that Yuvika’s artistic leadership will move them into the future in exciting ways.”
Union Arts Center is the new company formed by the merger of ACT and Seattle Shakespeare Company, joining two companies with a combined over 90 years of producing theatre in the Puget Sound area. They have combined operations in their home at the historic Eagles Building in downtown Seattle.
Related: Leading Forward: How Inclusive Search is Powering Non-Profit Success
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
