What are the responsibilities and job description for the Publicist position at The Metropolitan Opera?
DESCRIPTION
The Metropolitan Opera is looking for a dynamic Publicist to join the Press team. The ideal candidate will be a culturally voracious, proactive storyteller with experience placing compelling stories in both print, broadcast, and digital media. The candidate will have a curiosity for and interest in placing stories with non-traditional media such as podcast producers, newsletter writers, and influential voices across social platforms. The Publicist will have deep knowledge and understanding of classical music, along with strong familiarity of media publications in New York, nationally, and internationally, as well as excellent news judgment and storytelling ability.
Primary Responsibilities
- PITCHING AND STRATEGY: This role will collaborate with members of the press team on planning and pitching all Met productions and annual institutional announcements with the aim of reaching target audiences with efficiency and precision.
This person in this position will take the lead on strategizing and publicizing the Met’s repertory productions and will support pitching for new productions. They will also proactively identify stories related to Met activities including The Met: Live in HD, the Lindeman Young Artist Development Program, the Laffont Competition, and other institutional activities as assigned.
The Publicist will also support the team on Press activations and events. For example, helping promote and manage media days, red carpet events, and content-generating activities.
- RELATIONSHIP BUILDING: Build and maintain ongoing working relationships with journalists, critics, producers, and influential figures shaping culture. This person will take on the responsibility of researching and developing new relationships and helping the team identify potential new opportunities.
- WRITING: This position will be responsible for writing and approval of all production and some institutional press releases, navigating the drafts through the approval process from first draft to distribution. The Publicist will oversee the press release calendar and liaise with relevant stakeholders to ensure clear, timely communication regarding distribution timelines.
- ORGANIZATION: Contribute to the smooth operation of the Met press office, including media monitoring, maintaining an extensive, up-to-date contact database, and ensuring that all press queries are dealt with efficiently and in a timely manner. This position will also manage the Press department’s day-to-day systems including the department’s story tracker and weekly operational schedule and will schedule informational interviews with creative team members and artists for the press team.
- PRESS DUTY: Represent the Met at performances to provide media with information and answer questions. Press duty requirements include a minimum of one performance per week, including some weekends throughout the opera season as well as Special Event coverage including but not limited to Opening Night Gala and New Year’s Eve Gala.
Skills and Qualifications
- Broad knowledge of classical music is essential; opera knowledge a plus.
- Minimum 5 years of public relations, media relations, communications or journalism experience, ideally in a performing arts environment.
- Excellent writing and communications skills.
- Proven ability to work under pressure to deliver multiple projects as required.
- A developed network of media contacts across arts, entertainment and news media.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.
SALARY
$75,000.00 – $80,000.00 per year
- NON-UNION