Director of Communications

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

The Public Theater is seeking a savvy, strategic, and collaborative DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS to lead our Communications Team in amplifying the stories of the theater’s artists, productions, programs, and mission through innovative and skillfully planned strategic campaigns.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Director of Communications will build and maintain relationships across the media landscape, developing captivating narratives and pitches for a wide array of productions and programs, collaborate closely with colleagues and artists across the organization, and suppor the continued development of the communications team through innovative thinking and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Conceive and executive comprehensive strategic communications campaigns for all Public Theater programming - including Free Shakespeare in the Park, an annual season of plays and musical productions, vital community initiatives, an annual gala and other key fundraising initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, support, foster growth of, and advocate for a four-person in-house communications team; two in public relations and two in social media.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Development teams to identify and align institutional priorities and maximize reach and impact.
• Lead Social Media Team on strategy, best practices, and content development that reflects today’s trends and is contained within budgetary parameters.
• Cultivate and manage relationships across the communications landscape to secure top tier media coverage.
• Serve as primary Public Theater Spokesperson, as necessary.
• Develop Proactive Crisis messaging with executive leadership and Board of Trustees.
• Draft and coordinate approval of press releases for a wide range of major announcements.
• Develop talking points and craft key messaging based on themes and topics within productions, institutional milestones, or regarding staff, donors, or artists.
• Pitch and coordinate interviews across all media platforms with artists and staff.
• Oversee successful execution of all press-nights, opening night Red-Carpets, special events, and photo/video shoots.
• Ensure that media coverage and social strategies reflect the timeliness of the work being presented with emphasis ons social impact and civic engagement and that all key messaging is maintained.
• Manage press requests and media appearances for Public Theater leadership.
• Engage and manage external PR agencies.
• Provided media training to Public Theater leadership and artists as needed.
• Liaise with communication teams of partner organizations currently engaged with the Public Theater.
  
  

Requirements

• 8 years of working in Public or Media Relations in theater or in the arts and culture sector.
• Strong management skills with an ability to guide and mentor staff and provide training, as necessary.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience building and maintaining respectful internal and external relationships.
• Understanding of anti-racism principles and practices coupled with dedication to furthering how public relations and communications can contribute to this work.
• Well organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize and manage multiple projects under pressure, in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of current social media outlets, best practices, and trends.
• Creative problem solving skills and a service-oriented attitude.
• Weekend and Evening availability, as needed.
  
  

Qualifications

• A proven track record of managing a high-producing team and helping them achieve their best work.
• High-level communication skills.
• Exceptionally strong financial management and computer skills.
• Experience negotiating contracts and familiarity with LORT, as well as AEA, SDC and USA contracts and procedures.
• A strong commitment to the values stated in The Public’s Cultural Transformation Plan
• Experience in managing multiple complex projects with short-term and long term organizational goals.
• Ability to approach high volume, complicated material and situations with composure and an eye toward the “big picture”.
  
  

Compensation

The salary range starts at $100k annually.

This is an exempt position according to the Fair Labor and Standards Act.

The Public Theater supports flexible and hybrid work arrangements. Options can be discussed during the interview process.

Benefits

• The Public Theater offers a robust slate of benefits, which currently include:
• A range of excellent health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Employee Assistance Program and Work-Life Services
• Flexible paid time off
• One paid “day of service” each year
• Commuter benefits for parking and transit
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare
• Pension
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
• Life and disability coverage
• Discounted gym memberships
• Free and discounted theater tickets
  
  

The Public is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, age, or veteran status.

Position is available immediately.

To apply, please head to our website: http://publictheater.org/careers and apply there. Please provide your resume and cover letter.

If you’ve any questions please feel free to email us at jobs@publictheater.org

Salary : $100,000