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Public Relations Director (Classical)

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, D.C., Washington
2700 F Street Northwest (Show on map)
Oct 31, 2024
Please submit a cover letter for consideration. About The Kennedy Center "I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit." - President John F. Kennedy The Kennedy Center is the nation's cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents performances across all genres, and is also home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra. At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts. Why Join Us We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: Staff offers for discount tickets Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment) Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA) Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire 11 paid holidays per year Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA Flexible work arrangements We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2024 staff video! Job Description The Director of Public Relations (Classical) is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the awareness, public image, and reputation of the Kennedy Center and its two resident artistic affiliates-the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), helmed by Music Director Gianandrea Noseda and Executive Director Jean Davidson, and Washington National Opera (WNO), led by Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and General Director Timothy O'Leary-alongside distinctive music series including the Fortas Chamber Music Series (Artistic Director Jennifer Koh) and Renee Fleming VOICES. The Director's primary focus is to support the artistic vision of the above by helping to craft key messages and storylines, actively pursuing and delivering coverage and visibility through local, national, and international media placements, new media, self-generated content and storytelling, and by influencing a range of platforms including the Center's social media and website. By deepening existing relationships with arts journalists and developing new connections to entice new writers, editors, and producers to cover the NSO and WNO, he/she/they will expand feature coverage nationally and globally. In an increasingly changing media landscape, the public relations team seeks to leverage new opportunities through multiple, non-traditional media channels and creatively spur interest among new, diverse audiences in symphonic, operatic, and chamber music repertoire and experiences. This role will also work in close coordination with the Center's marketing department to execute strategies that support seasonal marketing and on-sale initiatives to build audiences and achieve earned revenue goals. The Director is a frontline representative of the Public Relations team and will help to manage the day-to-day strategy and media operations of a fast-paced PR office, directing artistic and program announcements, leveraging publicity opportunities, driving media cultivation, and determining positioning of institutional news and issues related to the full range of its classical music activities and related music education and community engagement projects. Reporting to the VP of Public Relations, this position will also work closely and proactively with her and other senior/executive leadership, providing strategic input and guidance as it relates to all variety of communications, including crisis communications. This position regularly collaborates with external artistic partners, vendors, and publicists/managers to coordinate publicity efforts. The Director will supervise a team of two direct reports: a senior press representative and a PR coordinator. Additionally, as part of the execution of strategic communications campaigns throughout the season for the NSO and WNO, this role will craft and lead internal communications to ensure broad awareness and alignment throughout the NSO, WNO, and the Center and among its key stakeholders. Digital Programs This position also has broader oversight for year-round production of digital program content and/or, where applicable, custom printed programs, for all classical programs at the Kennedy Center as well as for off-site residencies and appearances, including texts and translations of vocal works. The Director will supervise the work and production schedule of the senior press representative and coordinator on the Classical PR team, together striving to consistently produce and deliver a high-quality, accurate custom publication (digital or print) for Kennedy Center audiences. The Director will be responsible for editing program content on a weekly basis and work closely with NSO, WNO, Fortas, and VOICES programmers and artistic leadership as necessary to meet the specific needs of their wide range of programs and audiences. The Director will play a critical role in the Center's continued efforts to evolve and innovate the new digital program model.* A leader in the industry, the Kennedy Center first and formally introduced digital programs for a majority of its programs and events in September 2021 as a way to reduce the institution's carbon footprint and preserve the environment. The shift to digital program content allows the Center to save 250 tons of paper annually and provide greater accessibility to all audiences. Key Responsibilities* Publicity & Media Relations: Design and implement comprehensive communications strategies that support and leverage the unparalleled breadth, vibrancy and excellence of the classical music offerings at the Kennedy Center. Help to craft and deliver a message that consistently positions the Center and its affiliates (NSO and WNO) as enterprising arts leaders across America and internationally. Assign, write, review, and edit press releases and media communications that reflect the artistic vision and mission of the Center and its artistic affiliates. Primary areas of discipline and focus: National Symphony Orchestra (classical, Pops, education and outreach programs), Washington National Opera (WNO, Cafritz Young Artists, education and outreach programs), Fortas Chamber Music Series, and Renee Fleming VOICES. Management of staff: Provide leadership and guidance to senior press rep and coordinator in their work towards meeting job objectives and goals. Work with direct reports on long-range PR planning and short and long-term campaigns and direct efforts to achieve maximum publicity for Kennedy Center events, artists, and stories. Content Generation/Production: Work closely with social media team to develop and produce organic social media content consistent with strategic communications goals. Guide the voice, messaging, and branding of the NSO and WNO's social media activities, and ensure its compatibility and inclusion in the news cycle. Commission work to enhance the profile of the Center through brand journalism and other self-generated content. Identify and organize strategic opportunities with influencers around institutionally important events. Digital Program Content: Review and approve draft digital and printed program content for all Kennedy Center/NSO/WNO/other classical programming and events throughout the year. Internal Coordination: Work proactively and initiate/attend regular meetings with senior and artistic leadership, directors, and managers cross-institutionally to develop and execute strong messaging and manage flow and distribution of information. Use public relations expertise to contribute creative ideas that will generate buzz, reach a broad range of media (beyond arts and culture reporters), and cultivate new audiences for classical music. Special Events: As a senior member of the Kennedy Center Public Relations Office, assist and support team for the Center's marquee award events including the Kennedy Center Honors (December), the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (Spring), and other Center-wide special events including major international festivals and other initiatives to generate a higher profile of the Kennedy Center locally, nationally, and internationally. Finance/Budget: Oversee and manage budget for PR-related expenditures (i.e. photography, media event costs) for NSO and WNO throughout the year. Work with Classical PR Coordinator to routinely track invoices and expenses and ensure timely payment for vendors. Other duties as assigned. Key Qualifications Minimum of 8 years of strategic public relations management experience, and a least three years in a supervisory capacity. Demonstrated publicity results on a national level and proven success at managing complex issues in a fast-paced environment. Established and constructive relationships with key journalists and national media outlets highly valued for this position (arts beat and editorial leadership relationships, but also general features/mainstream reporters). Bachelor's degree required; public relations or communications degree a plus. Candidates with appreciation and expansive knowledge of classical music and the performing arts are preferred. Strong interpersonal skills to interact professionally, graciously, and maturely with media, artists, managers/publicists, outside consultants, vendors, trustees, and a variety of other internal and external constituents. High-level strategic communication skills and ability to successfully execute high-profile PR campaigns that raise awareness, appreciation, and profile. Outstanding writing and editing skills Personal characteristics of poise, calm, and composure in stressful, crisis communications situations. Demonstrated supervisory skills and a capacity to build strong teams. Ability to multi-task and respond quickly to requests from journalists/editors, photo desks, as well as internal departments and artistic/executive leadership. Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided. Additional Information Travel of up to 5% may be required.