Director of Public Relations, Non-Classical

Director of Public Relations, Non-Classical

The Director of Public Relations, Non-Classical is responsible for maintaining and positively positioning the public image of the Kennedy Center 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. The Director will manage the day-to-day 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. The Director will supervise a team of direct reports and be responsible for executing strategic communications campaigns from start to finish for all productions that fall under Theater (Broadway and Drama), Theater for Young Audiences, Ballet, Comedy, Dance, Hip Hop, and Jazz, as well as relevant educational programs and events. By building productive relationships with media, artistic partners and outside companies, publicists / managers, and internal staff, they will generate significant and high-impact coverage of a large portion of the more than 2,000 performances and events held at the Center each year.

Reporting to the VP of Public Relations, this position will also work closely and proactively with them 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Publicity & Media Relations : Develop and implement short and long-term public relations strategies that support and leverage the breadth and excellence of the performing arts offerings at the Kennedy Center. Assign, write, review and edit press releases and media communications that reflect the Center’s overarching artistic vision and mission. Primary areas of discipline and focus : Theater, Theater for Young Audiences, ballet, dance, education, comedy, jazz, Hip Hop, Social Impact, and special projects as programmed and assigned.
• Media Affairs : Develop relationships with a key target list of industry press contacts and continue building an open line of communication to develop positive narratives from the media about the Kennedy Center and its programming. Proactive outreach daily to ensure a consistent drumbeat in the public about the works being done here. Draft and edit media pitch and other outreach necessary for a constant presence in the press.
• 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, and cultivate new audiences.
• Management of staff : Provide leadership and guidance to PR team 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.
• Special Events : As a senior member of the Kennedy Center Public Relations Office, assist and support the team for marquee events including the Kennedy Center Honors, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and other Center-wide special events and initiatives to generate a higher profile locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Content Generation / Production : Work closely with the social media team, sharing earned media as suggested content for organic social media posts consistent with strategic communications goals. Advise on the voice, messaging, and branding of the social media accounts.
• Finance / Budget : Oversee and manage budget for PR-related expenditures (e.g. photography, media event costs) for non-classical programming throughout the year. Routinely track invoices and expenses and ensure timely payment for vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

Additional Information

Travel of up to 5% may be required.

Pay Details

The Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $110,000 - $130,000, commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. This is the targeted range of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. This range may be modified in the future. Base pay within the range is ultimately determined by a candidate’s skills, expertise, and experience as it relates to the position qualifications and responsibilities.

Job Description

The Director of Public Relations, Non-Classical is responsible for maintaining and positively positioning the public image of the Kennedy Center 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. The Director will manage the day-to-day 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. The Director will supervise a team of direct reports and be responsible for executing strategic communications campaigns from start to finish for all productions that fall under Theater (Broadway and Drama), Theater for Young Audiences, Ballet, Comedy, Dance, Hip Hop, and Jazz, as well as relevant educational programs and events. By building productive relationships with media, artistic partners and outside companies, publicists / managers, and internal staff, he / she / they will generate significant and high-impact coverage of a large portion of the more than 2,000 performances and events held at the Center each year.

Reporting to the VP of Public Relations, this position will also work closely and proactively with them 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.

Key Qualifications (continued) : See above.

Additional Information : Travel of up to 5% may be required.

#J-18808-Ljbffr