Position Title: Vice President, Communications
Department: Communications
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Position Summary
The Vice President (VP) of Communications is responsible for the architecture of external and internal stakeholder communications, and brand voice that tells the story of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts (POEA). This leader will anchor communications around three strategic pillars: proactive and strategic institutional and external visibility, internal engagement, and crisis response. The VP will develop communications strategies that elevate The Philadelphia Orchestra’s global artistic leadership, while also celebrating Ensemble Arts Philly’s role as the city’s performing arts hub that represents a variety of genres. This is more than a leadership role – it is a chance to help shape the future of one of the world’s great orchestras and to serve as a trusted advisor to both artists and colleagues in the moments that matter most. Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and working closely with the President and CEO and in partnership with senior leadership, the VP develops and executes multichannel communication strategies that focus on and raise the organization’s visibility while engaging a wide breadth of audiences in Philadelphia and around the world.
Requirements
- Develop and implement an overall communications strategy for internal and external stakeholders that directly supports the strategic goals of the enterprise institution, identifying storytelling opportunities that move the organization and its entities forward, while simultaneously reaching new audiences and mitigating accessibility and outreach roadblocks.
- Elevate internal communications systems and storytelling that connect musicians, staff, Board, and volunteers to shared priorities, demonstrating transparency and building a culture of trust.
- Lead crisis communications strategies with a focus on clear, accurate, and rapid response needs.
- Create and lead a comprehensive narrative and messaging strategy that exponentially grows the organization’s support across the Philadelphia area and positions the organization as leader in performing arts globally, as a convener for the arts community regionally, and as a civic partner in Philadelphia.
- Design and implement comprehensive public relations strategies and measurement tools that support and leverage the unparalleled breadth and excellence of the art created by the organization.
- Spearhead a holistic communications content and publications (Playbill) strategy, ensuring seamless engagement that includes search engine optimization tactics in content across digital platforms in partnership with the digital marketing team.
- Lead the team responsible for communications for The Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as the team that manages communications for the other genres and programs across Ensemble Arts Philly.
- Collaborate with the education and development departments and institutional marketing to integrate strategic messaging across programming, learning initiatives, and fundraising activities.
- Serve as the primary media strategist and institutional spokesperson for key outlets—including leadership with regional, national, and international journalists—and ensure the organization’s story is proactively shaped and consistently represented.
- Establish and nurture relationships with key stakeholders in the arts industry to identify collaborative storytelling opportunities.
- Provide leadership and guidance to direct reports and key consultants in their work towards meeting clearly articulated job objectives and goals.
- Lead efforts to communicate and connect programmatic platforms and initiatives (exhibitions, partnerships, pop-up-shop, restaurant, etc.) externally across multiple platforms.
- Establish messaging priorities (short and long-term), consistent communications, and brand identity across all digital, interpretive, marketing, media relations, and publication platforms.
- In collaboration with the institutional marketing team, maintain and continue to evolve a brand values system, including positioning statement, narrative, and tone of voice to be woven throughout each brand touchpoint online, in person, and in community engagement.
- Integrate brand identity and voice into editorial processes to ensure consistent execution across all printed and digital materials.
- Participate and collaborate as a member of the organization’s senior leadership team, providing input and counsel for decisions affecting annual and long-term operating plans, including the strategic plans, program priorities, capital needs, and human and financial resources.
- Lead an integrated internal communications strategy that keeps staff, musicians, Board, and key volunteers informed, engaged, and aligned with organizational priorities, culture, and values.
- Oversee executive communications for the President and CEO and senior leadership, including newsletter, speeches, op/eds, talking points, and key message platforms for high-profile internal and external moments.
- Develop members of the executive team as visible civic and sector leaders by identifying and supporting speaking opportunities, award submissions, media engagements, written thought leadership, and other public-facing communications across the region and beyond.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Advanced degree in Communications or Public Relations or equivalent experience from which that training can be acquired.
- Ten or more years’ progressive experience in the field of communications, either in an agency or in a cultural setting.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement forward-thinking communication, branding, and engagement strategies that support the organization’s mission, enhance visibility, and attract diverse audiences.
- Strong understanding of the nonprofit and performing arts landscape, with the ability to navigate institutional structures, collaborate across departments, and engage key stakeholders, including artists, trustees, funders, and the public.
- Proven track record of setting ambitious goals related to audience growth, public engagement, and brand positioning, with the ability to measure impact and adapt strategies to maximize success.
- Deep understanding of the intersection between arts, culture, philanthropy, and public engagement, with the ability to position the organization effectively within the contemporary art ecosystem.
- Ability to synthesize diverse perspectives—including artistic vision, community needs, and institutional priorities—into clear and compelling communications strategies.
- Exceptional storytelling, writing, and presentation skills, with the ability to inspire confidence, represent the organization externally, and communicate with clarity and authority across diverse audiences.
- Adept at identifying creative solutions to challenges in audience development, communications, media relations, and digital engagement, particularly within the constraints of a nonprofit budget.
- Experience managing departmental budgets, negotiating contracts with media and creative agencies, and ensuring that communication initiatives align with financial and operational goals.
- Strong leadership abilities in mentoring and developing teams, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, and ensuring that staff are empowered to execute the organization’s vision effectively.
Work Environment and Requirements
- This position is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with an onsite/remote schedule as determined by organizational policy and business needs.
- Evening and weekend work is required in conjunction with performances, special events, rehearsals, and other organizational activities.
- Routine office environment with extended periods of computer and desk work; ability to navigate performance and event venues as needed.
Reporting structure
Reports to: Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Member of: Senior leadership team, collaborating closely with the President and CEO and other executives.
Direct reports:
- Head of Orchestra Communications.
- Director of Ensemble Arts Philly Public Relations.
- Video and digital content creation specialist.
- Publications and editorial staff (including program books and written content).
- Digital asset management staff
- Social media and community engagement.
- General publicity and media relations staff (including press outreach and support).
Leadership responsibilities for this team:
- Set overall communications strategy and priorities across The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly.
- Align messaging and campaigns across orchestra, venue, and institutional communications.
- Mentor, develop, and evaluate team members, fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment.
- Ensure coordinated, high-impact communications that advance organizational, artistic, and civic goals.
The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, veteran or disability status.
Employees are expected to be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, with or without job modification/reasonable accommodation. If an employee believes a job modification/reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources so that a review can be conducted. POEA strives to comply with the accommodation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and other related federal, state, and local laws.
