The San Diego Symphony Communications Manager plays a critical role in increasing brand awareness for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and Jacobs Music Center. The Communications Manager acts as a key member of the creative content team and serves as one of the organization’s embedded storytellers. This role helps develop SDSO’s efforts in media relations, content development, and marketing efforts.
Position responsibilities include the following:
MEDIA/COMMUNITY RELATIONS
- Support the Director of Communications by writing short form press releases and media alert
- Draft monthly long-lead emails to send to select journalists and outlets
- Help manage SDS’s media contact lists: local, regional, travel & tourism media, and social media influencers
- Liaise with media at concerts, interviews, and scheduled press trips
- Represent the San Diego Symphony for interviews and comments when needed
- Research and seek out new media relationships for the San Diego Symphony
- Identify unique stories for press pitching and content building needs
- Monitor media coverage related to the San Diego Symphony brand, and help oversee the collection, management, and circulation of the department's collection of press clippings to appropriate colleagues
- Schedule interviews
- Respond to media inquiries
- Create prep documents for interviews
- Assist in the creation of monthly board reports
- Attend select rehearsals, concerts, and events to assist with media photography and journalists
- Help to manage SDSO Press Kits
Content Curation Responsibilities
- Storyteller and Writer for the SDSO blog
- Assist with email and website proofing
- Assist in the production of ongoing video series projects, including production planning, talent scheduling, the hiring of contractors and invoice management.
- Work alongside Marketing team to help manage photo and video shoots
- Support in curation the Symphony’s Monthly Email Newsletter
- Support the collection headshots and bios for program books; edit materials to fit SDS style guide
- Serve as a member of the Social Media team to assist in brainstorming, content capture and proofing of assets
- Capable of assisting with the capture and editing of basic short form content video
- Help oversee hired photography and videography at concerts
- Co-manage the institution's library of digital assets, including electronic photo and video archives, photo selection for external partners, and permissions/crediting for use of photographs and video
- Serve as a key point person for content needs across departments – donor interviews, community engagement updates and post-event wrap-ups, artistic announcements…etc.
- Act as a member of the monthly program book editorial team
Requirements
Education, Experience and Abilities:
- Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Arts Administration, or related field desired; equivalent experience acceptable
- Outstanding writing and interpersonal communications skills
- 2+ years of experience of relevant public relations or marketing experience
- Photography, videography, and proficiency with photo and video editing software highly desirable
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- Able to consistently maintain a professional image and demeanor
- Able to successfully prioritize to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Knowledge of and a passion for orchestral music is highly desirable
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and able to learn and use various database, project management, and planning software (including but not limited to HeyOrca, ArtsVision, Social Media Management Tools, Asana, Photoshop, and basic video editing software.)
- Able to work a flexible concert schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and some holidays
- Regular, predictable attendance is required for day, evening, and weekend work shifts.
- Available to work regular business hours in addition to evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
Benefits
This position is full-time with excellent benefits, based at San Diego Symphony locations: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and Jacobs Music Center. There is also the opportunity for this position to be hybrid (work from home and on site).
Pay rate: $25.00/hour non-exempt