Apply on Employer Site

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts · 2 days ago

Director of Public Relations, Classical

Washington, DC

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$110K/yr - $130K/yr

8+ years exp

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the nation’s cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The Director of Public Relations (Classical) is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the awareness and public image of the Kennedy Center and its artistic affiliates, focusing on crafting key messages and delivering media coverage to support their artistic vision.

Education

Responsibilities

Design and implement comprehensive public relations 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

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 it’s programming

Proactive outreach daily to ensure there is 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

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

Provide leadership and guidance to deputy director and associate director 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

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

Work closely with 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 NSO and WNO’s social media accounts

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

Qualification

Strategic public relationsMedia relationsCrisis communicationsSupervisory experienceClassical music knowledgeTeam buildingMulti-taskingInterpersonal skills

Required

Minimum of 8 years of strategic public relations management experience, and at 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

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

Candidate must be willing to work onsite