Director of Communications

Conceived over sixty years ago as one of the nation’s first not-for-profit theaters, The Public has long operated on the principles that theater is an essential cultural force and that art and culture belong to everyone. The Public is seeking a savvy, strategic, and collaborative Senior Director of Communications to lead its communications team in amplifying the stories of the theater’s artists, productions, programs, and mission through innovative and skillfully planned strategic campaigns.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Director of Communications will build and maintain relationships across the media landscape, develop captivating narratives and pitches for a wide array of productions and programs, collaborate closely with colleagues and artists across the organization, and support the continued development of the communications team through innovative thinking and advocacy.

Responsibilities:

Conceive and execute comprehensive strategic communications campaigns for all Public Theater programming—including Free Shakespeare in the Park, an annual season of plays and musical productions, vital community initiatives, and an Annual Gala

Lead, mentor, support, advocate for, and foster growth of a five-person in-house communications team; three in public relations and 2 in social media.

Collaborate with Marketing and Development teams to identify and align on institutional priorities and maximize reach and impact

Lead Social Media team on strategy, best practices, and content development that reflects today’s trends and is contained within budgetary parameters

Cultivate and manage relationships across the communications landscape to secure top tier media coverage

Serve as primary Public Theater spokesperson as necessary

Develop proactive crisis messaging with executive leadership and the Board of Trustees

Draft and coordinate approval of press releases for a wide range of major announcements

Develop talking points and craft key messaging based on themes and topics within productions or regarding staff, donors, or artists

Pitch and coordinate interviews across all media platforms with artists and staff

Oversee successful execution of all press nights, opening night red-carpets, special events, and photo/video shoots

Ensure that media coverage and social strategies reflect the timeliness of the work being presented with emphasis on social impact and civic engagement and that all key messaging is maintained

Manage press requests and media appearances for Public Theater Leadership

Manage departmental budget and advise on department needs

Engage and manage external PR agencies

Provided media training to Public leadership and artists as needed

Liaise with communication teams of partner organizations currently engaged with the Public Theater

Requirements

Requirements:

8+ years of working in public or media relations in theater or in the arts and culture sector

Strong management skills with an ability to guide and mentor staff and provide training as necessary

Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills and experience building and maintaining respectful internal and external relationships

Understanding of anti-racism principles and practices coupled with dedication to furthering how public relations and communications can contribute to this work

Well organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize and manage multiple projects under pressure, in a fast-paced environment in order to meet deadlines

Strong knowledge of current social media outlets, best practices and trends

A creative problem solver with a service-oriented attitude

Must be available for some evenings and weekends

COVID-19 and Vaccination Policy
As a condition of employment, The Public will require all who report to work on-site (either at The Public Theater or any other workspace or performing location) to be up to date on the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, as eligible based on CDC guidelines.

Commitment
The Public is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, age, or veteran status.