Senior Communications Manager required

Reporting to the Director of Marketing, Communications and Sales, the key responsibility for this position is the creation and execution of a media relations program for the Festival to publicize The Shaw as a premiere theatre destination to international and domestic theatre critics, travel writers, bloggers and lifestyle media.

The successful candidate will also serve as an official spokesperson for the Shaw with the media; provide communication counsel to senior management; help to enhance the company’s success by applying proactive and reactive communications strategies, including crisis management if necessary; plan and execute press outreach, media events, media FAMS, media calls and photo opportunities; develop press materials for openings and the annual AGM; create unique and compelling story pitches that differentiate The Shaw from its competition; research, write and distribute press releases to targeted media; liaise with colleagues and key spokespeople and liaise with and answer inquiries from media.

The individual we are looking for will understand how successful and comprehensive PR programs align with and support both the company’s marketing programs and The Shaw’s strategic plan in the broadest sense.

S/he will be expert in the use of contemporary communication tools and practices to reinforce both the visitor experience and the company’s reputation. The position is located in the beautiful town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with Departmental Director of Marketing,

Communications and Sales, to develop and

execute a proactive Media Relations plan and

key messages to promote The Shaw Festival

throughout North America

• Acts as first point of contact for all media

requests and manage all responses, coordinate

media interviews and ensure the necessary

follow-up

• Responsible for managing all aspects of media

announcements, including development of

announcement strategy, preparation of all media

materials, coordination of event logistics and all

follow up activity

• Work closely with The Shaw leadership, creative

teams and acting ensemble Provide guidance

and support to media relations co-ordinator

• Ensure the company protects and promotes its \

image in a proper, coordinated, and consistent

manner.

• Act as a media spokesperson on behalf of the

company and address questions and complaints.

• Plan and oversee press events.

• Manage annual media relations and project

budgets

• Develop and implement creative, fresh ideas that

will move the brand and company forward

• Host media and influencers at strategic events

and activities build relationships with key connections

including theatre critics, arts and culture

journalists, travel and leisure journalists, and

bloggers

Qualifications Required

• Post secondary education in Journalism, Media

Relations or Communications

• A minimum of 5 – 7 years of related media and

public relations experience preferably in an arts &

culture environment

• Proven superior writing, editing and

communication skills

• Demonstrated expertise in media relations and

communications practices particularly in the

areas of strategic communications, media

relations, special events management and issues

management.

• An established network of media contacts both in

the arts and culture and travel and leisure sectors

• Proven experience with Mac and Microsoft

Office, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, View

Media Pro (or similar software) Tessitura,

WordPress, PR Web’s on line distribution

services Cision and BurellesLuce web-based

services

• Demonstrated project management skills, with

the ability to co-ordinate a number of complex

projects under pressure, meeting schedule and

budget commitments

• A working knowledge of the Canadian Theatre

Agreement (CTA) would be an asset

• A valid driver’s licence and passport are essential.

This is a full-time position offering a competitive

salary and benefits package.

Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume as a single pdf prior to October 10, 2014 to:

Dianne Gibbs

Director, Human Resources diannegibbs@shawfest.com

We thank all applicants in advance; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

source ArtsJournal http://ift.tt/YqX02Z

Posted in: Dance news