Friday, March 5, 2010

Publicist - Chicago

Harris Theater for Music and Dance
Chicago

The Harris Theater, located in Millennium Park downtown Chicago, is a progressive and growing arts organization. The Theater seeks a seasoned Publicist with 5 plus years experience for this part time position.

The Publicist, under the direction of the Executive Vice President of External Affairs, is responsible for actively engaging members of the press and media through a strategic pr plan and increasing the Harris Theater’s regional and national visibility. This position is part of a high-energy collaborative marketing team focused on audience development, ticket sales and attendance goals for Harris Theater Presents and Family Series performances. This position is supported by a Marketing Coordinator.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute high-level PR Communications strategy

• Support ticket revenue goals and audience development through PR and Media relations

• Extend the Harris Theater brand through industry, trade media, multimedia and social media tactics

• Represent the Theater and forge strong relationships with external and internal community partners

• Actively pitch national, regional, and online media outlets for feature stories

• Write all press releases and media alerts

• Collaborate with Marketing and Sales teams to ensure Theater website supports PR, engages media and has robust offerings for media personnel

• Craft language for program copy, other external publications, speaking engagements by Harris personnel, and special events

• Collaborate with marketing team to align advertising and PR messages

• Respond to external requests for information about the Theater, and coordinate with members of Executive team to align all messaging

• Plan and execute philanthropy announcements and placements in periodicals


Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in English, Marketing, Communications, Journalism or related field
5 plus years of experience working in performing arts, non-profit and/or communications industry with demonstrated success placing stories in the media
Assiduous attention to detail. Excellent writing and proofreading skills
Knowledge of emerging communication technologies
Outstanding verbal communications, interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with a variety of personalities with tact and diplomacy
Great judgment, strong initiative and creativity
Willingness to work evenings and weekends
• Experience with project management and proven record of successful ability to meeting project timelines

• Professional demeanor and ability to work independently and as a team player

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast paced environment

• Sense of humor a must


Compensation

This position is part time, 3 days a week or 24 hours per week
Pay is commensurate with experience

Candidates should submit their resumes, writing samples and cover letter to communications@harristheaterchicago.org

Music and Dance Theater Chicago, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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