Overview

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:  

  • 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 

The Public Theater supports flexible and hybrid work arrangements. Options can be discussed during the interview process. This is an exempt full-time position, according to the Fair Labor Standards Act with an annual salary of $100,000.  The position is available immediately. 

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. 

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