Communications Manager
DESCRIPTION
Summary
Innovation. Diversity. Creativity. Groundbreaking. Legacy. These are just a few of the words associated with The Dallas Opera. Under the leadership of CEO and General Director Ian Derrer and Music Director Emmanuel Villaume, The Dallas Opera has reshaped its business model, broken new ground, and redefined itself with a company culture that values diversity in all forms both on and off the stage, a commitment to advancing careers for women on the opera podium, a dedication to its community through engagement and education, and a global reach through its unique digital offerings. The Dallas Opera offers four mainstage productions per season at its home in Dallas, as well as recitals and other presentations, bringing both familiar repertoire and new work to its audiences. Embracing its virtual stage, TDO’s digital platform hosts content of all kinds, including livestreams of full productions as well as on-demand operas, education activities, and more. The Dallas Opera is a company on the rise.
Position Description
The Dallas Opera team seeks a creative, conscientious, and collaborative leader to serve as its Communications Manager. Reporting to the Director of Marketing, Sales, and Patron Services, the Communications Manager will guide the strategy for public relations to consistently articulate and advance The Dallas Opera’s mission. This position will ensure that The Dallas Opera (TDO) is viewed as a premier U.S. opera company serving audiences in the Winspear Opera House, communities across North Texas, and online through digital programming. The Communications Manager creates and edits communications to successfully promote The Dallas Opera to local and regional media, and collaboratively works with Senior Staff members as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives.
Job Responsibilities
Media Relations
Develop, implement, and measure the success of an annual comprehensive PR and Media Relations plan to raise the profile of TDO through increased coverage of its mainstage productions, digital programs, major fundraising events, and education and community engagement initiatives across print, broadcast, and digital media outlets
Deepen existing and foster new media relationships with local and regional arts and non-arts media in order to advance TDO’s brand and awareness, reach beyond typical audiences, and broaden TDO’s current media network
Manage consultant/contract services for national press as needed
Create and maintain all media lists
Proactively create story ideas and pitch to media
Establish and cultivate collaborative relationships with the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas Arts District organizations, industry leaders, board members, media, government and city officials, and key business, community, and promotional partners
Escort media, photographers, and videographers at live performances and rehearsals
Internal/External Communications
In collaboration with other key staff executives, compose, edit, and produce a variety of communications vehicles—including media releases, TDO News, General Director and patron newsletters, and annual and impact reports for distribution to stakeholders, including board, media, donors, and ticket buyers, as well as marketing and development copy as needed
Provide regular media and press digests to key stakeholders, board, and trustees
Draft and edit General Director and CEO’s speeches and responses to communications from media, community partners, ticket buyers, and donors
Work with General Director and CEO to create key messages and talking points to provide to other internal and external constituents as needed
Represent The Dallas Opera in media interviews and public speaking opportunities as needed
Partner with General Director and CEO, senior management team, and PR consultant on crisis communication planning and response as needed
Establish and maintain company-wide standards for written communications
Program Book
Work with contract program book publisher and internal team to draft layout, create production schedule, gather assets and content, and produce for delivery on time and error free
Schedule and manage interviews with artists, sub-contracting writers for articles and program notes, providing edits to artist bios, and other copy as needed
Manage internal proofing timelines and approvals, publisher contract, printing, and delivery
Serve as primary contact for gathering artist and production images and video content; ensure permissions and oversee accuracy of image credits
Responsible for final proof and edit corrections prior to printing
Manage content for digital programs
Responsible for printed and digital program book archives
Digital Content and Social Media
Work with the General Director and CEO and the Digital Content Manager to lead institutional messaging strategy and content creation to promote press coverage, support the company’s DEI goals, respond to emerging trends where critical statements are required, and other institutional engagement
Participate in digital strategy discussions and co-develop annual plan for content creation through internal and external creative resources, including but not limited to video production of sizzle reels, artist interviews, behind-the-scenes content, digital impact reports, and social content
Assist in the co-creation of a social media staff policy, guidelines for engagement, company voice, and image selection
Provide back up for posting on active channels: YouTube, Meta, and LinkedIn
Provide back up for photography and video archives
Other Responsibilities
Review, edit, and approve all artist and staff bios
Manage independent contractors, vendors, and interns as needed
Maintain positive and productive relationships with staff, board, artists, and consultants
Assist with proofreading marketing and development materials as needed
Attend and actively participate in all team meetings and meetings with direct supervisor and cross-departmental teams, as required
Other duties as requested
Candidate Qualities, Traits, and Characteristics
Leadership, strategic focus, creativity, and accountability
Aptitude for multitasking, prioritizing, attention to detail, and managing time in a fast-paced environment which often presents competing priorities
Strong interpersonal skills
Self-motivated with a commitment to increase media coverage and broaden brand awareness in creative/non-traditional ways when possible
Strong project management and organizational skills; accepts responsibility for quality, accuracy, and timeliness of assignments
Creative team player with customer service mindset, collaborative spirit, and proven ability to build productive working relationships internally and externally
Skills and Knowledge
3-5 years of proven success and related experience with increasing levels of responsibility in performing arts or communications in a mid-sized or large company
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Journalism, Communications, Music)
Proven expertise in managing media relationships
Knowledge and creativity to use print, broadcast, and digital communications including social media to amplify brand awareness to new and existing audiences
Strong communication ability, including superb writing and editing skills
Strong classical music background
A passion for opera/classical music and a deep understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the Texas performing arts and media landscape
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaborating in a Microsoft Teams environment
Able to work nights and weekends as required by the company’s performance schedule
Desired Start Date: August 1, 2024
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $50,000 - $65,000 Annual
Health, vision, and dental insurance, vacation time, paid parental leave, no-cost parking, and professional development opportunities to increase knowledgebase and employee retention.
HOW TO APPLY
The Dallas Opera values diversity in the workplace and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive work environment where employees are treated with dignity and respect. The Dallas Opera is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a policy of non-discrimination with all employees and applicants for employment. This position will remain open until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates has been identified. Applications from populations underrepresented in the arts are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Dallas Opera does not utilize AI for purposes of recruitment and/or hiring.
To apply, please send a cover letter no longer than two pages and resume to recruitment@dallasopera.org using the subject line “Communications Manager.” Please send Word or PDF file only. No phone calls please.
Application Deadline: August 1, 2024
Application Email/Link: dallasopera.org/about/careers/
JOB CONTACT
Sara Newman, Human Resources Generalist and Occupational Health Coordinator