Communications Manager
DESCRIPTION
SUMMARY
The Communications Manager is a key member of Des Moines Metro Opera’s advancement team, responsible for shaping and maintaining the organization’s external communications. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, this position plays a vital role in engaging audiences, donors, and the media through dynamic storytelling and content creation, social media management, email communications and media relations. Working collaboratively with the marketing, development and guest experience teams, the Communications Manager will ensure consistent branding and compelling messaging, cultivate and strengthen community relationships, and raise brand awareness for the organization.
The ideal candidate will possess exceptional writing and proofreading skills, keen attention to detail, a passion for music and the arts, and a flexible, growth-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and adapt.
BENEFITS & SALARY
Competitive health, life, disability, and retirement plan, and generous PTO. Salary is $58,000.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Content Creation, Copywriting, Editing
Create, curate, and manage compelling content for various platforms, including social media, website, email newsletters, press releases, season advertisements and print materials
Provide writing and editing support for advancement materials and company communications, including proposals, stewardship reports, annual fund appeals, company newsletters and season materials
Proofread and route all patron communications to relevant departments to ensure consistency in DMMO branding and to find and fix all inaccuracies
Social Media Management
Develop and implement the social media strategy to grow followers and engagement across official DMMO platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, YouTube)
Create, schedule, and monitor social media content, ensuring alignment with DMMO’s voice and brand
Engage with followers by responding to comments and messages to build relationships and collaborate with DMMO artists during the festival and throughout the year to expand our national and international social media presence
Email Communications
Manage all activities on the MailChimp platform and develop a communications calendar with Advancement Director
Work with Guest Experience Manager on all ticket/event related emails
Organize and develop monthly News & Notes e-newsletters in collaboration with Creative Director
Media Relations
Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
Draft and distribute press releases, media kits, and feature stories to generate press coverage.
Identify press opportunities and monitor media mentions.
Work with Advancement Director to secure opera reviewers for each festival season and serve as the primary point of contact for reviewers during the season
Program Advertising
Lead efforts to secure program advertisers in the annual Festival Season program book
Special Events Facilitation
Promote and share the mission of Des Moines Metro Opera through arranging, planning, promoting and executing special fundraising, cultivation and stewardship events for the company
Prepare and oversee general operations for special events including cultivating and maintaining vendor relationships and strategic planning for annual events calendar
CRM and Box Office
Undertake training to become a certified Patron Manager user
Assist Guest Experience Manager in taking ticket orders via phone and in-person
Promote an inclusive, respectful and compassionate working environment that prioritizes the company’s values towards equity, diversity and inclusivity
REQUIREMENTS
Have passion for connecting and building relationships with people
Excellent donor/customer service skills and relationship management skills
Experience developing and managing a variety of digital and social media platforms and programs
Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word. Experience with Salesforce/PatronManager and MailChimp is a plus
Three years or more of non-profit, events or performing arts experience preferred. Proven success in relationship building
Be self-motivated and an independent thinker who consistently meets deadlines, resolves conflicting priorities, and has outstanding interpersonal skills
Excellent organizational skills and exceptional written and verbal communication.
Extremely detail-oriented and thorough work required
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and achieve results in a timely fashion
Ability to work evenings and weekend events
Flexibility and solution-oriented focus within fast-paced and ever-changing environments and various personalities
Ability to maintain and work within a budget
Residency in Des Moines, IA metro area. A relocation stipend will be offered if needed
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $58,000 - $58,000 Weekly
BENEFITS & SALARY
Competitive health, life, disability, and retirement plan, and generous PTO. Salary is $58,000.
HOW TO APPLY
Please visit our website to apply: https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/employment/
Application Email/Link: desmoinesmetroopera.org/documents/cms/docs/Communications-Manager---DMMO-2025.pdf