Job Description

Provides strategic direction to and oversight of the PR department to ensure that the BSO receives the best and broadest possible media exposure for the full range of its activities locally, nationally, and internationally. This opening comes at an especially exciting time, as the BSO enjoys a resurgence under its dynamic and visionary music director, Marin Alsop, and as it begins to prepare for its 2016 centennial. Areas of particular focus include the Orchestra’s growing portfolio of ground-breaking education and community engagement initiatives and the heightened visibility of activities in Washington, D.C., centered on its second home in N. Bethesda, MD. The role also oversees the content, production and publication of magazine-style program books at each of the Orchestra’s two year-round venues. As the director of the PR Department, the Director works with the VP of Marketing and Communications, as well as with senior management, including the President/CEO, Board, Music Director, and staff to develop, implement, and achieve the long-term goals and objectives of the BSO.

Key areas of responsibility include maximizing press relationships, managing internal and external communications, and generating a high volume of press for the organization in both the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. media markets to support the BSO’s ticket and contributed revenue objectives. The Director of Public Relations will also work closely with other departments towards the goal of optimizing the institutional communications and messaging to all stakeholder groups including donors, board, patrons, musicians, volunteers and community partners. The position is based primarily at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (JMSH) but does require occasional travel to the Music Center at Strathmore, our second venue in Bethesda.

The successful candidate will thrive under pressure, be able to balance multiple priorities, and establish her/his self as a trusted resource internally by employees and externally by the media.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Public Relations

• Protect and communicate the brand of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to further our reputation as a world-class orchestra in the local, national, and international markets.
• Develop & implement the overall communication strategy, direct staff in planning and executing international, national, regional, and local publicity and public relations, identifying and maximizing key opportunities.
• In conjunction with Marketing, develop & implement a vigorous media strategy that supports & drives ticket sales through positive stories profiling upcoming BSO events and featured artists. Also works closely with the Social Media Manager and Writer-in-Residence to leverage content and media stories to support promotion of the organization, artists and concert programming.
• Serve as PR point person for corporate communications, image and issue/crisis management.
• Expand and maintain press/media contacts and relations. Serve as spokesperson and primary media contact on behalf of the BSO and JMSH, and for BSO activities at The Music Center at Strathmore.
• Oversee staff in researching and writing of press releases, calendars, fact sheets, pressroom copy, institutional materials and other materials for both internal and external constituents. Ensure highest degree of quality and accuracy in all materials. Produce and manage press release schedules, assignments and deadlines with assistance from Coordinator.
• Develop & implement strategy that furthers the BSO’s relations with a broad range of community and civic groups in the region, with goals of improving brand awareness and increasing ticket sales and attendance.
• Develop high-quality and effective press events; manage operations for same, including annual season announcement and gala, media cultivation affairs, and announcement of major initiatives.

Publications & Editing

• Oversee production of publications including Overture and Applause magazines, and, in conjunction with Marketing, website content
• Serve as part of an editorial team to regularly provide creative input and editing for the BSO’s Writer In Residence (Writer in Residence generates continuous stream of self-generated news stories and dynamic content that will achieve brand loyalty and a sense of online community for the BSO.)
• Spearhead development and design of the BSO’s digital annual report

Internal Communications & Support

• Work with the Development department to represent the BSO in its relations with legislators and officials to advocate for significant public funding from and partnerships with city, county, and state governments.
• Work closely with the BSO’s education department to generate regional and national coverage for the BSO’s ever-broadening education and community engagement programs, including the signature after-school program, OrchKids. This will also include editorial oversight of program-specific newsletters and e-communications.
• Effectively prepare executives, board, and staff for media interviews; prepare key institutional messaging including speeches.
• Oversee archiving of historical documents, including house programs, photography, video and artist biographical files.
• Manage department’s allotment of press tickets, collecting tracking and fulfilling requests for press tickets.
• Ensure standardization of all operating procedures
• Other Duties as Assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND CAPABILITIES

• Minimum of 5 years senior-level work experience in public relations or communications. Experience working with a major non-profit arts organization is preferred.
• Demonstrated superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker who is able to prioritize many competing initiatives.
• Supervisory experience of a proactive media relations department.
• Must have some publications experience including determining editorial schedules, superior writing and editing skills
• Has proven experience in using self-generated content to drive conversation about a product, event or organization as an alternative to traditional media hits
• Knowledge of, and devotion to, symphonic music and the classical music industry is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications or public relations related fields, or related work experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to handle calmly and efficiently situations ranging from routine to emergency.
• Skills demonstrating tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.
• Proven ability to instruct board and staff in media relations
• Excellent critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills
• Must have or be able to quickly acquire knowledge of organizational structure (mission, goals and objectives), department policies and procedures.