Communications Manager

THE POSITION:

The Communications Manager will serve as a press representative for Guthrie Theater productions and presentations, amplifying the work both on and off the stage and fielding media inquiries about Guthrie programming and initiatives. This role will also support the Marketing team by contributing story ideas for internal and external publication as well as writing and editing copy that furthers the goals of the department and organization. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; and Fiscal Responsibility.

This position is full-time, exempt and benefits-eligible. Compensation for this position is $50,800 – $62,934 annually plus benefits. The typical schedule for this role will vary based on the dynamic schedule of a theater.

The Guthrie is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender and non-binary candidates. This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Public Relations

• Serve as a press representative for Guthrie productions, presentations and special initiatives, developing and executing strategies to increase awareness and drive ticket sales through earned media.
• Research the plays to be produced each season, gather show-related information from internal sources, maintain a working knowledge of key messaging for every production and develop thoughtful story ideas.
• Cultivate strong relationships with local, regional and national media as well as outlets that serve historically underrepresented groups. 
• Craft clear and concise press releases, pitches and invitations for dissemination. 
• Coordinate interviews and photo shoots, accompany staff and artists to onsite and offsite press opportunities, prepare talking points and provide basic media coaching. 
• Maintain a working knowledge of the theater’s programs, policies and personnel. 
• Collaborate with stage management and production photographers to schedule and coordinate show photography, B-roll footage and special photo calls. 
• Collaborate with members of the Marketing team to select production photos and B-roll clips for promotional use. 
• Track incoming ticket requests and greet press as they arrive for opening night performances. 
• Respond to media requests for information or photography in a timely fashion. 
• Research and coordinate external speaking opportunities for Guthrie leadership and staff.

2. Writing and Editing

• Maintain a working knowledge of the Guthrie’s Style Guide. 
• Collect, fact-check and edit artist bios for print and digital publications. 
• Draft copy for social media, patron-facing emails and the website as assigned. 
• Interview staff and artists and write original content for various print and digital publications as assigned. 
• Transcribe and edit interviews with staff and artists as assigned. 
• Draft or proofread internal and external communications as assigned.

3. Administrative

• Maintain up-to-date media lists and contacts. 
• Track, summarize and archive media coverage and distribute timely and relevant coverage to staff. 
• Manage relationships with contracted photographers and archive incoming photo files. 
• Field inquiries about Guthrie history, programming and participation in community/civic events. 
• Conduct industry-related research and frequent fact-checking. 
• Monitor the Guthrie’s social media channels on assigned evenings and weekends, responding to comments, questions or criticism using approved institutional talking points. 
• Participate in department meetings to generate ideas for marketing plans and publications. 
• Represent the Guthrie at community events and festivals (may include evenings and weekends). 
• Capture behind-the-scenes photos of staff and artists at work and special events as assigned. 
• Complete other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience in public relations, communications and/or journalism for a mid-sized organization required. 
• Demonstrated professional writing/editing experience required. 
• Strong attention to detail, ability to write creatively and exceptional proofreading skills. 
• Familiarity with local and national media landscape and understanding of journalistic practices. 
• Ability to effectively communicate story ideas to reporters. 
• Experience with media monitoring services such as Meltwater or Cision preferred but not required. 
• Strong organizational skills; ability to handle multiple tasks, manage priorities and meet deadlines. 
• Proactive in order to anticipate and solve problems. 
• Experience working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with multiple and sometimes competing deadlines to ensure work is completed in a timely and productive manner. 
• Exercises good judgment, maintains confidentiality and adapts to change. 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills. 
• Experience, ability and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference, such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class and immigrant status. 
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record preferred in order to drive artists to interviews as necessary. 
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days reflective of the dynamic schedule of a theater.

THE LOCATION:

The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. In addition to a competitive salary, the Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks.