Associate Director of Communications

DescriptionPOSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Associate Director of Communications is an integral team member in the Marketing and Communications Department, advancing Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s storytelling to engage a wide range of constituents and elevating the institution’s overall brand profile. This position plays a leading role in coordinating media strategy, developing promotional partnerships, and managing the Theater’s digital and social media presence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Partners with the Director of Communications in developing comprehensive institutional and production-specific Marketing & Communications plans, establishing core messaging, and overseeing content creation for the overall CST brand and all productions and programs

Serves as a primary copywriter and proofreader for Chicago Shakespeare Theater external communications, including copy for the website, monthly e-newsletter, e-marketing, and print materials

Leads CST’s media strategy for all productions and serves as primary point of contact for all production-related media requests

Secures a high level of press visibilities for CST’s productions and programs in local, national, and international publications and outlets
Tracks growth by key performance indicators including amount of coverage (in the local market and national/international) and estimated number of overall impressions
Cultivates meaningful relationships with reporters and editors in Chicago and nationally beyond transactional exchanges
Advances media efforts by proactively pitching stories, drafting press releases and media alerts, fulfilling media requests, and generating coverage reports
Arranges logistics for media interviews and appearances, and coordinates details for opening nights and special events
Manages media communications calendar for scheduling press releases, invitations, and other editorial
Updates media contacts and manages event RSVPs in Tessitura database

Engages in outreach to secure additional earned visibilities and expand Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s reach

Develops cross-promotional partnerships with cultural organizations, local businesses, and associations
Creates asset toolkits and distributes promotional copy/imagery for partners
Establishes new community partner relationships for each production to engage widest spectrum of new potential audience members
Represents Chicago Shakespeare at industry events to build the Theater’s network of promotional partners

Oversees Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s social media strategy across platforms in alignment with CST’s institutional goals
Collaborates with Digital Content Specialist to curate engaging organic content across platforms, and collaborates with Marketing team on paid social advertising plans
Spearheads influencer strategy across the season of productions

Models CST’s core values of service, ingenuity, and collaboration as well as its customer service ethos
Champions the organization’s commitment to a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace

QualificationsCOMPETENCIES

Service, ingenuity, and collaboration
Emotional intelligence
Mission-driven
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in managing social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
Passion for theater and the performing arts is a strong plus

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work hours are generally 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday
Evening, weekend, and holiday hours will be necessary as needed during performances and events

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to sit for extended periods of time
Ability to lift up to 20lbs
Ability to stand, bend, and squat
Ability to view computer screen and use computer keyboards regularly

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

3-5 years of experience in marketing, communications, and/or public relations

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

CST is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all our hiring for staff and artists. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination. CST prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.