Associate Director of Communications

Job title: Associate Director of Communications

Reports to: Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs

Department: Communications

Status: Full-time; Permanent; Exempt

The associate director of communications raises the profile and awareness of Curtis and its musicians, especially in collaboration with the marketing/digital strategy, advancement, artistic production, and artist management/touring office teams; explores and creates opportunities for public relations and media; advances key messages and values via media placements and external communications; facilitates communications with internal and external stakeholders; fosters long-term engagement with alumni; and provides writing and editing expertise to all areas of the school.

• Ready to Apply?

   

  For best consideration, interested and qualified applicants should electronically submit a cover letter, resume, a recent writing sample, three (3) professional references, and salary requirements to: human.resources@curtis.edu. 

   

For best consideration, interested and qualified applicants should electronically submit a cover letter, resume, a recent writing sample, three (3) professional references, and salary requirements to: human.resources@curtis.edu

Curtis offers a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package. Hire is contingent upon the successful passing of PA Act 153 and criminal (ADP) background screenings. No phone calls, please. EOE. URL: https://www.curtis.edu

Position will remain open and posted until filled.

 Essential Functions

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Communications and publications

• Develop content strategy and create content for aggregator/blog
• Identify opportunities, plan, and develop content for prospective students, audiences, donors, and alumni, in collaboration with marketing/digital strategy, archives, alumni engagement, and touring/artist management teams.
• Write interesting, creative, short form copy that connects and creates impact in both digital and print formats, in line with institutional style
• Organize and distribute relevant communications content to internal stakeholders as appropriate
• Manage content and layout for monthly external email newsletter, and monitor analytics
• Assist with planning, content, and production of semiannual Overtones magazine, performance program books, annual report, and other major publications
• Manage creation, workflow, and production of recital series programs
• Participate in social media content curation as part of a team coordinated by the marketing specialist
• Contribute to crafting of performance blurb and promotional copy
• Assist with generating and maintaining catalogue of photography and visual assets that advance objectives of the school
• Assist marketing team with website content updates, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Media relations and public perception

• Field media requests; assist with scheduling and managing interviews, reporters, photographers, and film crews; and provide supporting material
• Work with vice president of communications and public affairs and external PR partners to expand local, national, and international media coverage and develop press pitches that support departmental goals, campaign priorities, and schoolwide performances and activities
• Write and distribute press releases for Curtis performances, touring activities, student and faculty achievements, and other newsworthy events; assist with talking point creation and press database/contact lists maintenance
• Monitor Curtis mentions in the media, report on coverage, and disseminate to stakeholders as needed
• Maintain press kits and related information
• Compile and update artist bios, promotional copy, press materials clippings for touring activities and managed artists through Curtis on Tour

Additional project management, supervisory, and support functions

• Provide writing and editing expertise to all areas of the school and ensure alignment with Curtis Style Guide
• Track student and alumni achievements for use in website, social media, and publications; oversee storage of historic data in accessible and usable formats for staff
• Help maintain accurate student and faculty bios
• Oversee storage and accessibility of photography assets
• Manage 2–3 student workers in support of departmental functions
• Participate in event-related duties, such as greeting audience members, checking in press representatives, and other event support as needed

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

Curtis welcomes applications from people with a wide variety of experience and backgrounds, who are eager to work hard, learn, and contribute.

Education/Experience: 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications functions
• Excellent and clear writer, skilled in a range of voices and styles
• Close attention to detail; ability to edit one’s own work and that of others
• Knowledge of classical music necessary; previous work in performing arts—especially classical music—highly preferred
• Experience with local and/or national media markets, outlets, and journalists desired.
• Organized, with a customer service mindset
• Creative thinker, strong collaborator, and enthusiastic team player
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially in Word, Excel, and Teams. Knowledge of Meltwater, MailChimp, WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign, Bridge, and Photoshop), Hootsuite, and Raiser’s Edge (or similar products) desired

Required Core Values

The ideal candidate must exhibit:

• A positive, “can-do” attitude.
• Devotion and dedication to Curtis, its students, alumni, and parents.
• Passion for their work, and contribution to the field of classical music and greater good.
• Commitment and accountability for their work, and their ability to effect change.
• Desire and willingness to collaborate, think creatively, and make data-driven decisions.
• Respect, courtesy, and patience for colleagues, other staff, faculty, patrons, core constituents, and volunteers.
• An eagerness to make Curtis a more diverse and inclusive institution.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Exertional requirements are consistent with routine office environment.
• This is an onsite position in Philadelphia, PA.
• Hybrid work schedule is available with three days on campus and two days remote. Some nights and weekends will be required for performances and fundraising events.
• Some travel may be required for events.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire.
• The final candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check and obtain PA Act 153 clearances.

Compensation and Benefits

• Gross annual salary for this position is $85,000 – 95,000, commensurate with experience.
• The Curtis Institute of Music offers a number of perks for full-time staff including free meals on campus during the academic year, a wellness stipend, and mass transit support with employer-sponsored, all-access SEPTA Key Advantage program enrollment.
• This position is benefits eligible. Curtis offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees including health, dental, and vision insurance, basic term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, supplemental insurance options, and paid parental leave.
• 401k plan participation begins after 1 year of eligible service consistent with the plan requirements.