St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
REPORTS TO: Vice President, Communications
POSITION SUMMARY
As a member of the Communications team, the Communications and Publications Coordinator initiates and facilitates production of program booklets, including Playbill, for St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performances. Key responsibilities include writing, editing, and proofreading copy, as well as managing deadlines and working with colleagues, freelancers, and others on content, as needed.
The Communications and Publications Coordinator also researches, writes, and compiles content for other SLSO communications channels, including slso.org, e-newsletters, and SLSOStories.org. The Coordinator cultivates key relationships within the organization, as well as with stakeholders, to facilitate creation and production of communications materials. The Coordinator will thrive in a team environment and contribute actively to the success of the team’s mission.
FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB
1. Manage production of program booklets, including proofreading, routing, and editing, to ensure on-time delivery for all concerts.
2. Research, compile, edit, and proofread copy, biographies, and other materials to be included in Playbill programs.
3. Oversee design, layout, proofreading, and production of Playbill and individual programs, community programs, and special inserts.
4. Work with VP, Communications and other SLSO leadership to strategize and plan Playbill calendar and components for the season.
5. Serve as an institutional liaison with other departments as related to programs, monthly e-newsletters, and pre-concert slides.
6. Direct and coordinate writers for editorial articles, editing stories to completion.
7. Write articles and incidental copy as needed for program booklets.
8. Draft institutional communications, including letters, talking points, remarks, etc., for SLSO channels on behalf of the CEO, Music Director, Board Chair, and other senior leaders.
9. Compile and edit pre-concert slides for programs throughout season. Route through review and proofreading process.
10. Compile, write, route, and edit the monthly SLSO e-newsletter.
11. Write copy as needed for other SLSO communications vehicles (brochures, website, etc.) and purposes.
12. Help ensure that all communication through all vehicles, including website, are consistent in message and style.
13. Manage special publications and projects as needed to ensure that implementation and activities are carried out in accordance with specified objectives.
14. Generate budget for Playbill line items pertaining to print, production, writers’ fees, etc.
15. Coordinate administrative responsibilities for Communications Department, including invoicing, contracting with writers/annotators, negotiating fees within budget, etc.
16. Perform other related duties as needed or directed.
POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Skills and Abilities:
1. Ability to manage and meet deadlines.
2. Strong editing, writing, and proofreading skills.
3. Strong knowledge of and interest in classical music.
4. Ability to apply principles to solve problems and deal with a variety of variables.
5. Ability to perform a wide range of duties requiring a general knowledge of related organizational policies and procedures.
6. Under general direction, work from objectives with little functional guidance.
7. Ability to maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating with internal and external contacts in a manner using considerable tact required to achieve results.
8. Ability to understand and use Graphics software, Spreadsheets, and Word software. Photography/video experience helpful.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
1. Bachelor’s degree in Music, Musicology, Arts Management, Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or similar field.
2. Two+ years professional experience in Communications and as a publications editor preferred, especially with a non-profit arts organization.
3. Must possess extremely proficient writing/proofreading skills and have a firm grasp of industry style.
4. Must possess a strong knowledge of classical music and the orchestra field; solid knowledge of national arts/cultural scene. Keen interest in a variety of musical genres and other art forms.
Ability to identify and capture the nuanced and unique voices of institutional leadership and to ghostwrite authentic-sounding copy for them.
6. Strong organizational and administrative skills and the ability to prioritize tasks, meet multiple deadlines, and work independently.
7. Work well in a highly collaborative, team environment.
8. Ability to work a flexible schedule that will include non-traditional hours.
9. Strategic thinker who has the ability to link day-to-day communications functions to meeting the organization’s strategic direction.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
To apply for this position, please visit https://www.slso.org/careers/
