Communications Manager

SummaryInnovation. Diversity. Creativity. Groundbreaking. Legacy. These are just a few of the words associated with The Dallas Opera. Under the leadership of CEO and General Director Ian Derrer and Music Director Emmanuel Villaume, The Dallas Opera has reshaped its business model, broken new ground, and redefined itself with a company culture that values diversity in all forms both on and off the stage, a commitment to advancing careers for women on the opera podium, a dedication to its community through engagement and education, and a global reach through its unique digital offerings. The Dallas Opera offers four mainstage productions per season at its home in Dallas, as well as recitals and other presentations, bringing both familiar repertoire and new work to its audiences. Embracing its virtual stage, TDO's digital platform hosts content of all kinds, including livestreams of full productions as well as on-demand operas, education activities, and more. The Dallas Opera is a company on the rise.Position DescriptionThe Dallas Opera team seeks a creative, conscientious, and collaborative leader to serve as its Communications Manager. Reporting to the Director of Marketing, Sales, and Patron Services, the Communications Manager will guide the strategy for public relations to consistently articulate and advance The Dallas Opera's mission. This position will ensure that The Dallas Opera (TDO) is viewed as a premier U.S. opera company serving audiences in the Winspear Opera House, communities across North Texas, and online through digital programming. The Communications Manager creates and edits communications to successfully promote The Dallas Opera to local and regional media, and collaboratively works with Senior Staff members as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives.Job ResponsibilitiesMedia RelationsDevelop, implement, and measure the success of an annual comprehensive PR and Media Relations plan to raise the profile of TDO through increased coverage of its mainstage productions, digital programs, major fundraising events, and education and community engagement initiatives across print, broadcast, and digital media outletsDeepen existing and foster new media relationships with local and regional arts and non-arts media in order to advance TDO's brand and awareness, reach beyond typical audiences, and broaden TDO's current media networkManage consultant/contract services for national press as neededCreate and maintain all media listsProactively create story ideas and pitch to mediaEstablish and cultivate collaborative relationships with the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas Arts District organizations, industry leaders, board members, media, government and city officials, and key business, community, and promotional partnersEscort media, photographers, and videographers at live performances and rehearsalsInternal/External CommunicationsIn collaboration with other key staff executives, compose, edit, and produce a variety of communications vehicles-including media releases, TDO News, General Director and patron newsletters, and annual and impact reports for distribution to stakeholders, including board, media, donors, and ticket buyers, as well as marketing and development copy as neededProvide regular media and press digests to key stakeholders, board, and trusteesDraft and edit General Director and CEO's speeches and responses to communications from media, community partners, ticket buyers, and donorsWork with General Director and CEO to create key messages and talking points to provide to other internal and external constituents as neededRepresent The Dallas Opera in media interviews and public speaking opportunities as neededPartner with General Director and CEO, senior management team, and PR consultant on crisis communication planning and response as neededEstablish and maintain company-wide standards for written communicationsProgram BookWork with contract program book publisher and internal team to draft layout, create production schedule, gather assets and content, and produce for delivery on time and error freeSchedule and manage interviews with artists, sub-contracting writers for articles and program notes, providing edits to artist bios, and other copy as neededManage internal proofing timelines and approvals, publisher contract, printing, and deliveryServe as primary contact for gathering artist and production images and video content; ensure permissions and oversee accuracy of image creditsResponsible for final proof and edit corrections prior to printingManage content for digital programsResponsible for printed and digital program book archivesDigital Content and Social MediaWork with the General Director and CEO and the Digital Content Manager to lead institutional messaging strategy and content creation to promote press coverage, support the company's DEI goals, respond to emerging trends where critical statements are required, and other institutional engagementParticipate in digital strategy discussions and co-develop annual plan for content creation through internal and external creative resources, including but not limited to video production of sizzle reels, artist interviews, behind-the-scenes content, digital impact reports, and social contentAssist in the co-creation of a social media staff policy, guidelines for engagement, company voice, and image selectionProvide back up for posting on active channels: YouTube, Meta, and LinkedInProvide back up for photography and video archivesOther ResponsibilitiesReview, edit, and approve all artist and staff biosManage independent contractors, vendors, and interns as neededMaintain positive and productive relationships with staff, board, artists, and consultantsAssist with proofreading marketing and development materials as neededAttend and actively participate in all team meetings and meetings with direct supervisor and cross-departmental teams, as requiredOther duties as requestedCandidate Qualities, Traits, and CharacteristicsLeadership, strategic focus, creativity, and accountabilityAptitude for multitasking, prioritizing, attention to detail, and managing time in a fast-paced environment which often presents competing prioritiesStrong interpersonal skillsSelf-motivated with a commitment to increase media coverage and broaden brand awareness in creative/non-traditional ways when possibleStrong project management and organizational skills; accepts responsibility for quality, accuracy, and timeliness of assignmentsCreative team player with customer service mindset, collaborative spirit, and proven ability to build productive working relationships internally and externallySkills and Knowledge3-5 years of proven success and related experience with increasing levels of responsibility in performing arts or communications in a mid-sized or large companyBachelor's degree in a related field (Journalism, Communications, Music)Proven expertise in managing media relationshipsKnowledge and creativity to use print, broadcast, and digital communications including social media to amplify brand awareness to new and existing audiencesStrong communication ability, including superb writing and editing skillsStrong classical music backgroundA passion for opera/classical music and a deep understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the Texas performing arts and media landscapeProficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaborating in a Microsoft Teams environmentAble to work nights and weekends as required by the company's performance scheduleOther Details:Benefits include: Health, vision, and dental insurance, vacation time, paid parental leave, no-cost parking, and professional development opportunities to increase knowledgebase and employee retention.Education: Bachelor's degree preferredLocation: Dallas, TexasOffice Hours: 9 AM-5 PM except for evening rehearsal, performance, and special

event dates. On those occasions, office hours will be flexible and mutually agreed. The Dallas Opera is a hybrid work environment.Travel: OccasionalWebsite:The Dallas Opera values diversity in the workplace and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive work environment where employees are treated with dignity and respect. The Dallas Opera is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a policy of non-discrimination with all employees and applicants for employment. This position will remain open until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates has been identified. Applications from populations underrepresented in the arts are strongly encouraged to apply.The Dallas Opera does not utilize AI for purposes of recruitment and/or hiring.To apply, please send a cover letter no longer than two pages and resume torecruitment@ using the subject line Communications Manager. Please send Word or PDF file only. No phone calls please.