Goodman Theatre is hiring: Publicity Manager in Chicago

JOB TITLE: Publicity Manager

REPORTS TO: Chief Communications Officer

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Salary, Exempt

COMPENSATION RATE: $48,000 - $55,000

LOCATION: 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60601 (Hybrid Eligible)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Publicity Manager plays a key role on Goodman Theatre’s Communications team—the department responsible for earned media efforts (press/publicity) and owned media tactics (visuals/design, video, Playbill). The Publicity Manager promotes the theater’s productions and programs while advancing the not-for-profit theater arts and community organization’s brand in the mind of its audiences. Areas of oversight in this position include message development, media relations, and information distribution to support ticket sales and the Goodman’s mission. The Publicity Manager collaborates closely with the Marketing team, as well as with theater leadership and departments across the organization, including planning, logistics and internal communication.

The Publicity Manager reports to the Chief Communications Officer, with whom the Manager assists in the messaging, planning and execution of all aspects of publicity campaigns and public information programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with the Chief Communications Officer to develop/implement/evaluate opportunistic press plans for productions and events
• Write press releases, strategic pitches and Identify images and scenes appropriate for media distribution
• Research media opportunities/contacts and maintain press lists using Cision
• Assemble and update background pitch materials for each production/event
• Manage publicity calendars, keeping current with deadlines and reminders
• Schedule, facilitate and distribute photo and video assets
• Manage Opening Night preparations—create invitations, manage seating and attendance, greet press during the evening.
• Maintain the Goodman’s website “Press Room”
• Archival duties, including distribution of materials to other theaters, producers, journalists, scholars and students
• Assist with additional departmental responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• 4+ years of experience in communication/traditional media/public relations—ideally for a theater. Established relationships with members of Chicago and national media strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, communications, English or related communications field.
• Must be a strong writer and editor, self-starter, self-motivated, highly organized, and able to work well with artists and staff within all disciplines and levels within the theater.
• Must have reliable transportation to work in-person at the theater as well as other locations within the Chicago community (i.e. interviews at radio and television stations, etc.)
• Some early morning, evening and weekend hours required including, but not limited to, press interviews, designer run-thrus, final dress rehearsal with photos, opening nights.
• Experience with Cision, Tessitura, Wordfly, Dropbox and Microsoft programs (ii(ncluding Teams) preferred.
• Model behavior and values consistent with Goodman’s Community Agreements and furthering Goodman’s IDEAA (inclusion, diversity, equity, anti-racism and access) goals.

BACKGROUND:

Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. The theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics.

We at Goodman Theatre believe that a diversity of people, ideas and cultures in our organization enriches both the art on stage and our civic engagement. In our workplace, we strive to reflect the communities we serve, and make space in which everyone is empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. The Goodman values equity, diversity and inclusion and is committed to approaching our work through the practice of anti-racism. Learn more at GoodmanTheatre.org/Accountability

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Goodman Theatre offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, paid vacation, sick leave, and retirement plan.

Goodman Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. By dedicating itself to three guiding principles—quality, diversity and community— the Goodman Theatre seeks to be the premier cultural organization in Chicago, providing productions and programs that make an essential contribution to the quality of life in our city.

The Goodman is an inclusive and accessible employer. Successful candidates will have experience working with diverse groups of people and will demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing equity and inclusion at the Goodman Theatre.