Kimmel Center, Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit organization, owns, manages, supports and maintains The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, which includes Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, Innovation Studio and the Merck Arts Education Center. Kimmel Center, Inc. also manages the Academy of Music, owned by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association, andthe University of the Arts’ Merriam Theater. Our mission is to operate a world-class performing arts center that engages and serves a broadaudience from throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

Department:              Communications
Reports to:                 Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Direct Reports:          Manager, Public Relations
Status:                        Exempt

Position Summary:

The Director of Media Relations & Communication provides overall leadership and management of Kimmel Center communication strategies, its programming and education initiatives, and overall institutional identity and messaging. The Director will also be responsible for some internal communications initiatives and cross-departmental communications.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Executes proactive public and media relations campaigns related to KCI’s programming, fundraising initiatives, venue rental, and other activities to fulfill the KCI mission and departmental goals.
• Works closely with the President, other senior staff and Board members on institutional positioning of KCI in all media.
• Supervises development of PR staff and conduct annual review.
• Supervises and direct efforts of outside PR consultants/agencies.
• Acts as KCI spokesperson during media interviews and public speaking engagements.
• Works with PR Manager to oversee research, writing and distribution of annual reports, media releases, pitches, alerts, calendar listings, and other efforts to ensure maximum exposure.
• Creates reports and reports regularly to Vice Presidents and partners.
• Directs publicity efforts including planning and oversight of news conferences, media tours, photo ops and press events both at the KCI venues and off sight.
• Strategizes and plans electronic distribution of digital assets and press releases and keeps KCP’s Press Room up-to-date.
• Expands KCI’s relationships with, national, regional, local, online and ethnic media and influencers.
• Oversees the response for all emergency and crisis situations that may arise, providing counsel and serving as the KCI spokesperson (or preparing executives to be spokespersons)
• Provides counsel and periodic support to Resident Companies and renters presenting performances at KCI.
• Creates talking points for KCI executives for all media events.
• Assists in coordination of materials and visuals for board, development, and government affairs initiatives, as needed.

 Department Responsibilities

• Responds to all media requests – institutional or show-related.
• Researches, writes, routes and distributes press materials.
• Pitches placements, coordinates interviews and secures press for photo opportunities to promote performances, education programs, and community events.
• On-site media relations during shows and performances.
• Media ticketing efforts.
• Creates publicity reports for show partners and senior staff.
• Develops and maintains all media lists and distribution systems.
• Maintains on-line media center.
• Maintains of complete media files and media tracking logs.
• Maintains photography archives for the entire organization:
  • Assures that photographers are secured when needed for any activity at KCI.
  • Tracks expenses, submits for processing.
  • Escorts photographers, in conjunction with PR manager
  • Negotiates with vendors and supervise video projects related to performances and institutional efforts.
  • Liaises with Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Visit Philly media relations in coordination of media visits – coordinate ticket requests and tours.
  • Escorts photographers at events.
  • Distributes key media placements in a timely manner to key staff and partners.
  • Creates and reviews institutional materials and reports, as requested.
  • Prepares reports and presentations for Board meetings and Executive Committee meetings.
  • Prepares of press clipping books for KCI events.
  • Meets and assists press at Center performances and events.
  • Transports artists to off-site media interviews.
  • Works with Programming, Ticket Philadelphia, Fundraising, and Marketing Director to determine show on sale schedules as new programming is booked.
  • Supervises Media and “VIP night” process for longer-running shows –
    • Meets with various staff to create plan. Secure approval of plan.
    • Implements plan with PR team.
    • Supervises RSVP process.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or related field is required. Graduate degree is a plus
• Five (5) years of management experience in communications required. Arts/non-profit setting preferred.
• Knowledge with the Philadelphia media market is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional verbal and writing skills, and a strong working knowledge of local and national traditional and online media.
• Expertise in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Web-based communications technologies
• Demonstrated ability for strategic analysis and planning

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and work with tight deadlines, while maintaining composure.
• Conversant in the issues faced by arts organizations and non-profits
• Capacity for managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong personal interest in the performing arts is a plus
• A collegial and open-minded approach to the tasks at hand

Environment, physical demands, and other conditions:

• Office environment
• Some evenings and weekends, both on campus and in various locations

To apply for this position please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your application!

All resumes received for specific positions will be kept on file for one year. All information received for general consideration will be maintained for six months. If an interview is considered appropriate, the Human Resources Department will contact you. Due to the volume of mail received, we are unable to respond to telephone inquiries regarding application status.

Kimmel Center, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, committed to maintaining a diverse working environment.