Public Relations and Communications Manager

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center - Appleton, WI

Full-time - Mid Level

Appleton, WI

Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries

About the position

As a team member of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, the Public Relations and Communications Manager plays a crucial role in fostering a positive working environment that embodies the Center's mission of serving as a gathering place for the community. This position operates under the general supervision of the Senior Manager of Brand Engagement and is responsible for strategically managing, developing, and implementing the Center's communications and media strategy. The goal is to enhance the overall presence and organizational awareness of the Center while improving marketing and sales efforts. The manager will generate and edit messaging that aligns with the Center's voice and brand, driving meaningful action by connecting and informing audiences through compelling content shared across various mediums. The role requires collaboration across departments to support an audience-centric approach to communications, ensuring that the Center is positively represented in the community. The Public Relations and Communications Manager will lead messaging efforts across a wide range of deliverables, including articles, letters, presentations, emails, reports, press releases, advertising copy, social media messaging, and executive communications. Additionally, the manager will develop comprehensive annual communication and public relations plans for various series and events, conduct research to create compelling copy, and support the planning and execution of patron events and experiences. Maintaining the Center's Brand Communications Guide is essential, ensuring brand consistency and writing standards are upheld in all communications. The manager will also develop and manage the Center's content calendar, oversee public relations efforts to promote arts advocacy, and maintain relationships with local media. This position involves implementing and managing social media initiatives, monitoring activity, and providing insights to maximize results. Strong internal communications to staff and the development of an internal communications strategy are also key responsibilities. The role may require attendance at various events in the community and occasional work during nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Support all Center departments by leading messaging efforts across a wide range of deliverables, from concept to execution with written and verbal communications.
• Develop comprehensive annual communication and public relations plans for various series and events.
• Research and consult with the audience development team to develop creative and compelling copy and campaigns.
• Provide support for planning and execution of patron events, engagements, and experiences.
• Uphold and maintain the Center's Brand Communications Guide and ensure brand consistency and writing standards are integrated through all communication.
• Develop and manage the Center's content calendar including writing and editing content for eNewsletters, blogs, editorials, and social media messaging.
• Expand and manage public relations efforts to promote arts advocacy and increase awareness for the Center's mission and impact.
• Maintain and foster close relationships with local media, pitch stories, and coordinate interview details.
• Implement and manage all Center social media initiatives, establishing priorities and making strategic decisions.
• Monitor and analyze social media activity tools, benchmarks, trends, and applications, providing regular reports and insights to the team.
• Assist in positioning campaigns for the president and executive team.
• Manage strong internal communications to staff and develop an internal communications strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in creative writing, journalism, or communications.
• Four years of experience in creative writing, journalism, or communications.
• Advanced knowledge of AP Style and current media channels.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Advanced oral and written communications skills.
• Advanced proofreading skills.
• Outstanding organization skills and self-starter attitude.
• Analytical skills and creative thinking ability.
• Flexibility to work occasional nights and weekends.