Public Relations Director (Classical)

John F Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts - Washington, DC

Full-time - Senior

Washington, DC

Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries

About the position

The Director of Public Relations (Classical) at the Kennedy Center is responsible for enhancing the public image and reputation of the Center and its artistic affiliates, including the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera. This role involves crafting key messages, pursuing media coverage, and leveraging various platforms to engage diverse audiences in classical music. The Director will manage a team, oversee digital program content, and collaborate closely with marketing and senior leadership to execute strategic communications campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive communications strategies for classical music offerings.
• Craft and deliver messages that position the Center and its affiliates as arts leaders.
• Assign, write, review, and edit press releases and media communications.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the senior press representative and PR coordinator.
• Work with direct reports on long-range PR planning and campaigns.
• Develop and produce organic social media content aligned with strategic goals.
• Review and approve digital and printed program content for classical programming.
• Initiate and attend meetings with leadership to develop strong messaging.
• Assist with marquee award events and other special initiatives.
• Manage budget for PR-related expenditures.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of strategic public relations management experience.
• At least three years in a supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated publicity results on a national level.
• Established relationships with key journalists and national media outlets.
• Bachelor's degree required; public relations or communications degree preferred.
• Appreciation and knowledge of classical music and the performing arts.
• Strong interpersonal skills for professional interactions.
• High-level strategic communication skills for executing PR campaigns.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Demonstrated supervisory skills and team-building capacity.
• Ability to multi-task and respond quickly to requests.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in managing complex issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Local candidates or those willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Sick time
• Retirement plan with organization matching
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options
• Flexible work arrangements
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)