director

Job description

Press and communications assistant (theatre-based)

Responsible to:
Head of Communications

Who else is in the Communications Department?
Head of Communications / Marketing and Communications Officer/ Box Office Manager/ Box Office Coordinator and Marketing Administrator/ Box Office Assistants

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

to communicate core mission to the media
to input on press and communications plans: to carry out press campaign plans and to support the department’s marketing campaigns when necessary
to write press releases
to act as the main point of contact for all press enquiries and to ensure that all press contacts are dealt with in an efficient and friendly manner
to ensure that the media have accurate and up-to-date information at all times
to create and distribute press materials for all events taking place
to liaise with freelancers and press representatives from in-coming companies
to plan and organise press nights in conjunction with producers and visiting companies, to attend press nights and other performances and to host reviewers as appropriate
to maintain, update and develop the press database
to maintain and update the press archive and logs of press coverage and activity
to gather, monitor and distribute relevant information, including reviews and articles of events and articles of corporate interest and value, to the organisation
to keep abreast of current arts issues as covered in the media
to keep the press section of the website up-to-date and accurate
to set up photocalls and press events and attend as required
to assist with proof-reading and mail-outs
to track and monitor competitor venues
any other duties as may be reasonably requested by the Head of Communications
to collaborate with colleagues in other teams and to undertake all such other duties as may reasonably be required from time to time by (the line manager) and/ or the senior management, commensurate with the seniority and general responsibilities of the post

It should be noted that it is in the interests of staff co-operation and development that employees should be willing to help their colleagues in a variety of tasks.

Since this role requires a good knowledge of the artistic programme, it is expected that the post-holder will regularly attend performances and events, some of which will occur at evenings and weekends.

The post-holder will, in collaboration with other staff, be responsible for the implementation, monitoring and development of the qual opportunities policy. This post is self-servicing administratively.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

an interest in Public Relations
knowledge of the arts
a positive, creative and flexible approach
ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
strong copy writing skills
confident telephone manner
the ability to learn quickly and communicate clearly
a commitment to the values promoted by our core mission
strong organisational skills
PC literate especially in Microsoft Office programmes

Desirable:

experience and contacts within the press
experience planning and executing press campaigns in an arts organisation