Associate Director of Communications

Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Shakespeare Theater in Chicago seeks an Associate Director of Communications to join the Marketing and Communications team, advancing CST’s storytelling and elevating the institution’s brand across productions and programs.

You will lead media strategy, develop promotional partnerships, and manage CST’s digital and social presence, collaborating with the Director of Communications on comprehensive plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years in marketing, communications, or public relations in a cultural or arts setting.
• Proven ability to develop integrated marketing plans and core messaging.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills for multiple channels.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director to develop institutional and production marketing plans and messaging.
• Serve as primary copywriter and proofreader for external communications and materials.
• Lead media strategy, handle production media requests, and build press relationships.
• Pitch stories, draft releases, fulfill media requests, and report coverage and impressions.
• Manage media calendar, Tessitura contacts, and event RSVPs; coordinate openings and special events.
• Develop cross-promotional partnerships and assemble asset toolkits for partners.
• Represent CST at industry events; oversee social media strategy and influencer plans.
• Collaborate with Digital Content Specialist on organic content and with Marketing on paid social.

Skills

Media strategy

Copywriting

Public relations

Social media management

Partnership development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field

Tools

Tessitura

Media monitoring tools

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEWReporting to the Director of Communications, the Associate Director of Communications is an integral team member in the Marketing and Communications Department, advancing Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s storytelling to engage a wide range of constituents and elevating the institution’s overall brand profile. This position plays a leading role in coordinating media strategy, developing promotional partnerships, and managing the Theater’s digital and social media presence.ESSENTIAL DUTIESReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.Partners with the Director of Communications in developing comprehensive institutional and production-specific Marketing & Communications plans, establishing core messaging, and overseeing content creation for the overall CST brand and all productions and programsServes as a primary copywriter and proofreader for Chicago Shakespeare Theater external communications, including copy for the website, monthly e-newsletter, e-marketing, and print materialsLeads CST’s media strategy for all productions and serves as primary point of contact for all production-related media requestsSecures a high level of press visibilities for CST’s productions and programs in local, national, and international publications and outletsTracks growth by key performance indicators including amount of coverage (in the local market and national/international) and estimated number of overall impressionsCultivates meaningful relationships with reporters and editors in Chicago and nationally beyond transactional exchangesAdvances media efforts by proactively pitching stories, drafting press releases and media alerts, fulfilling media requests, and generating coverage reportsArranges logistics for media interviews and appearances, and coordinates details for opening nights and special eventsManages media communications calendar for scheduling press releases, invitations, and other editorialUpdates media contacts and manages event RSVPs in Tessitura databaseEngages in outreach to secure additional earned visibilities and expand Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s reachDevelops cross-promotional partnerships with cultural organizations, local businesses, and associationsCreates asset toolkits and distributes promotional copy/imagery for partnersEstablishes new community partner relationships for each production to engage widest spectrum of new potential audience membersRepresents Chicago Shakespeare at industry events to build the Theater’s network of promotional partnersOversees Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s social media strategy across platforms in alignment with CST’s institutional goalsCollaborates with Digital Content Specialist to curate engaging organic content across platforms, and collaborates with Marketing team on paid social advertising plansSpearheads influencer strategy across the season of productionsModels CST’s core values of service, ingenuity, and collaboration as well as its customer service ethosChampions the organization’s commitment to a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplaceCOMPETENCIESService, ingenuity, and collaborationEmotional intelligenceMission-drivenStrong written and verbal communication skillsProficiency in managing social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTubePassion for theater and the performing arts is a strong plusWORK ENVIRONMENTWork hours are generally 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday through FridayEvening, weekend, and holiday hours will be necessary as needed during performances and eventsPHYSICAL DEMANDSAbility to sit for extended periods of timeAbility to lift up to 20lbsAbility to stand, bend, and squatAbility to view computer screen and use computer keyboards regularlyMINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE3-5 years of experience in marketing, communications, and/or public relationsDIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENTCST is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all our hiring for staff and artists. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination. CST prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.