Communications Coordinator

American Guild of Musical Artists; New York (NY); Remote; USD 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Guild of Musical Artists seeks a remote Communications Coordinator to enhance communications efforts across the organization. This role involves significant media relations, storytelling, and engagement with AGMA members, with a focus on labor rights and effective narrative development.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in public relations and communications required.
• Experience in labor organizing or the performing arts is a plus.
• Excellent writing skills with emphasis on original, AI-free content.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Draft and distribute press releases and media statements.
• Assist in crisis communications and rapid response as needed.

Skills

Public Relations

Storytelling

Social Media Management

Media Relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related

Job description

Summary

(REMOTE) The American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO, the union of singers, dancers, and staging staff working in opera, ballet/contemporary dance, and concert performance across the United States, is seeking a Communications Coordinator (with PR experience) to support and expand the Union’s communications efforts on behalf of AGMA members and teams nationwide. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this national position will play a key role in media relations, storytelling, contract campaign support, and internal communications while ensuring AGMA’s voice remains strong and consistent.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the story of AGMA and support artists nationwide. If you are passionate about labor rights and effective storytelling, we encourage you to apply.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Media Relations & PR Strategy

• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists, bloggers, editors, influencers, and media outlets.
• Secure earned media placements (no pay-to-play or sponsored content).
• Monitor industry-related press coverage and identify proactive opportunities for AGMA’s messaging.
• Draft and distribute press releases, op-eds, media statements, and other copy as needed.
• Act as point of contact for the press, coordinating with the appropriate AGMA spokespersons, maintaining an interview calendar, and managing a database of all successful press placements.

Storytelling: Member and Staff Engagement

• Identify and gather member stories from social media, internal communications, and direct outreach to create compelling narratives for media pitches, AGMA newsletters, and features that highlight members' voices.
• Support communications efforts within high-pressure contract campaigns, highlighting worker experiences and union victories.
• Plan and manage member campaigns for awareness and celebratory months (e.g., Black History Month, Pride Month, Women’s History Month), ensuring consistent engagement throughout the month.
• Assist in developing themes and sourcing member stories for AGMAzine, working with the Membership and Member Relations Committee to curate content for the digital publication (released twice a year).

Social Media Support

• Work with the Director of Communications on crafting social media messaging as needed.
• Monitor member and industry social channels for relevant trends and engagement opportunities.

Administrative & Internal Support

• Stand in for the Director of Communications as needed.
• Collaborate with various AGMA teams to align communications strategies with organizing and advocacy efforts.
• Assist in crisis communications and rapid response as needed.
• Attend regional staff meetings and national staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned, all related to communications.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or related is preferred.
• 2-3 years of experience in public relations and communications is required.
• Proven success in organic media placements and developing PR relationships.
• Strong familiarity with social media platforms and trends.
• Exceptional storytelling instincts with the ability to craft compelling drafts and pitches.
• Experience in labor organizing, contract campaigns, or the performing arts is a plus but not required—alignment with AGMA’s values of solidarity, fairness, workers’ rights, and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility is essential.
• Excellent writing skills with an emphasis on original, AI-free content.

Location & Working Conditions:

• Candidate will work remotely, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
• Position requires flexibility. Candidates must be comfortable working in a high-intensity, high-velocity environment and be willing to work long and/or irregular hours.
• Must effectively manage time and work independently while collaborating in various time zones and across multiple teams.

Compensation:

• Salary $60,000
• Competitive benefits package

Applying for the Position:

Please email a cover letter, résumé, and a recent writing sample (a previous successful pitch is preferred) to [e-mail]. Subject line: Communications Coordinator.

AGMA is committed to creating a diverse staff, representative of AGMA’s diverse membership, and fostering an equitable and inclusive work environment. BIPOC, AAPI individuals, women, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.