Publicist

Metopera; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Opera is searching for a dynamic Publicist to join its Press team in New York. The ideal candidate will be a proactive storyteller with strong media relationships and a deep understanding of classical music.

Responsibilities include pitching productions, writing press releases, and representing the Met at events. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years in public relations or journalism and excellent communication skills. A Bachelor's degree or equivalent is preferred.

Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of classical music is essential; opera knowledge a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of public relations, media relations, communications or journalism experience, ideally in a performing arts environment.
• Excellent writing and communications skills.
• Proven ability to work under pressure to deliver multiple projects as required.
• A developed network of media contacts across arts, entertainment, and news media.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on planning and pitching Met productions and institutional announcements.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and influential figures.
• Write and oversee approval of all production and institutional press releases.
• Contribute to the operation of the Met press office, including media monitoring.
• Represent the Met at performances to provide media information.

Skills

Knowledge of classical music

Public relations

Excellent writing skills

Communication skills

Network of media contacts

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

The Metropolitan Opera is looking for a dynamic Publicist to join the Press team. The ideal candidate will be a culturally voracious, proactive storyteller with experience placing compelling stories in both print, broadcast, and digital media. The candidate will have a curiosity for and interest in placing stories with non-traditional media such as podcast producers, newsletter writers, and influential voices across social platforms. The Publicist will have deep knowledge and understanding of classical music, along with strong familiarity of media publications in New York, nationally, and internationally, as well as excellent news judgment and storytelling ability.

Responsibilities

• PITCHING AND STRATEGY: This role will collaborate with members of the press team on planning and pitching all Met productions and annual institutional announcements with the aim of reaching target audiences with efficiency and precision.

  This person in this position will take the lead on strategizing and publicizing the Met’s repertory productions and will support pitching for new productions. They will also proactively identify stories related to Met activities including The Met: Live in HD, the Lindeman Young Artist Development Program, the Laffont Competition, and other institutional activities as assigned.

  The Publicist will also support the team on Press activations and events. For example, helping promote and manage media days, red carpet events, and content-generating activities.

• RELATIONSHIP BUILDING: Build and maintain ongoing working relationships with journalists, critics, producers, and influential figures shaping culture. This person will take on the responsibility of researching and developing new relationships and helping the team identify potential new opportunities.
• WRITING: This position will be responsible for writing and approval of all production and some institutional press releases, navigating the drafts through the approval process from first draft to distribution. The Publicist will oversee the press release calendar and liaise with relevant stakeholders to ensure clear, timely communication regarding distribution timelines.
• ORGANIZATION: Contribute to the smooth operation of the Met press office, including media monitoring, maintaining an extensive, up-to-date contact database, and ensuring that all press queries are dealt with efficiently and in a timely manner. This position will also manage the Press department’s day-to-day systems including the department’s story tracker and weekly operational schedule and will schedule informational interviews with creative team members and artists for the press team.
• PRESS DUTY: Represent the Met at performances to provide media with information and answer questions. Press duty requirements include a minimum of one performance per week, including some weekends throughout the opera season as well as Special Event coverage including but not limited to Opening Night Gala and New Year’s Eve Gala.

Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of classical music is essential; opera knowledge a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of public relations, media relations, communications or journalism experience, ideally in a performing arts environment.
• Excellent writing and communications skills.
• Proven ability to work under pressure to deliver multiple projects as required.
• A developed network of media contacts across arts, entertainment and news media.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.

The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.