Strategic PR & Communications Manager - Performing Arts

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 58,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul is seeking a Public Relations & Communications Manager to lead strategic communications and media relations efforts. This role increases awareness, fuels audience interest, and supports ticket sales for Broadway at The Ordway and Ordway Presents programming, education initiatives, fundraising, and community priorities.

As media liaison, you will manage inquiries, prepare spokespersons, and guide press relations while collaborating across

Qualifications

• Four-year degree required, preferably in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in musical theater, performing arts, entertainment, live events, or cultural sector strongly preferred.
• Minimum of three to five years of progressive marketing and communication experience required.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Proven results in achieving earned income goals, institutional branding and marketing.
• Demonstrated success securing earned media coverage through proactive media outreach, pitching, relationship building, and strategic communications planning.
• Three to five years of experience developing, pitching, and executing public relations, media relations, and communications strategies within a fast-paced, creative environment, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Exceptional written, proofreading, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with media, stakeholders, community partners, and internal audiences.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with internal departments, external partners and media/corporate community

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated public relations and communications strategies that advance the Ordway’s mission, drive awareness and audience engagement for Broadway at The Ordway series, and support Ordway Presents programming, education initiatives, fundraising efforts, and institutional priorities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media, touring production publicists, artists’ representatives, community leaders, arts partners, and other key stakeholders to generate positive earned media coverage and strengthen the Ordway’s visibility and reputation.
• Serve as the primary media contact for the organization, managing media inquiries, interview requests, spokesperson preparation, media appearances, and press relations.
• Lead publicity campaigns for Broadway at The Ordway series, including developing media strategies, coordinating with touring production publicists and press representatives, identifying story opportunities, securing feature coverage, and managing interviews and media appearances. Provide similar support for Ordway Presents programming, institutional initiatives, and season announcements.
• Research, write, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, talking points, and media briefings for CEO and other spokespersons, and other communications materials. Collaborate with the Communications & External Relations Specialist and external public relations counsel on messaging, timing, and distribution strategies as appropriate.
• Coordinate media access, credentialing, ticketing, interview logistics, and related press services for performances, season announcements, special events, and organizational initiatives.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Development, Programming, Education, Executive Leadership, Production, the Communications & External Relations Specialist, and external communications partners to ensure consistent messaging and integrated communications strategies.
• Oversee content for organizational communications, including website content, newsletters, annual reports, event programs, executive communications, speeches, and other public-facing materials.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on earned media performance and communications effectiveness, maintaining media lists, communications calendars, release schedules, coverage reports, campaign assessments, and media monitoring systems.
• Position the CEO and senior leadership team as thought leaders through strategic media opportunities, community engagement initiatives, executive communications, and speaking engagements.
• Create and edit basic multimedia content, including light photo and video editing, to support public relations, media relations, and social media initiatives.
• Manage interns or assigned staff, coordinate relationships with external agencies and consultants, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Strategic communications

Written communication

Team leadership

Content editing

Education

Four-year degree

Job description

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul is seeking a Public Relations & Communications Manager to lead strategic communications and media relations efforts. This role increases awareness, fuels audience interest, and supports ticket sales for Broadway at The Ordway and Ordway Presents programming, education initiatives, fundraising, and community priorities.

As media liaison, you will manage inquiries, prepare spokespersons, and guide press relations while collaborating across