Associate Director of Communications

POSITION OVERVIEW Reporting 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 DUTIES Reasonable 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 programs

Serves as a primary copywriter and proofreader for Chicago Shakespeare Theater external communications, including copy for the website, monthly e-newsletter, e-marketing, and print materials

Leads CST’s media strategy for all productions and serves as primary point of contact for all production-related media requests

Secures a high level of press visibilities for CST’s productions and programs in local, national, and international publications and outlets

Tracks growth by key performance indicators including amount of coverage (in the local market and national/international) and estimated number of overall impressions

Cultivates meaningful relationships with reporters and editors in Chicago and nationally beyond transactional exchanges

Advances media efforts by proactively pitching stories, drafting press releases and media alerts, fulfilling media requests, and generating coverage reports

Arranges logistics for media interviews and appearances, and coordinates details for opening nights and special events

Manages media communications calendar for scheduling press releases, invitations, and other editorial

Updates media contacts and manages event RSVPs in Tessitura database

Engages in outreach to secure additional earned visibilities and expand Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s reach

Develops cross-promotional partnerships with cultural organizations, local businesses, and associations

Creates asset toolkits and distributes promotional copy/imagery for partners

Establishes new community partner relationships for each production to engage widest spectrum of new potential audience members

Represents Chicago Shakespeare at industry events to build the Theater’s network of promotional partners

Oversees Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s social media strategy across platforms in alignment with CST’s institutional goals

Collaborates with Digital Content Specialist to curate engaging organic content across platforms, and collaborates with Marketing team on paid social advertising plans

Spearheads influencer strategy across the season of productions

Models CST’s core values of service, ingenuity, and collaboration as well as its customer service ethos

Champions the organization’s commitment to a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplaceCOMPETENCIESService, ingenuity, and collaboration

Emotional intelligence

Mission-driven

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Proficiency in managing social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, and You Tube Passion  for theater and the performing arts is a strong plusWORK ENVIRONMENT Work hours are generally 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday Evening, weekend, and holiday hours will be necessary as needed during performances and events PHYSICAL DEMANDSAbility to sit for extended periods of time Ability to lift up to 20lbsAbility to stand, bend, and squat

Ability to view computer screen…