Berkeley Rep has an opening for a Public Relations Director beginning in October.

Responsibilities:

Media Relations

Under the direction of the director of marketing, communications, and patron engagement, the public relations director will promote all Berkeley Rep activities including seven to ten productions per year, several special events, School of Theatre classes and programs, development initiatives and events, and other institutional efforts by:

Ensuring diverse and ongoing editorial coverage in print, broadcast, and online media that includes feature stories, reviews, and listings
Developing and maintaining effective relationships with journalists at local, regional, national, and international media outlets
Generating story ideas and pitching them to appropriate reporters
Coordinating and art directing PR photo shoots
Developing targeted media lists for ethnic, religious, and other niche media
Managing organizational communications in crisis situations
Creating and implementing ongoing PR strategies

With the support of the content manager, marketing fellow, and other staff:

Write and distribute press releases
Schedule and facilitate press interviews
Serve as the Theatre’s liaison with media photographers and film crews
Coordinate the press component of each opening night by sending invitations, taking RSVPs, preparing press kits, handling press ticketing, and hosting the press table
Select publicity photos and distribute them to appropriate media outlets
Archive all press clips and produce a packet of clippings for every show
Complete and maintain the organization’s photo archive
Track media placements and keep all staff informed about media coverage of Berkeley Rep

General

Develop and manage annual PR plan and budget
Contribute to planning, writing, and producing of Berkeley Rep publications and communications
Identify and create promotional opportunities, and support the implementation of audience development efforts with department staff

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

· Bachelor’s degree
· Minimum five years institutional or agency public relations experience
· Experience working for a nonprofit theatre or performing arts organization preferred
· Self-starter, able to work gracefully under pressure of deadlines, capable of thriving in a fast-paced, high-energy environment
· Flexible and responsive, with a positive customer service approach

Work Environment

The work environment is extremely fast-paced and requires a fierce balance of creativity and time management. PR director must be mature, articulate, energetic, flexible, obsessive about details and deadlines, and responsive to changing needs and priorities of the organization. Work hours often include evenings and occasionally weekends.

Our Mission

Berkeley Repertory Theatre seeks to set a national standard for ambitious programming, engagement with its audiences, and leadership within the community in which it resides. We endeavor to create a diverse body of work that expresses a rigorous, embracing aesthetic and reflects the highest artistic standards, and seek to maintain an environment in which talented artists can do their best work. We strive to engage our audiences in an ongoing dialogue of ideas, and encourage lifelong learning as a core community value. Through productions, outreach and education, Berkeley Rep aspires to use theatre as a means to challenge, thrill and galvanize what is best in the human spirit.

Salary and Benefits

Berkeley Rep offers a competitive nonprofit salary, excellent medical and other benefits, a casual environment conducive to professional and personal growth, and a unique opportunity to participate in the cultural life of the Bay Area. Berkeley Rep is an equal opportunity employer. Persons of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, three relevant writing samples, and three professional references from director supervisors. Please direct your electronic submissions to jobs@berkeleyrep.org or your mail submission to:

Public Relations Director Search

Berkeley Repertory Theatre

999 Harrison Street

Berkeley, CA 94710

Due to the volume of submissions, we can’t accept or return phone calls about this position. Sorry. We’ll contact those candidates with whom we would like to discuss the opportunity. Thanks for your interest in Berkeley Rep.