Communications Associate Department: Communications Description JOB SUMMARY Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Communications Associate supports key functions of the Public Relations Department and Communications Division of the San Francisco Symphony?one of the most artistically adventurous and innovative arts institutions in the Country. The Communications Associate pitches and secures publicity for select SF Symphony concerts, events and activities; maintains and tracks digital and print press coverage and metrics; responds to press ticket inquiries and tracks ticket requests and fulfillment; updates and maintains content on the Press area of sfsymphony.org using the organization's Content Management System; drafts press materials and press releases; responds to general departmental inquiries; works cross-­departmentally to produce and disseminate audio podcasts; manages the department's photo assets, maintains and updates press contact information, processes billing, and handles other administrative tasks. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Secure media coverage for San Francisco Symphony activities by writing press releases, pitching press coverage and interviews, organizing photo shoots, and writing internal documents. * Develop and grow relationships with Bay Area press and influencers. * Areas of publicity focus for the Public Relations Associate include SFS Education programs ( Adventures in Music, Music and Mentors, Concerts for Kids, Music for Families, and Youth Orchestra), special events including Día de los Muertos and Chinese New Year , and Summer and Holiday concerts. * Coordinate press ticketing with members of the media and SFS patron services department; respond to ticket inquiries; track and fill requests * Maintain Press Room area of sfsymphony.org, including photo libraries, press kits, and press releases * Track publicity coverage electronically and in print; share notable coverage with the PR department; print and/or scan significant coverage; catalog and archive past coverage * Track all program updates and update all related PR documents * Support publicity efforts for all SFS Media releases * Prepare and format press releases for media distribution in Constant Contact; distribute press releases to designated contact lists * Field, evaluate, respond, and distribute general PR inquiries to appropriate staff * Manage Program Note podcast project; liaise with Publications and Creative Services, track metrics, and recommend strategies for growth * Participate in PR department brainstorming and planning meetings; contribute creative ideas for SFS publicity, visibility and storytelling * Maintain PR contact database * Provide added administrative and research support to Director of Communications and Public Relations department as needed. * Miscellaneous duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS * Four-year college degree required. * Minimum of 2 years public relations experience, preferably in an arts organization, preferably in the Bay Area. * Knowledge and appreciation of classical music required. * Strong writing writing ability and excellent English grammar and spelling skills essential. * Well-developed communication, writing and organizational skills, to include the highest levels of tact, diplomacy, and discretion. * Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to interact with all levels of staff, media, and the public. * Strong service orientation and professional and positive approach are essential. * Computer skills needed: MS Word, Excel, Database and Imaging/Photoshop experience * Ability to work well with a variety of people, calmly and efficiently in a fast-paced dynamic environment while managing multiple projects and deadlines. * Sense of humor and grace under pressure. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS To apply, please visit our website at www.sfsymphony.org . Under the About Us tab, go to the Careers and Auditions page and click on View jobs at the SF Symphony. Search for this job and click on Apply for this Position to submit your resume, cover letter, and application. ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE The San Francisco Symphony, under the direction of Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas, is one of the countrys leading orchestras. Some 220 concerts each year reach an audience of more than 600,000, while national and international broadcasts, heard on more than 215 radio stations, reach millions more. The Symphony has its own recording label, SFS Media, and its recordings have won some of the worlds highest honors. Its multimedia initiative, Keeping Score, has reached over six million people with television and radio broadcasts, DVDs, and an interactive website. The Orchestra tours extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States, and its outstanding artistic reputation enables it to attract the worlds finest guest artists and conductors to Davies Symphony Hall. More than 70,000 young people are served each year by the Symphonys numerous education programs, including its internationally renowned Youth Orchestra and Adventures in Music (AIM), which reaches every 1st through 5th grader in San Franciscos public schools. The organization is led by President Sakurako Fisher and Chief Executive Officer Mark C. Hanson. The San Francisco Symphonys mission is to set the highest possible standard for excellence in musical performance at home and around the world; enrich, serve, and shape cultural life throughout the spectrum of Bay Area communities; and maintain financial stability and gain public recognition as a means of ensuring its ability to fulfill its mission. The San Francisco Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer.