Develop and lead the communications strategy for Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and artistic vision.
Shape and steward the institutional voice across all owned external communications and storytelling platforms.
Identify opportunities to elevate the organization’s visibility through media coverage, cultural commentary, and timely storytelling.
Collaborate with colleagues across Artistic, Development, Education and Community Engagement teams to communicate institutional priorities and initiatives effectively.
Partner closely with the Senior Director of Marketing to align communications narratives with event marketing campaigns and audience engagement initiatives.
Lead the organization’s media relations strategy and cultivate strong relationships with local, national, and international press.
Serve as a primary media contact and spokesperson for Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall.
Oversee and participate directly in the pitching of stories and drafting of press releases, media advisories, and institutional statements.
Prepare artists, musicians, executives, and board leadership for media interviews and public appearances.
Guide communications strategy during moments of heightened public attention, ensuring timely and thoughtful messaging that protects and strengthens the organization’s reputation.
Provide strategic oversight of organic social media and digital storytelling in collaboration with the Social Media Manager and Digital Media Producer.
Guide the development of platform-specific voice, video storytelling, and audience engagement strategies that strengthen the organization’s digital presence.
Ensure social media and multimedia content align with the institution’s broader communications narrative while complementing paid marketing efforts led by the marketing team.
Identify opportunities to highlight the artistic work of Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall through video, multimedia, and emerging digital storytelling formats.
Requirements
7-9 years of experience in communications, media relations, journalism, or storytelling leadership, preferably within the arts or cultural sector.
Exceptional writing and editorial skills with the ability to translate artistic work into compelling narratives.
Demonstrated success in media relations and story placement across traditional and digital outlets, locally and nationally.
Experience leading communications teams and managing creative professionals.
Strategic thinker who can balance long-term narrative development with day-to-day communications execution.
Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and build strong relationships with artists, media, and external partners.
Passion for the performing arts and interest in advancing the role of arts organizations within civic and cultural life.
Benefits
Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (PPO, low deductible)
Employer paid Long-Term Disability, AD&D and Life Insurance
Employer paid ORCA pass for Metro, Sound Transit, the WA State ferries, or other public transport system or onsite parking
403b retirement savings plan with employer matching at 1 year