POSITION SUMMARY As a member of the External Affairs team, the Public Relations Associate proactively initiates and coordinates activities to enhance and improve the local, regional, national and international image and reputation of the St. Louis Symphony. The PR Associate cultivates positive relationships with local, national and international media in order to effect and improve the world’s view of the organizations mission, achievements, brand recognition, and artistic excellence of the St. Louis Symphony. Responsibilities include publicizing of events and performances and proactively identifying issues that may impact the organization. Assists the VP of External Affairs along with the External Affairs team with execution of day-to-day public relations activities. The PR Associate cultivates key relationships within the organization as well as with the local, national, and international community to build and nurture a positive brand presence. The PR Associate will thrive in a team environment and contribute actively to the success of the entire team’s mission as needed. Position Reports to the VP for External Affairs. Qualified candidates are asked to submit a cover letter along with a writing sample.  No phone calls please. 

FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB 1. Help develop, administer, and coordinate all public relations activities of the External Affairs Department as directed by the Vice President of External Affairs. 2. Assist with the dissemination of press releases, media alerts and press kits to the media. 3. Write, edit, and proofreads various public relations, marketing and development materials. Write scripts for staff and board members for videos, public appearances, or other publicity events; responding to media and other inquiries about events and general information questions. 4. Draft press releases consistent with Symphony messaging and brand standards. 5. Coordinate special communication events, such as press conferences or town hall meetings; assist with speeches for the Annual Meeting of the Board of Trustees and others as needed. 6. Act as an ambassador of the Symphony related to all things St. Louis Symphony. 7. Collaborate with the Vice President for External Affairs to create an aggressive public relations and communication plan both internally and externally. 8. Help drive local, national, and international publicity for all areas of the organization. 9. Serve as a media contact and Symphony liaison to media, community groups, and public. 10. Proactively identify and establish contingency plans to deal with potential organizational crises that could impact operations and image. 11. Work with the Vice President of External Affairs to develop plans with emphasis on communications efforts in support of increased ticket sales; a multi-year effort to promote generally the programs and visibility of the orchestra and Music Director; and to help create and project a positive image of the orchestra in the region and the world. 12. Help ensure that all communication through all vehicles, including website, are consistent in message and style. 13. Assist the External Affairs team with Symphony events, programs, or activities as needed. 14. Perform other duties as needed or directed.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS • At least a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or similar field • At least 2-4 years of hands-on St. Louis media relations experience • 5 plus years management experience in the communications field including publicity, media relations, and supervising staff • Fundamental crisis communications experience a plus • Demonstrated success in implementing media campaigns • Demonstrated track record of developing successful working relationships with the media industry • Must have the ability and willingness to think beyond traditional PR tactics and strategies to design/execute innovative approaches • Must have an established broad network of professional contacts within the media industry • Must possess extremely proficient writing skills and have a firm grasp of industry style • Knowledge of classical music and the symphony field preferred. An appreciation for classical music is required • Ability to work a flexible schedule that will include “non-traditional” hours. • Work well in a highly collaborative, team environment • Ability to project a polished and professional image that positively reflects on the organization • Strategic thinker who has the ability to link day-to-day communications functions to meeting the organization’s strategic direction • Ability to create an aggressive public relations and communications plan both internally and externally