SUMMARY
Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Communications Coordinator will support Houston Grand Opera’s (HGO) communications processes and output to strengthen the brand, increase customer engagement, and raise its visibility. This person plays a critical role in telling the story of the organization through the media, publications, and public relations, as well as supporting all communications efforts of the Marketing department.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Support the Director of Communications to deliver an overall communications strategy for HGO to deliver measurable results against goals.
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Assist with media and public relations including ongoing communication and coordination with our outside PR agencies and media outlets (local, regional, national, and international). Duties may include coordinating interviews with agency/media/colleagues, drafting copy points, distributing logos/images/b-roll, creating press kits, securing credentials, confirming ticket requests, greeting/escorting media at events, etc.
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Support copywriting and copyediting of all HGO content including original articles, speeches, promotional copy, blogs, press releases, etc. and proofreading and editing cross-organization copy when requested.
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Work collaboratively with Marketing team to contribute content ideas and ensure HGO’s communications exceed standards, including support for the development of collateral, signage, website content, e-mail marketing, video scripts, interview questions, promotional copy, talking points, and social media activities.
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Work closely with the Manager of Digital Content to develop and maintain accurate and compelling copy for our website and social media channels. Serve as website auditor, ensuring all information is current and comprehensive, and execute updates and page development as needed, including managing Backstage Pass Blog and tracking media coverage on the Press Page.
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Work closely with the Marketing Manager to develop and maintain accurate and compelling copy in our email communications. Provide support for email campaign creation, testing, and deployment as requested.
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Support development and coordination of company publications, including program/magazine Opera Cues, including research, proofreading, production process, delivery, and inventory management.
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Conduct research on operas, productions, talent, etc. to be well-versed in the business and be a resource for the entire department.
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Work with Director of Communications to maintain up-to-date biographies and headshots for all cast, creatives, creators, etc.
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Partner with Marketing team and agencies to maintain influencer relations including complimentary tickets, invitations to HGO events, and requests for marketing support.
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Help distribute regular and ad hoc reporting, as well as media coverage recaps.
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Ensure accuracy, quality, and consistency in all departmental outputs.
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Perform various other tasks that may be assigned by Director of Communications.
QUALIFICATIONS
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Must have 1-2 years of communications experience; a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, advertising, communications, or related field is preferred.
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Dedicated writing experience required.
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Night and weekend hours required.
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
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Must be a highly motivated self-starter with excellent time-management skills, superior organizational and communication skills, and the ability to independently solve problems.
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Ability to organize, prioritize, and maintain several projects at once and sustain productivity under pressure.
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High priority to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
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The successful candidate should have a collaborative spirit and be a team player, provide great attention to detail in all aspects of the job, and remain calm and responsive in dealing with others.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Houston Grand Opera is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HGO are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws or regulations. HGO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. HGO encourages applicants of all ages.
