Earl R. Merrill: Director, Communications - Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts seeks a full-time Director, Communications for the development and implementation of strategies and content that advance Wolf Trap Foundation’s mission, goals, and objectives through traditional and digital communications. This includes earned and owned media to increase public awareness and revenue generating activities comprising websites, social media, email, public relations, publications, and other emerging platforms ensuring that story-telling and messaging across print and digital platforms is seamless, creative, and impactful. Position requires an understanding of best practices in content development, information technology and architecture, and web analytics. Works closely with Senior Director, Communications and Marketing, and Wolf Trap leadership to strengthen, develop, and execute Wolf Trap’s communications campaigns in support of the Foundation’s arts, fund-raising and education programs, including 200+/- performances presented at three venues.

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is the official partner to the National Park Service in providing concert and performance programming within Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. As a non-profit organization, the Foundation is dedicated to creating excellent performing arts experiences for the enrichment, education, and enjoyment of diverse audiences. In addition to the work at the park, the Foundation programs and produces music year-round at The Barns at Wolf Trap, manages Wolf Trap Education’s varied programs for life-long learning and operates Wolf Trap Opera’s internationally renowned training and performance program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Institutional Communications

Collaborate with leadership to identify objectives and opportunities to increase awareness and support the Foundation’s institutional, mission, and performance programs, campaigns, and initiatives.
Develop and sustain vibrant, interactive, and branded messaging and content across multiple platforms, including the Foundation’s websites, social media, email, publications, and other communications in support of programming and production, opera and classical programming, education, development and others.
Create, implement and oversee strategy to guide all Wolf Trap Foundation e-communications.
Develop metrics and analytics to direct communications and measure success.
Communications liaison to various Wolf Trap departments, including Program and Production, Opera, Education, Development, and Special Events.

Public Relations

Direct, develop and implement public relations campaigns to increase local and national awareness and publicity to increase recognition and participation for Wolf Trap’s performing arts, fundraising, and education programs and activities.
Oversee day-to-day media relations, assisting Manager, Media Relations in identifying priority shows for focused PR campaigns – working with artists’ publicists on story ideas, media permissions, and credentialing.
Foster and manage high-level media relationships by serving as the main information source for institutional information, data, and insights.

Social Media

Direct organic social media strategies to increase online engagement and to support and publicize Wolf Trap’s programs and activities to the broadest possible audience by ensuring that there is a steady stream of social media content across all channels.
Collaborate with Director, Marketing to oversee development of promotional ideas for social media and onsite social media engagement that raises Wolf Trap’s visibility, supports institutional goals, and enhances patron experience.
Advise and oversee leadership and C&M team on best practices and social media engagement.

Website and Email

Direct website and email communication strategies to develop and implement distinctive e-communications and e-marketing approaches and messaging for individual campaigns to promote awareness and event participation.
Oversee content ideas and team collaboration for bi-weekly and “lite” emails.

Education

Direct activities surrounding media relations, thought leadership, digital and content strategies to raise the visibility of Wolf Trap Education programs.

Publications

Direct planning and execution of program book, annual report, and special publications to ensure they are delivered on time and within budget.
Ensure that internal stakeholders are apprised of project timelines, deadlines, and asset requirements.

Administration

Act as primary adviser to Senior Director, Communications and Marketing; Vice President, External Affairs; CEO and President; and Senior Council in matters of communications and e-communications.
Oversee the communications team using management best practices in alignment with Wolf Trap Foundation’s goals and values.
Collaborate with Senior Director, Communications and Marketing for annual communications budgeting and budget projections.
Determine needs for outsourcing projects to external vendors and serve as representative manager on those projects.
Maintain knowledge for best practices and emerging technologies.
Provide critical thinking and anticipate and identify promising trends in digital communications to promote the Foundation’s goals.
Research industry standards, trends, breakthroughs and best practices. Communicate results to team and senior leadership. Implement changes accordingly to maintain competitiveness and to meet goals.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

B. A. degree in communications, public relations, marketing or related field with exemplary communications and writing abilities, and professional publications or editorial experience.
Minimum 7 – 10 years leading a communications team preferably with three years’ experience producing and directing digital communications; supervisory experience.
Prefer non-profit or for-profit performing arts experience.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Superb written, oral and interpersonal communications, and presentation skills.
Excellent organizational and patron/donor/public relationship management skills.
Knowledge of content development, information technology and architecture, site design, search engine optimization and web analytics.
Knowledge of digital strategy, including social media strategy and best practice, and digital content development.
Ability to identify and execute on institutional story ideas across channels and inspire and motivate collaborators.
Excellent strategic planning and time management skills, with evidence of overseeing, prioritizing, and executing multiple deadlines.
The ability to problem-solve, using investigative research and analytical skills to develop and implement creative solutions.
Thorough knowledge of computers and digital communications and social media software and platforms including content management systems and digital publishing tools.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends.
• Sensitivity to the mission of Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts.

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.