Earl R. Merrill: Senior Press Representative, WNO & Classical

To represent the Kennedy Center’s Washington National Opera and its constituents and programs, Renee Fleming Voices series, Mason Bates and the KC Jukebox series, and other vocal and/or classical presentations, by creating local, national, and international press coverage for its artists, productions, leadership, and programs. Also work on other Kennedy Center events, initiatives, and special projects, such as Kennedy Center Honors, the Mark Twain Prize, the expansion, and other festivals, series, and performances as needed and assigned. Manage a variety of needs and requests from media and the Kennedy Center management and staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

60% Create press coverage and public awareness of Washington National Opera productions, creative and vocal artists, the artists and events of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, community education and school programs, Opera Ball, and other initiatives to generate a higher profile locally, nationally, and internationally for WNO and the Kennedy Center. Expand WNO’s presence on local television and radio stations. Deepen existing relationships with arts journalists and entice new writers and producers to cover WNO for the first time. Work to expand reviews and feature coverage globally.
Conceive, commission, write, and edit all content for WNO Playbills. Collect, edit, and rewrite artist biographies to conform to WNO Playbill standards. Work with dramaturg to plan and create vibrant content for the Playbills. Manage licensing of content by other opera companies.
Work closely with WNO’s marketing and social media teams to provide content and copy and to develop communications strategies for the Opera’s productions, artists, programs, and special events. Provide feedback for all WNO marketing materials and e-mail communications.
Work closely with WNO’s development and education departments to provide basic facts about productions and performers, photos of artists and productions, fact-checking services, and other services necessary for truthful and accurate representation of WNO’s artists and productions in all of their materials.
Maintain archive of WNO photo, video, and other assets related to the company's performance history. Assist other opera companies who need these assets for WNO rental and other productions.
Arrange and program WNO outreach events with important institutional partners such as the Embassy of Italy, the Goethe Institute, and others in Washington’s diplomatic and arts communities.
20% Serve as press lead for Renee Fleming Voices, Mason Bates’ programs including KC Jukebox series, seasonal institutional initiatives, other presentations in the vocal and classical genres as assigned, and special Kennedy Center programs and festivals, such as the expansion, the Mark Twain Prize and Kennedy Center Honors.
7% Serve WNO artists, critics, the public at large, and Kennedy Center colleagues by providing information and assistance with events, photo requests, and general company information. Serve as the general clearinghouse for all opera-related questions.
5% Assist with on-site management of red carpets and other facets of high-profile events such as Kennedy Center Honors, Mark Twain Prize, and other events as needed.
8% Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum of 8 years’ experience in public relations required.
Minimum Skills and/or Knowledge Required
Knowledge of opera repertoire is essential
Knowledge of foreign language (Italian preferred) a plus.
Red carpet experience a plus.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a world premier performing arts organization and our nation’s cultural center. Diversity is a critical component of our mission, vision, and values. Our staff exhibits a wide variety of perspectives and experiences which enable us to foster and strengthen an environment of diversity and inclusion.