DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Director of Communications is responsible for shaping and amplifying the public voice of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) across the State and beyond. This position leads strategic messaging, brand positioning, media relations, crisis communications, and institutional storytelling to advance ticket sales, fundraising, community engagement, and statewide impact.

Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing & Communications and supervising the Communications Manager, this individual collaborates cross-functionally with Marketing, Development, Education & Community Engagement, Artistic, and senior leadership to ensure clear, cohesive, compelling, and aligned with USUO’s mission and strategic priorities.

As a communications expert, this Director plays a critical role in advancing USUO’s artistic reputation, financial sustainability, and community relevance. By elevating public perception and deepening audience connection, this role helps ensure the continued vibrancy and statewide impact of one of Utah’s premier cultural institutions.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Develop and implement multi-channel communications strategies to support USUO’s mission and aligned with institutional goals; increase local and national brand visibility, build audiences for performances and events, and support in driving ticket sales and donations.
• Lead brand positioning and create messaging platform, ensuring consistency and cohesion, championing USUO’s unique brand position as a statewide symphony serving communities across Utah and beyond, shaping and enhancing the public profile of the organization locally and nationally.
• Collaborate inter-departmentally and cross-departmentally to support and advise colleagues’ internal and external communications needs and ensure consistent adherence to key messages, branding, and organizational goals across the institution.
• Help voice and messaging for season announcements, major fundraising campaigns, and special projects.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media; generate earned media by developing press plans; and create media pitches and announcements.
• Serve as point person for all press inquiries and activity.
• Draft communications for CEO, board chair, and artistic leadership as appropriate.
• Cultivate new audiences and deepen loyalty of existing patrons and donors by guiding institutional storytelling strategy, and writing and creating content, across print and digital platforms.
• Serve as editor-in-chief of playbills.
• Serve as editor and proofreader for institutional materials.
• Provide direction on visual brand.
• Manage the public relations budget.
• Attend Utah Symphony, Utah Opera, and Deer Valley® Music Festival performances in rotation with others in the department and act as an official marketing/PR representative.
• Hire, train, supervise, and develop the Communications Manager to ensure alignment with departmental and organizational priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned and required.

DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or other relevant field.
•  6-10+ years of progressive communications or public relations leadership experience, preferably in performing arts, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations.
• Proven success in media relations and reputation management.
• Exceptional writing and editorial skills across multiple formats and audiences.
• Experience managing staff and external vendors/agencies.
• Strategic thinker with strong judgment and executive presence.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.
• Demonstrated organizational and project management abilities with a track record of meeting deadlines.
• Strong understanding of marketing, communications, and brand positioning required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  
• Strong attention to detail. 
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative culture as well as work independently; self-starter.  
• Ability to prioritize tasks and remain flexible to department needs when appropriate. 
• Passionate and knowledgeable about symphonic music and opera. 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of remaining stationary and working on a computer. 
• Moves equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.  

SALARY:

• Pay begins at $72,000, plus excellent benefits.

TO APPLY:

Please apply online @ www.usuo.org/employment and include both a résumé and cover letter with your application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.