Communications Manager

Communications Manager who will play a key role in shaping and maintaining the institutional brand voice for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, primarily by authoring and proofreading a wide variety of collateral across the marketing and public relations team, including but not limited to direct mail, advertisements, webpages, blog posts, and press releases. In addition, they will serve as the primary author, editor, and project manager for OTSL’s flagship seasonal program book; review and edit other cross-departmental written communications as requested; and provide inter-departmental communication surrounding events and activities throughout the year. Finally, this position plays a key role in raising brand awareness for the organization by planning and executing an annual media buy exceeding $130K with the goal of driving ticket sales across year-round activities.

A successful candidate will have extremely strong writing and proofreading skills, meticulous attention to detail, enthusiasm for project management, and will be a fluid and dynamic individual who embraces learning and growth.

• Serve as the primary copywriter, editor, and proofreader for all marketing and public relations collateral (adhering to AP style and OTSL’s organizational style guide), including but not limited to brochures, postcards, flyers, letters, webpages, blog posts, and print advertisements;
• Help develop compelling messaging and talking points for marketing campaigns across print, email, and social channels, in alignment with the goals and strategies set out by the Director of Marketing & PR;
• Project manage the internal routing and feedback for copywriting projects across multiple departments as needed before submitting final approved copy to the Graphic Designer & Brand Manager for layout;
• Develop evocative, concise, and effective copy for show marketing descriptions annually;
• Assist the Director of Marketing & PR in the drafting, routing, and revising of press releases and media alerts;
• Craft articles for OTSL’s blog that are in alignment with SEO and content recommendations from the Web & E-Marketing Manager and the Social Media & Content Strategy Manager;
• Work with the Web & E-Marketing Manager as requested to support written content creation for marketing emails and monthly e-newsletters;
• Provide meticulous proofreading for all external communications and publications;
• Maintain and update the OTSL style guide for interdepartmental use.

• Lead the planning and execution of OTSL’s annual 160-page program book, from project managing deadlines and internal deliverables to tracking the progress of routing and edits using Asana or other company-approved software;
• Author most or all of the original content for each season’s program book across a wide range of topics, from show synopses and production notes to feature articles and interviews of key artists or luminaries;
• Serve as the primary staff liaison for the external ad sales agency who solicits advertisements in OTSL’s seasonal program book;
• Track the progress of program ad sales, prepare revenue projections upon request, and accurately manage advertising inventory across the book development process;
• Project manage the creation of any print or digital collateral required to support program book ad solicitations.

• Prepare and implement an annual media buy of $130K+, as approved by the Director of Marketing & PR, across local and national media to strategically advance earned revenue, audience growth, and brand awareness for OTSL;
• Cultivate productive and rewarding relationships with local ad reps, engaging them as key stakeholders for OTSL;
• Track advertising KPIs and prepare annual reports following each Festival Season, using data-informed research to continuously refine and improve OTSL’s advertising strategies;
• Maintain external performance and program listings across several external websites;
• Support the Social Media & Content Strategy Manager as requested with any research for non-traditional media opportunities, such as but not limited to influencers.

• Track and manage expenditures and ROI across all advertising efforts;
• Track and manage print expense, freelancer expense, and advertising revenue for the program book;
• Track and manage any other budget items pertaining to this job description, ensuring total expenditures remain at or below projections.

• A Bachelor’s Degree in English, communications, journalism, marketing or related degree preferred;
• Highly skilled writer with meticulous proofreading abilities;
• Deeply organized and systematic person with extreme attention to detail;
• Experience in successfully crafting editorial narratives;
• Familiarity with task management softwares (such as Asana) preferred;
• Experience managing budgets preferred;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• This is a full-time, non-exempt position.
• Compensation Range: $53,000 – 56,000 annual salary
• Robust benefits package including health insurance, open PTO policy, 401k match, and more.
• Opera Theatre has a flexible work policy which allows for some hybrid work and asynchronous schedule arrangements, based on position and other factors.

Applicants for the position are asked to submit a resume along with a cover letter that describes their interest in the position and outlines their relevant experience and qualifications.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization known for innovative productions featuring outstanding young artists. The company offers a festival opera season each spring which attracts ticket buyers from zip codes throughout the metropolitan area, as well as visitors from nearly 50 states and multiple countries. As of 2024, OTSL has presented 41 world premieres, which may be the highest percentage of new work in the repertory of any American company. In addition to the spring Festival Season, OTSL operates year-round education and community programs serving nearly 17,000 local children and adults.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has a year-round artistic and administrative staff of approximately 45, which grows to more than 500 during the Festival Season. Several hundred volunteer members of the Opera Theatre Guild provide support for all aspects of Opera Theatre’s work and advocate for the company throughout the greater St. Louis community. The company’s annual budget size is approximately $12 million; contributed revenue represents more than 50% of budget.

At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, we value equity, diversity, and mutual respect. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically excluded to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

OTSL will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion or belief; national, social, or ethnic origin; age; sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression; physical, mental, or sensory disability; family or parental status; genetic information or characteristics; protected veteran status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. OTSL will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

If you need assistance or accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact (314) 963-4233 or tbennett@opera-stl.org.