Communications Specialist
San Diego Symphony, San Diego, CA, United States
General Summary:
The San Diego Symphony’s (SDS) Communications Specialist reports to the Director of Communications, Content and Digital Strategy and is responsible for increasing brand awareness for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, and the Jacobs Music Center. As a key member of the creative content team, this role involves acting as one of the organization’s primary storytellers. The Communications Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the Symphony’s media relations, content development, and marketing initiatives.
Media and Community Relations
Write short‑form press releases and media alerts, and draft long‑lead emails to send to selected journalists and outlets.
Develop and maintain SDS’s media contact lists: local, regional, national, and international journalists across print, digital, and broadcast outlets for arts, culture, travel, and tourism.
Liaise with media at concerts, interviews, and scheduled press trips.
Represent the SDS in interviews and provide statements when needed.
Research and seek out new media relationships for the SDS.
Identify unique stories for press pitching and content building needs.
Monitor media coverage related to SDS brand; oversee the collection, management, and circulation of press clippings to appropriate colleagues.
Schedule interviews.
Respond to media inquiries.
Create interview prep documents.
Assist in the creation of bimonthly board reports.
Attend select rehearsals, concerts, and events to assist with media and photography.
Assist in curating and maintaining SDS press kits.
Content Curation Responsibilities
Storyteller and writer for the SDS blog.
Assist with email and website proofing.
Assist in the production of ongoing video series projects, including production planning, talent scheduling, hiring contractors, and invoice management.
Work alongside the marketing team to manage photo and video shoots.
Support the curation and creation of the Symphony’s monthly email newsletter.
Support the collection of headshots and bios for media work and program books; edit materials to fit SDS style guide.
Assist in brainstorming, content capture, and proofing of assets for social media.
Assist with the capture and editing of basic short‑form video content.
Share in oversight of hired photography and videography at concerts.
Co‑manage the institution’s collection of digital assets, including photo and video archives, and handle photo selection and permissions for internal and external partners and media.
Act as a central communications liaison across departments, identifying and coordinating content opportunities—interviews and media placements for donors, guest artists, musicians, staff leadership, education and community initiatives, artistic announcements, and post‑event coverage.
Serve as a member of the monthly program book editorial team.
Requirements
Outstanding writing and interpersonal communication skills.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
Professional image and demeanor at all times.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Knowledge of and passion for orchestral music.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with project‑management, graphic‑design, and basic photo and video‑editing software (e.g., Canva, Photoshop).
Ability to work a flexible concert schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Arts Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 2 years of prior experience in public relations or marketing.
General Requirements
Able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
Able to lift a minimum of 20 lbs.
Working Conditions
Regular, predictable attendance required including evenings and weekend shifts.
Normal office conditions: sitting at a desk and computer terminal for long periods, typing and computer work, light to moderate lifting.
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
Life and AD&D insurance.
Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays.
401(k) retirement plan.
Equal Opportunity Employment The San Diego Symphony is an equal‑opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We are committed to fostering a workplace where every employee has equitable access to opportunities and support, and feels a strong sense of belonging. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply.
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The San Diego Symphony’s (SDS) Communications Specialist reports to the Director of Communications, Content and Digital Strategy and is responsible for increasing brand awareness for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, and the Jacobs Music Center. As a key member of the creative content team, this role involves acting as one of the organization’s primary storytellers. The Communications Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the Symphony’s media relations, content development, and marketing initiatives.
Media and Community Relations
Write short‑form press releases and media alerts, and draft long‑lead emails to send to selected journalists and outlets.
Develop and maintain SDS’s media contact lists: local, regional, national, and international journalists across print, digital, and broadcast outlets for arts, culture, travel, and tourism.
Liaise with media at concerts, interviews, and scheduled press trips.
Represent the SDS in interviews and provide statements when needed.
Research and seek out new media relationships for the SDS.
Identify unique stories for press pitching and content building needs.
Monitor media coverage related to SDS brand; oversee the collection, management, and circulation of press clippings to appropriate colleagues.
Schedule interviews.
Respond to media inquiries.
Create interview prep documents.
Assist in the creation of bimonthly board reports.
Attend select rehearsals, concerts, and events to assist with media and photography.
Assist in curating and maintaining SDS press kits.
Content Curation Responsibilities
Storyteller and writer for the SDS blog.
Assist with email and website proofing.
Assist in the production of ongoing video series projects, including production planning, talent scheduling, hiring contractors, and invoice management.
Work alongside the marketing team to manage photo and video shoots.
Support the curation and creation of the Symphony’s monthly email newsletter.
Support the collection of headshots and bios for media work and program books; edit materials to fit SDS style guide.
Assist in brainstorming, content capture, and proofing of assets for social media.
Assist with the capture and editing of basic short‑form video content.
Share in oversight of hired photography and videography at concerts.
Co‑manage the institution’s collection of digital assets, including photo and video archives, and handle photo selection and permissions for internal and external partners and media.
Act as a central communications liaison across departments, identifying and coordinating content opportunities—interviews and media placements for donors, guest artists, musicians, staff leadership, education and community initiatives, artistic announcements, and post‑event coverage.
Serve as a member of the monthly program book editorial team.
Requirements
Outstanding writing and interpersonal communication skills.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
Professional image and demeanor at all times.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Knowledge of and passion for orchestral music.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with project‑management, graphic‑design, and basic photo and video‑editing software (e.g., Canva, Photoshop).
Ability to work a flexible concert schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Arts Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 2 years of prior experience in public relations or marketing.
General Requirements
Able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
Able to lift a minimum of 20 lbs.
Working Conditions
Regular, predictable attendance required including evenings and weekend shifts.
Normal office conditions: sitting at a desk and computer terminal for long periods, typing and computer work, light to moderate lifting.
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
Life and AD&D insurance.
Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays.
401(k) retirement plan.
Equal Opportunity Employment The San Diego Symphony is an equal‑opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We are committed to fostering a workplace where every employee has equitable access to opportunities and support, and feels a strong sense of belonging. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply.
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