ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

ABOUT
Formed in 1928-29 as the first professional symphony orchestra in the Southwest, the TSO is the longest continuously performing professional arts organization in Arizona, serving more than 120,000 lives each year, including 35,000 students, through concerts, educational programming and outreach. Under the artistic leadership of Music Director José Luis Gomez since 2016, the TSO’s vision is to reflect its many communities and bring them together through music, creating deeper connections especially with the region’s Hispanic-Latino heritage. and making music for all Tucson and southern Arizona. During Gomez’s tenure, the TSO’s quality of performances and impact within the community have grown dramatically. He recently extended his contract to lead the TSO as it celebrates its Centennial in the 2028-29 season.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Join a dynamic team to promote the Tucson Symphony Orchestra across multiple platforms including social media, the press and other earned media channels. Through words, photos, and videos you will create opportunities to tell compelling stories about the music, the people and the programs, with the goals of increasing awareness of the TSO, driving audience engagement, and boosting ticket sales. You will be familiar with the media landscape, have the instincts to know which stories to pitch and when, and use your creative skills with a sense of fun, excitement and passion about music.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Content Development
• Serves as the primary creator and editor for all TSO channels, developing content to advance sales and other objectives for social, web, email, and other communications.
• Develops and implements the TSO’s annual strategic communications strategy in collaboration with senior management colleagues.
• Writes, sources, and edits content for the TSO website, uploading and refreshing content.
• Writes and produces monthly email newsletters, including artist interviews, feature stories, and updates on TSO happenings.
• Produces organizational-wide publications such as the Annual Report.
• Maintains the TSO written style guide and ensures that all content adheres to guidelines.
• Serves as the TSO’s primary photographer and videographer.
Public Relations
• Acts as the primary liaison with external media, developing a comprehensive list of contacts across all media, at local, regional and national levels when appropriate.
• Builds PR strategies to advance awareness and coverage of the TSO, including support of concerts, fundraising and educational programs.
• Writes press releases for the annual season launch and other major stories.
• Tracks engagement of media activity.
Social Media
• Manages the TSO social media presence and calendar, producing engaging posts with photos/videos to drive increased engagement, tailored to each channel.
• Regularly analyzes and reports on metrics, cross-referencing social media engagement with impact on ticket sales.
• Collaborates with TSO musicians, guest artists and conductors for promotional content.
• Attends rehearsals and performances to capture content.
Other
• Represents TSO at concerts and other events.
• Serves as a general updater and editor on TSO’s website.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
• BA in communications, creative writing, digital media, or related field (may also substitute relevant experience)
• 4-5 years’ experience in content creation, communication, or marketing
• Exceptional writing skills
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (or similar) for social media and email graphics
• Professional video and photography experience
• Creative thinking skills, with the ability to problem solve, and attention to detail
• Experience in using generative AI (e.g., for drafting pitches, monitoring trends, or analyzing engagement) to boost efficiency and ensure accuracy in communications deliverables.
• A passion for music and the arts
• Great interpersonal skills
PREFERABLE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
• Arts and Nonprofit experience
• Spanish-speaking
Job Title: Associate Director, Public Relations and Communications
Reports to: Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Supervises: N/A
Classification: Full-time, exempt
Hours: Minimum 40 hours/week
Remote Position: No
Compensation: $54,000-$60,000 annually, subject to qualifications and experience
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Tucson Symphony Orchestra is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities, programs, and general treatment during employment.
INCLUSION
Our patrons and audiences come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for the performing arts, you will find a home at TSO.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
Prior to submitting your application package for this position, please review it carefully for accuracy. TSO does verify academic credentials for its candidates, and frequently conducts background checks including work history before finalizing an offer.
TO APPLY
Please send cover letter and professional resume with at least three references to: applications@tucsonsymphony.org or ATTN: President & CEO, TSO, 2175 N. Sixth Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705