Organization: Geffen Playhouse (Member of the League of Resident Theatres, LORT)

Summary
The Public Relations Director oversees branding, public relations and publicity for the Geffen Playhouse and all of its departments and programs. This includes but is not limited to: directing publicity for at least eight productions annually as well as special events, working with media/influencers to continue to raise the theater’s national profile, providing PR support for annual fundraising events and the theater’s award-winning education and outreach programs, working across all departments to provide brand-aligned institutional messaging and supporting the theater’s leadership through public relations efforts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a proactive, creative and effective media outreach strategy for all Geffen Playhouse productions and special events and activities
• Lead a national communications strategy for the theater, continuing ongoing meaningful outreach to key media and arts influencers across the country
• Collaborate in the development of mission-driven, brand aligned messaging for organizational collateral, speeches and other external communications
• Manage reviewers as well as all press kit resources (bios, headshots, production photography, b-roll, etc) for each production
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key arts/entertainment journalists, resulting in deliverables (feature story placement, etc.)
• Oversee/edit program content for each production
• Oversee press outreach and media strategy for annual high-profile fundraisers, events and activities
• Provide communications support to all departments/partners and be an active member of the theater’s senior staff
• Work to strengthen the Geffen Playhouse brand by building meaningful relationships with the theater’s artists, donors and the larger theater community
• Manage photographers and reporters at all Geffen Playhouse opening nights, fundraisers and special events
• Manage communications coordinator
• Manage and collaborate social media communications (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.)

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in communications, journalism, English or related field

Experience: Seven or more years in public relations and/or branding in an arts or related field
Non-profit, managerial and New York and/or Los Angeles experience a plus

Required Skills: Must be a highly organized self-starter with excellent writing, editing and interpersonal skills, and have a very hands-on working style
Must be able to manage, multi-task and prioritize
Must be able to build on existing relationships with both regional and national media
Must have a general love of theater and the arts
Must be able to work nights and weekends

The Geffen Playhouse

The Geffen Playhouse has been a hub of the Los Angeles theater scene since opening its doors in 1995. Noted for its intimacy and celebrated for its world-renowned mix of classic and contemporary plays, provocative new works and second productions, the Geffen Playhouse continues to present a body of work that has garnered national recognition. Named in honor of entertainment mogul and philanthropist David Geffen, who made the initial donation to the theater, the company was founded by Gilbert Cates, and is currently helmed by Artistic Director Randall Arney, Managing Director Ken Novice, General Manager Behnaz Ataee, Chief Development Office Regina Miller and Chairman of the Board Frank Mancuso. Proudly associated with UCLA, the Geffen Playhouse welcomes an audience of more than 130,000 each year, and maintains an extensive education and outreach program, designed to engage young people and the community at large in the arts. For more information, please visit geffenplayhouse.com.

Please email letter and resume to PRresume@geffenplayhouse.com. No phone calls please.