PR & Communications Specialist

Spoleto Festival U.S.A.•Charleston, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Spoleto Festival USA is hiring a seasonal, full-time PR & Communications Specialist for its Marketing team. Based on-site in Charleston, South Carolina, the role runs from November 2026 through June 2027 and supports communications planning, media relations, editorial development, and campaign execution leading into and throughout the 2027 50th Anniversary Festival, which runs May 28 through June 13, 2027. The Specialist works closely with and supports the Associate Director of Marketing & Communications. The position supports public relations strategy and media outreach; develops and edits communications materials; identifies and pitches stories about Festival artists, performances, history, and impact; and helps coordinate press access and coverage. The Specialist also contributes to brand communications and campaign content, including the Festival's Program Book and other promotional materials, and manages selected editorial and marketing collateral projects. The role requires strong writing, organization, attention to detail, relationship-building, and collaboration in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The position pays $700 per week and is not benefit-eligible.

Requirements

1–3 years of experience in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills, including the ability to write for multiple audiences and communications channels.
Interest or experience in media relations, including pitching stories and working with journalists.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and related communications and project-management tools.
A positive, flexible, and collaborative attitude, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.; the employer participates in E-Verify.
Must be able to pass a background check, hold a valid driver's license, and be at least 21 years old; the role may require driving a Festival-provided vehicle.
Must be able to stoop, kneel, bend, stand for extended periods, climb stairs, reach overhead, and lift up to 50 lbs., including work in low-light, outdoor, and high-noise environments.
Must be available for evenings, weekends, and holidays, with on-call hours during the Festival period.
Must work on-site in Charleston, SC, with the role running November 2026 through June 2027.

Nice To Haves

Interest in the performing arts, cultural programming, and the Charleston community.

Responsibilities

Support public relations strategy for local, regional, and national media, particularly in arts, culture, entertainment, and Charleston.
Support press strategy, messaging, and target development in alignment with Festival programming, announcements, organizational priorities, and the 50th Anniversary.
Draft and proofread press releases, media advisories, pitches, bylines, performance briefs, talking points, and other external and internal communications.
Identify and pitch story opportunities related to Festival artists, performances, productions, organizational initiatives, Festival history, and the Festival's role in Charleston and the broader arts community.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media contacts.
Coordinate media invitations, credentialing, and ticketing for Festival performances and events.
Facilitate on-site interviews, press visits, press conferences, and news and video crews during the Festival.
Monitor media coverage and maintain accurate, timely coverage reports.
Manage pressroom materials, media assets, and other public relations resources.
Support development and execution of outward-facing communications that strengthen the Festival brand and support seasonal, production-specific, organizational, and 50th Anniversary campaigns.
Draft, edit, and proofread copy for the Festival's Program Book and related promotional materials, including marketing emails, leadership communications, and other audience-facing content.
Develop evergreen and season-specific editorial content, including quotes, talking points, articles, short statements, artist and performance messaging, and other storytelling assets.
Project-manage selected editorial and marketing collateral, including the annual Program Book, coordinating development, editing, proofreading, and delivery of commissioned content.
Ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with Festival messaging and brand standards across communications.