Public Relations Manager

Lyric Opera of Chicago • Chicago, IL

9d • $55,000 - $65,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Lyric Opera of Chicago seeks a Public Relations Manager to serve as a key member of the communications team, driving media coverage and content creation across the company's full range of artistic and educational programming — from classical opera and contemporary works to concerts, recitals, the summer musical, and Lyric's robust education initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 4+ years of communications and writing experience, ideally with a nonprofit or cultural organization, including demonstrated experience working with news media and developing content across multiple platforms.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage journalists and members of the public with clarity, warmth, and discretion.
• Strong research and fact-checking skills and a rigorous attention to detail.
• Familiarity with the Chicago-area media market, particularly classical music, theater, and cultural outlets.
• Knowledge of classical music and opera — or a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work independently, and thrive as part of a collaborative team.
• Working knowledge of the following tools and platforms: Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Slack, Airtable, Asana, Ziflow, and CRM systems (experience with Tessitura is a strong plus).

Nice To Haves

• experience with Tessitura is a strong plus

Responsibilities

• Manage media relations for a portfolio of productions and events, including operas, concerts, the summer musical, special events, and original digital projects, as determined by the Senior Director and Director. Responsibilities include writing press releases, developing and executing pitch strategies, building press relationships, staffing photoshoots and interviews, and maintaining press lists.
• Lead media relations for the Negaunee Education Programs and The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, Lyric's post-graduate professional artist training program.
• Serve as day-to-day liaison with outside PR firms engaged on season projects, ensuring alignment on strategy, messaging, and deliverables.
• Write and manage the internal circulation and electronic distribution of all press releases.
• Assist in planning and staffing media events, including the annual season announcement.
• Assist in the training and supervision of PR interns.
• Manage all press ticketing, including maintaining the season press ticketing spreadsheet, updating records, and creating orders in Tessitura.
• Build, maintain, and regularly update Lyric's press lists and online press room.
• Develop and maintain the season media calendar, including press release and pitch schedules.
• Staff the Press Lounge for select opening nights and special events.
• Contribute to the company's weekly roundup of coverage of Lyric, peer institutions, and broader cultural news.
• Maintain the comprehensive electronic media log and oversee Lyric's outside media monitoring service, including data collection and efficacy reporting.
• Select and distribute photo assets from productions and events; respond to media photo requests.
• Manage invitations, RSVPs, and email lists for media events.
• Write and edit a wide range of content including press releases, newsletter articles, program book features, blog posts, web copy, brochure copy, and media relations plans, as assigned.
• Research and interview artists for video features; assist with asset management, distribution, and reuse in collaboration with the communications team.
• Edit and proofread print, electronic, and video materials as needed.
• Build and maintain newsroom and blog content.

Benefits

• health
• dental
• vision
• 403B (no company match)
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO (including sick, vacation, and personal days, and holidays)
• life/AD&D coverage
• opportunities for professional development
• complimentary tickets

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level