Senior Director, Communications

San Francisco Ballet • San Francisco, CA

282d • $161,058 - $189,414

About The Position

SF Ballet is looking for an experienced and innovative Senior Director, Communications to lead and execute the SF Ballet and SF Ballet School communications strategy to strengthen brand and program positioning, support key industry and government priorities, and elevate organizational visibility across multiple audiences. This role involves overseeing internal and external corporate communications, media relations, social media, fundraising campaign messaging, managing the external communications agency, and leading and growing the communications team. The ideal candidate brings significant media relations and writing experience, strong people management and organizational leadership across departments, public speaking skills, and a curious mind to continually drive strategic awareness and engagement in a changing environment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience in press, communications strategies, influencer and campaign management, especially within performing arts or similar.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage multiple strategies, meet deadlines, and lead cross-departmental projects.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills for synthesizing information, strategy development, and identifying key themes and relationships.
• Strategic planning and execution, self-directed.
• Cross-functional collaboration.
• Budget management and reporting.
• Problem solving and decision making.
• Team leadership and mentorship.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the ballet artform is a plus.
• Passion for SF Ballet mission.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with ease in working with both large and small groups.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement across all facets of work.
• A curious mind in a changing environment.
• High tolerance for ambiguity, coupled with sound judgment, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.
• High energy relationship builder.

Responsibilities

• Create and lead a comprehensive narrative and messaging strategy that exponentially grows SF Ballet support across the Bay Area, and positions SF Ballet as leader in dance globally.
• Manage NY-based Communications agency on institutional messaging and, national/international media outreach and management, press support, and crisis communication.
• Craft compelling, audience-tailored messaging for social media and communication materials and ensure messaging consistency across platforms, departments, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with SF Ballet marketing, development, operations, education and community team to ensure SF Ballet messaging is consistent across all audiences.
• Review and approve all communication materials developed in support of SF Ballet.
• Build and maintain relationships with local, national, international and industry media outlets to support accurate and compelling coverage of the organization.
• Develop and implement proactive targeted media strategies, campaigns, and outreach.
• Effectively manage reactive media requests, including coordination of responses, development of talking points, and strategic deployment of both proactive and reactive communications across platforms.
• Collaborate with SFB senior leaders in thought-leadership opportunities such as Op-Eds, panels and speaking opportunities.
• Lead crisis communication process and response.
• Develop, lead, and manage a strategic internal communications program that keeps all constituencies informed about key initiatives.
• Create and implement comprehensive short- and long-term communications plans that align internal and external strategies.
• Identify specific communications needs and develop content and processes for organizational improvements.
• Provide advice and counsel to departments on strategic planning and effective messaging.
• Conceive fundraising communications strategies for a variety of audiences and projects.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries