Job Description

STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY
For over 40 years, Steppenwolf Theatre Company has been a cultural leader in Chicago and model for theatre companies in the United States and around the world. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors, stage managers and playwrights. Steppenwolf\xe2\x80\x99s artistic ambitions are made possible by its incredible workforce of individuals, who help create a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and accountability. To that end, we attempt to use an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens in our roles and everyday decision-making. Join us in this ongoing process, as we navigate our complex world together.
COMMUNICATIONS + PR ASSOCIATE The Communications and PR Associate is a full-time position that supports the efforts of the Marketing and Communications Department and reports to the Public Relations Director. This position will work to move the institution forward with a unified brand and help build audience development initiatives. Internally, this associate collaborates with various departments including Artistic, Education, and Development. Externally responsibilities include communicating with members of the media and community partners. The successful candidate will need to have a) Strong interpersonal communication skills (both written and verbal); b) project and time management skills; c) An eye for detail and organization; d) a passion and curiosity for information sharing and community building. Areas of Responsibility: Institutional + Departmental Communications

• Institutional
  • Assist in keeping the institutional calendar updated with MarComm related events, and ensure the MarComm team is informed of major institutional events
  • Monitor usage of Steppenwolf\xe2\x80\x99s brand in outward facing communications:
    • Encourage accurate usage of most up to date branding in all staff email signature, letterhead, logo placements\xe2\x80\xa6
    • Provide branded materials and templates to other departments as needed (presentation decks, signs\xe2\x80\xa6)
• MarComm
  • Build team\xe2\x80\x99s instructional manual and maintain records on the Marketing drive
  • Support weekly MarComm meetings and help coordinate team building events

Press

• Support the Public Relations Director:
  • Primary Tasks:
    • Assist with the execution of strategic communications campaigns for all productions and programming in Steppenwolf three theater spaces (Downstairs Theater, Ensemble Theater, 1700 Theater), in addition to Education and Development programs and events, and other Steppenwolf institutional campaigns
    • Write, edit, and distribute press releases, media alerts, bios, post notices and talking points in collaboration with the Public Relations Director
    • In collaboration with the Public Relations Director, create and pitch story angles and strategic targeted messaging to media outlets
    • Provide support to the Public Relations Director as needed, including on-site supervision at photo and video shoots, interviews and press performances
    • Compile daily media alerts for internal distribution and track media coverage for each production; distribute wrap kits of press coverage at the conclusion of each run
  • Press Openings:
    • Collect RSVPs, assist in the seating of the theater press, prepare press kits, escort photographer and wrangle artists for photos; help distribute photos
  • Database Management:
    • Maintain and update the press database regularly
    • Facilitate press request for photos, videos and archival materials as needed. Oversee and organize the archival database
  • Other Efforts:
    • Support shifts on programming goals and meet additional Communication needs as they develop

Community Engagement

• Collaborate with the Director of Marketing and Communications and Ticketing and Sales Director to support Audience Development initiatives:
  • Ensure current and new relationships remain authentic and strong
    • Co-lead community engagement meetings
    • Maintain Community lists and identify potential community partners for season and productions, and initiatives
    • Help distribute collateral to community partners
    • Brainstorm and help implement ways to make Steppenwolf more welcoming for a wide array of audiences
  • Manage pre-and post-performance events that facilitate community building
    • Work cross-departmentally with Artistic, Education and Development departments
  • Assist in the development and execution of promotional materials (posters, mailers, etc.):
    • Manage timelines; coordinate needs with internal team and external vendors to meet deadlines; submit design requests to the design team; route materials and compile edits; copywrite and copyedit as needed

Misc. / General Support

• This position provides general support to the department on an ongoing basis. That assistance may include maintaining departmental collateral archives, scheduling meetings, processing invoices and budget reconciliation; helping to produce marketing events and other assigned tasks as needed.

Desired Qualifications:

• A team player with a positive attitude
• An interest in arts and culture
• A self-starter with passion and curiosity for community building and audience development
• 1-3 years of work experience in communications, public relations, community engagement or equivalent experience
• Strong communications (verbal and written) and organizational skills, including attention to detail
• Exceptional project executor, with strong project management and time management skills
• Experience and familiarity with the Chicago theatre community (a plus, but not required)
• Computer efficiency in Wordfly, Photoshop, Dropbox, and Tessitura (a plus, but not required)
• Established media contacts in the theater beat within the Chicago area (a plus, but not required)

Compensation: Salary range: $39,500 to $42,950 with excellent benefit package for full time employees, including medical, dental, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, vacation pay, paid sick time, personal days, Ventra transit benefit program, employee assistance program and 401(k) matching retirement program.
To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and three references
ALL STEPPENWOLF EMPLOYEES MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED AGAINST COVID NO PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS PLEASE
About Steppenwolf: Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation\xe2\x80\x99s premier ensemble theatre. Steppenwolf produces hundreds of performances and events annually in its three spaces: the 515-seat Downstairs Theater, the 400-seat Ensemble Theater and the 80-seat 1700 Theater. Artistic programming includes a six-play season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Artists engagements; and LookOut, a multi-genre performances series. Education initiatives include the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf for Young Adults, which engages 15,000 participants annually from Chicago\xe2\x80\x99s diverse communities; the esteemed School at Steppenwolf; and Professional Leadership Programs. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Audrey Francis and Glenn Davis are the Artistic Directors and E. Brooke Flanagan is the Executive Director. For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr. Steppenwolf Mission: Steppenwolf Theatre Company strives to create thrilling, courageous and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our community as we navigate our complex world together. Steppenwolf Core Values:

• Equity + Inclusion
• Integrity + Curiosity
• Courage + Collaboration
• Accountability + Leadership
  • Steppenwolf gives preference to candidates who have demonstrable experience advocating for inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA).

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Steppenwolf complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.