Communications Manager - #1093651

Job purpose

• The Manager, Communications (PR) will implement Arts House Limited's (AHL) Public Relations strategy, with a primary focus on enhancing the organisation's public image, reputation, and media presence.
• This role is responsible for developing and executing PR campaigns that promote AHL's festivals, programmes, and initiatives, ensuring alignment with the organisation's strategic communication goals.
• The Manager will manage media relations, create press materials, pitch stories to journalists, and execute key PR initiatives.
• The role requires close collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders to craft compelling narratives and generate positive media coverage, contributing to AHL's visibility and strengthening its public profile.

Duties and responsibilities

Media Relations and PR

• Develop and nurture strategic local and international media partnerships with leading media outlets, cultural commentators, and industry stakeholders to enhance AHL’s brand presence.
• Act as a key liaison between PR, marketing, and programming teams to ensure cohesive messaging and alignment across all external communications.
• Strengthen local and international media relations efforts, ensuring strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers to drive quality press coverage.
• Plan and execute major media events including journalist visit programme for festivals, interviews, press briefings, and VIP/media engagements, ensuring a high level of strategic positioning and execution.
• Provide support for senior leadership and spokespersons, preparing them for media engagements, interviews, and public appearances
• Identify and cultivate relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs) for AHL programmes and festivals
• Pitch and secure coverage in relevant local and international media titles as well as key influencer channels.

Research & Ideation

• Support DD/Comms in research efforts to identify emerging media trends, industry developments, and PR opportunities that position AHL’s festivals and programs as cultural and artistic thought leaders.
• Support DD/Comms in refining PR strategies that align with AHL’s overarching communications and brand positioning objectives.
• Drive insights-led PR planning, leveraging data analytics and audience insights to inform media engagement strategies.

Content Creation and Editing

• Create and distribute media-facing content, including press releases, media advisories, op-eds, and pitch narratives that amplify AHL Festival’s programming and vision.
• Create high-impact storytelling strategies that enhance the visibility of AHL’s festivals and programs, tailoring narratives for different media verticals and audience segments.
• Plan and develop the PR editorial calendar, ensuring seamless integration with AHL’s marketing and corporate communications plans.

Monitoring and Management

• Conduct analysis and reporting of media coverage, evaluating PR effectiveness through media metrics, sentiment analysis, and impact assessment.
• Work with DD/Comms to establish benchmarks and KPIs for PR performance, providing recommendations to enhance media visibility and brand reputation.
• Assist DD/Comms in crisis communication planning and response, providing insights on media-sensitive issues and managing reputational risks proactively.

Any other duties

• Develop and refine PR SOPs, ensuring smooth execution of VIP/media engagements and high-profile press events.
• Mentor and guide junior PR staff, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and professional growth within the PR team.

Educational Qualifications

• Degree/ Diploma in Mass Communications or any relevant field
• At least 8 years of experience in PR and Communications

Skills

• Strong attention to detail, with good organisation and planning skills, able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while consistently delivering high quality work with tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, effectively bilingual is an advantage
• Good teamwork, communications and people management skills are essential
• Strong willingness to learn
• Driven, proactive and takes initiatives
• An understanding of the latest trends in the arts and culture industry is an advantage, but not mandatory

Characteristics

• Ability to work in a fast paced, high-energy work environment
• Ability to interface with and manage stakeholders and partners

Note - This is a 2 years contract role.