Communications Fellow
Job Title: Communications Fellow; this is a Washington State Work Study position
Department: Communications
Reports to: Director of Content
Fellowship Period: This fellowship/work-study position begins as early as August; the start date is flexible. Duration negotiable, with 9 months to one year preferred.
Organization Overview: Led by Music Director Thomas Dausgaard, the Seattle Symphony unleashes the power of music, brings people together and lifts the human spirit. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of over 150 recordings, the orchestra has garnered five Grammy Awards, 26 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle from September through July, reaching over 500,000 people annually through live performances and radio broadcasts.
Job Description: The Communications Fellow will work closely with the Director of Content to gain an understanding of communications strategy and implementation at a major symphony orchestra. This task-oriented part-time fellowship is 15–19 hours per week. The Communications Fellow will be involved in a variety of projects for the Communications department, including but not limited to:
- Writing copy for Symphony publications including articles, web copy and social media posts
- Drafting concert advisories and press releases
- Assisting in editing, proofreading and routing
- Assisting in requesting and preparing materials for publications and website
- Assisting with video and photo shoots, coordinating interviews, and other administrative tasks
- Assisting with managing photography metadata and files
- Maintaining and updating digital press kits for concerts, conductors and the in-house record label, Seattle Symphony Media
- Assisting Communications department in preparations for announcements and campaigns
- Assisting with other special projects as needed
Educational Benefits: The Communications Fellow will gain an introductory understanding of communications as a career and its role within a nonprofit organization and will attend department meetings and all-staff meetings. In addition to gaining real-world experience, the fellow will have the opportunity to work with communications staff to explore skills related to publications, publicity, content creation, social media and videography/photography.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Possess strong written and verbal skills
- Possess strong attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize projects and manage multiple tasks efficiently
- As a member of the Communications team, utmost discretion is required
Desired Qualities: The Communications Fellow must have a collaborative, curious and positive attitude. They should be motivated and able to work and learn in a fast-paced setting, be detail oriented and prompt. The ideal candidate should be savvy with Microsoft Office suites and quick to learn other software. Flexibility with hours both on and off-site a plus. Those most interested in the position are likely to be studying Music, Communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing, English or a combination of the above.
Compensation:
$15 per hour. In addition to an invaluable learning and networking opportunity, the Communications Fellow may request complimentary concert tickets pending availability and will be provided a regional transit (ORCA) card during employment.