(in Marketing and Patron Services
department)

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Function

The Media/Communications Specialist is responsible for supporting the work of the
Marketing and Patron Services department and the Assistant Director for
Marketing and Patron Services, primarily in the form of writing, editing, and
proofreading but also in logistical and organizational work and other means of
service as determined by the Assistant Director for Marketing and Patron
Services.

Organizational Relationship

The Media/Communications Specialist reports to the Assistant Director for Marketing
and Patron Services, who in turn reports to the Senior Associate Director, who
reports to the Director of Krannert Center. The Media/Communications Specialist
works closely with other members of the marketing and development teams and
with partners throughout the Krannert Center staff and resident departments.

Skills and Duties

The Media/Communications Specialist should be willing and able to

• write, edit, and proofread materials with accuracy and appropriate style, in a
  timely manner. Materials could include, but are not limited to, event
  descriptions, web content (performances, development, engagement, ticketing,
  etc.), correspondence with patrons and staff, grant applications, promotional
  materials, youth and engagement materials, advertisement, food service
  correspondence, and others. The Media/Communications Specialist should be willing
  and able to do this work independently and with initiative, while accepting and
  processing direction from clients. (Primary clients include the Director,
  Senior Associate Director, and Assistant Director for Marketing and Patron
  Services.)

• operate as a core leader of the proofreading team. The Media/Communications
  Specialist will assist with process improvement in proofreading as needed and
  may teach other staff members how best to use editing/change-tracking features,
  particularly in Word and Adobe.

• perform the following tasks for all Krannert Center program booklets:
  copywriting and management of proofing, editing, and production. The
  Media/Communications Specialist will work cooperatively with the Public
  Information Director to gather appropriate information from artists’ managers,
  the resident academic departments, students, staff, etc. The
  Media/Communications Specialist will provide program copy to the Graphic
  Designer and will monitor the production schedule, ensuring timely production
  and delivery, working collaboratively with the Graphic Designer on process
  improvement and other needs.

• update, revise, and maintain various Filemaker Pro databases, including but not
  limited to the historical performance databases which contain artist names, composition
  names, attendance figures, and other items. Brainstorm and collaborate on means
  to improve both the databases and their potential increased use, such as
  populating a performance history section on KrannertCenter.com. May help to
  maintain the current season master calendar database.

• revise and maintain the Krannert Center style guide; answer questions from all
  staff related to style and usage. Work with designer to post style guide to web
  for staff use. May brainstorm and implement means to provide staff education
  regarding style, usage, copywriting, and proofing.

• use various software programs, including but not limited to Filemaker Pro,
  Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, Mac
  Mail, the web editing tool SpeedEdit, and possibly Quicken financial software,
  InDesign design software, iTunes, iPhoto, or the Paciolan ticketing system.

• keep records and prepare reports accurately. These reports and analyses could
  involve finances, ticket sales, web usage, event evaluations, or other needs as
  requested.

• possibly maintain selected external calendar listings such as mac.com,
  iCalshare.com, and Google. May work with Public Information Director to share
  performance information and resources with staff; these resources could include
  digitally-posted production photos and various educational/informational media
  such as DVDs, CDs, online videos, and scripts for staff use.

• possibly prepare text for various promotional materials such as CenterStage
  newsletter, season brochures, annual report, direct mail, newspaper ads,
  posters, and miscellaneous advertisements in a variety of publications.

• possibly assist graphic design staff in areas such as photo scanning and
  processing of digital photo files for use on web and in print.

• function as part of the marketing and development team, helping to brainstorm,
  plan, implement, and evaluate Krannert Center events and initiatives as needed.
  Attend Krannert Center events as needed to maintain a current working knowledge
  of the audience, environment, and product.

• focus on detailed work such as proofreading while maintaining awareness of and
  support for the “big picture” mission and vision of Krannert Center.

• maintain excellent collaborative relationships with other Krannert Center staff
  members, members of the resident academic departments, community partners, and
  patrons

• use excellent communication skills with patrons and colleagues, in a friendly,
  professional, helpful manner, sometimes in stressful situations.

• focus on customer needs in all work, whether the customer is a patron or a
  colleague.

• manage graduate assistants, interns, and other colleagues such as freelance
  writers or designers if needed.

• effectively manage simultaneous projects.

• assist Assistant Director for Marketing and Patron Services in special projects
  as needed.

• assist Senior Associate Director in special projects as needed.>

• perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree is required. Experience in publication writing, editing, and proofreading is required. Experience in arts communication is preferred. The Media/Communications Specialist should possess excellent organizational, technological, interpersonal, teamwork, planning, and communication skills.

Application

This is a 100% time (full time), 12-month, full benefits, visiting academic professional appointment, renewable each year for up to two years. Salary is competitive. Start date July 16, 2008 (negotiable). To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by July 2, 2008.

Send letter of interest, resume, e-mail address, and contact information for three references to:

Maureen Reagan, Assistant Director for Marketing and Patron Services, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts,

500 South Goodwin Avenue,
Urbana, Illinois 61801
or by e-mail to Search-Marketing@kcpa.uiuc.edu.

You may contact Krannert Center at 217/333-6700. The University of Illinois is an AA-EOE.