Position Summary (part-time) The Public Relations and Communications Coordinator is responsible for building and maintaining the Elgin Symphony Orchestra's (ESO) public profile across the greater Elgin region including neighboring communities. This role manages relationships with regional chambers of commerce and community organizations, writes and distributes press releases to media contacts, maintains the ESO's brand consistency, and supports audience engagement initiatives such as Coffee & Conversation events. The ideal candidate is an organized, deadline-driven communicator who is comfortable managing multiple external relationships and recurring submission calendars. Key Responsibilities Community & Chamber Relations Maintain relationships with community organizations and regional chambers of commerce. Attend relevant committee meetings as needed and represent the ESO's marketing interests. Submit concert listings to each chamber's member events calendar in accordance with individual chamber requirements and deadlines. Prepare and submit news content (graphics, press releases, and/or 100-word stories) to media and community newsletters, following each organization's specific formatting and submission guidelines. Submit event information to Explore Elgin Area at least six months in advance to support regional promotion through Enjoy Illinois magazine, the Explore Elgin Area website, and associated social media channels. Press Release & Media Distribution Draft and finalize press releases for all Classics and special event concerts, targeting completion and approval by 3-4 months prior to each event. Draft press releases for community concerts and other communications needs throughout the season. Distribute press releases to media contacts 5-6 weeks in advance of each concert, emailing reporters individually with a personalized summary and a photo of the guest artist, Music Director, or orchestra as appropriate. Monitor and respond promptly to media inquiries. Maintain and update the media distribution list and press release archive. Online Presence Create concert descriptions (date, time, location) upon season announcement and post to online community calendars, including City Spark and the

WNIU/WNIJ

Community Calendar. Maintain the ESO Style Guide annually, including current season fonts/colors, donor listings, and the preferred formatting for musical works; distribute updates to all staff. Maintain and update the organization's press kit, including annual bio updates and current photography for featured artists and staff. Trade Agreements & Partnerships Manage reciprocal advertising trade agreements with partner organizations (e.g., EYSO, Barrington White House), including submitting and updating ad creative to meet partner deadlines. Coordinate reciprocal slide placements for partner organizations in pre-concert and intermission slide shows, ensuring materials are received in the required format and timeline. Vendor & Event Coordination Serve as primary contact for print vendors (window clings, promotional items, banners, step-and-repeat, etc.) and event/headshot photographers. Coordinate concert photography to build a visual archive for recap content, grant and donor materials, and historical records. Plan and host at least two Coffee & Conversation audience engagement events per year, coordinating RSVPs, refreshments, box office support, and Music Director participation. Qualifications 2+ years of experience in marketing, public relations, or communications, ideally within a nonprofit or arts organization. Excellent written communication skills, with experience drafting press releases and promotional copy. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple recurring deadlines across many external partners. Comfort working with digital submission portals, email newsletters, and social media platforms. Experience with SharePoint, Microsoft Office, and basic familiarity with design/branding guidelines preferred. A collaborative, relationship-oriented approach and genuine interest in supporting the local arts community. Working Relationships Reports to the CEO and coordinates regularly with the General Manager (content approval), the graphic designer, and box office/administrative staff. Serves as the ESO's primary point of contact for chamber of commerce staff, media contacts, print vendors, and photographers.

Job Type:

Part-time Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Elgin, IL 60120