Communications Manager

Company Overview

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), founded in 1920 with composer Ernest Bloch as the founding director, is one of just seven independent conservatories of music in the United States, one of three devoted exclusively to classical music performance and the only nestled in America's heartland. CIM's campus - in the world-class center of innovation in healthcare, education and arts & culture known as University Circle - offers an incomparable environment for learning, study and artistic development.

CIM's graduates command the most celebrated and revered stages in the world as soloists, chamber musicians and ensemble members; compose meaningful, award-winning new repertoire; and are highly sought-after teaching artists, administrators and though leaders. More than half of the members of The Cleveland Orchestra are connected to CIM as members of the faculty, alumni or both. The Institute's diverse talent tapestry uniquely positions CIM as the future of classical music.

All CIM students benefit from access to world-renowned visiting artists and conductors, intensive study with CIM's stellar faculty and the rich curriculum offered by CIM's partner Case Western Reserve University, CIM's Center for Innovative Musicianship (known as CIM) embraces the school's mission to empower the world's most talented classical music students to fulfill their dreams and potential by offering extensive experiential opportunities for students to foster the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition into a professional career.

CIM is an integral part of Cleveland's art community, presenting nearly 600 free performances and master classes on campus each year, and hundreds more at locations throughout the region, including Severance Hall, which is widely regarded as one of the world's finest concert halls. Students and faculty engage with partners including The Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Institute of Art and other cultural, educational and community organizations to create classical music that is as vibrant and varied as the city of Cleveland.

Job Summary

CIM is seeking a Communications Manager who will pursue meaningful local, regional and national news coverage for CIM's strategic goals and priorities, as well as its immediate opportunities. The manager will also concept and execute related events, write news stories for internal channels and serve as managing editor for the semiannual alumni magazine.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Pursue local and national new placements as CIM's media relations leader; nurture and leverage relationships with journalists, bloggers and other influencers; and outline strategies to engage potential key journalistic targets.
• Prepare spokespeople and supervise interviews as necessary.
• Create and manage an active editorial calendar including high-profile announcements; routine appointments; lifecycle moments; concerts and events; and student, faculty, alumni, staff and Trustee accomplishments and honors.
• Author stories for CIM social media and website. Develop relationships with faculty and students to surface content that complements media-facing news.
• Serve as managing editor for Notes magazine, CIM's semiannual alumni and community facing publication.
• Draft and/or edit executive communications, including talking points, curtain speeches and formal remarks.
• Secure a robust schedule of speaking engagements for CIM leaders.
• Cultivate collaborative relationships with colleagues at other University Circle cultural institutions, Cleveland organizations and peer conservatories and music schools.
• With Director of Marketing and Communications, manage crisis communications. Craft statements, brief and advise leadership, prepare spokespeople and front-line staff and monitor evolving situations.
• Proofread and edit a wide range of content - including emails, blog posts, publications, reports, etc. - as needed.
• Lead and support additional projects that advance CIM's mission, vision and institutional goals.
• Attend CIM concerts and events as needed, which may require occasional evening or weekend hours.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; studies in communications, journalism or related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in communications, marketing or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in media placement.
• Exceptional attention to detail and superior proofreading skills.
• Ability to write in a variety of styles and voices to meet wide-ranging needs.
• Exeprience with or interest in classical music is a significant plus.

Personal Attributes

• Quick study with a bias towards action.
• Works efficiently and proactively and takes responsibility for own work.
• Comfortable working with a variety of people and personalities.
• Thrives in a rapidly changing environment with shifting priorities.
• Ability to work well under pressure; driven by an internal sense of urgency and will to succeed.
• Focuses on exceptional customer service.
• Excels as both an individual contributor and a key team member.

Working Conditions

Requires extended periods of walking, standing or sitting. Also requires long periods of working with a computer. Good visual acuity through normal or corrected vision.

Benefits and Perks

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.
• Retirement with a matching contribution after one year of service.
• Company paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid time off - vacation, personal, and sick time. In addition, two floating holidays and two weeks paid while the Institute is closed for winter break.
• Tuition discount for employees and dependents.

The Cleveland Institute of Music embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will create an inclusive climate for students of all races, ethnicities, and genders. We strongly encourage women and underrepresented minorities to apply. CIM is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer; we support and practice non-discrimination in all areas of employment regarding gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or military status.

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