Head of Press Job Description
Assembly Festival Role: Head of Press Reports to: Head of Programming and Managing Director
Direct Relationships: Artistic Director, Programming, Marketing and Technical Teams Line Management: Press Coordinator, Press Officer, Press Tickets Coordinator and Press Clippings Assistants Contract term: May – September Evening and weekend work as required, you may be required to work on bank or public holidays. Role Description Assembly Festival is one of the largest and longest running multi venues on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In 2017, we will be presenting around 200 shows across 5 sites, across all performance genres, for our 37th year of presenting the highest standard of international and British work on the fringe. The Head of Press will work with the Head of Programming, Artistic Director and Managing Director to generate press stories promoting all the shows performing at Assembly as part of the Festival Fringe 2017. The Head of Press will work as part of the Senior Management team and ensure that Assembly is recognised in its operation as the best it can be from the perspective of the media, companies presenting at Assembly, audiences and all key stakeholders.
Role and Responsibilities •
Work with press and media towards presenting to a high standard that will promote Assembly’s artistic vision and shows appropriately.
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To lead and manage the PR campaigns for a series of between 10 – 13 Assembly Festival managed shows
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To coordinate interviews, review schedules and promo opportunities for the show across Print, Radio, online and in both local and national press outlets
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To manage the smooth running of the press office, ticketing system and communication of reviews and press announcements
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Work with the Marketing team provide content for Social Media sites.
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Work with the Marketing and Productions teams monitor and track ticket sales and generate joint promotions and press opportunities.
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Work with the Press Officer and Press Coordinator to manage the media attending the Assembly Press Gala
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Attending staff meeting, award ceremonies and other events where applicable
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Other duties, within reason, as required.
Person Specification:
• Previous Edinburgh Festival Fringe experience is preferable. • Understanding of arts based publicity and the motivations behind a ticket buyer. • Previous experience managing press campaigns for live performances, pitching to journalists and securing reviews
• Previous festival based PR experience • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to deal effectively with people at all levels, both within and externally to the organisation.
• Proactive approach to generating ideas and thinking on your feet as well as outside the box. • Strong management experience with excellent attention to detail and a proven track record in delivering to the highest standard.
• Experience working in a fast paced, high stress environment and able to deal well under pressure, and to a deadline.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • A high level of computer literacy, including but not limited to Microsoft Office programs. • Willingness to work unsocial hours. • Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and to manage and meet deadlines. To apply please send a CV and covering letter to [email protected] with the subject heading Head of Press by the 14th April. Interviews will take place at either our London Office or via Skype. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as we will be shortlisting throughout the process. This role is Edinburgh based, but London based applicants will also be considered.
