Communications and Public Relations Coordinator

Communications And Public Relations Coordinator Job Description

Department: Communications

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Grade: 2

Salary Range/Wages: $40,000 - $42,000

Work Location: Hybrid; Primarily onsite, with some remote work

FT/PT: Full time

Last Revision Date: 02.23.26

How to apply: A cover letter is required for consideration of this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address:

• Your specific interest in the position and working at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
• Outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities of the role

The Organization:

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is known internationally for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep commitment to serving our community. Making its home in Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the DSO actively pursues its vision to be an inclusive and culturally relevant community where all people can experience their world through music.

The DSO is a complex organization. Operating 365 days per year in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, we are a performing arts institution, an educational facility, and a community center. We are governed by an independent Board of Directors and employ both union and non-union employees as musicians, stage crew, and administrative staff. Creating a unified culture throughout the institution is an organizational imperative, and we are guided by our values of excellence, diversity, resilience, collaboration, and innovation. The DSO is also deeply invested in the city of Detroit; through our Detroit Strategy initiative, we are expanding the DSO’s participation in the growth and well-being of the city.

The DSO offers a unique, fast-paced working environment, an excellent overall compensation package, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visit

Position Summary : The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is looking for an organized and deadline-driven individual with the ability to think “big picture” and juggle multiple projects simultaneously. This position is a critical part of the Communications media team and reports directly to the Manager of Public Relations. The Communications and Public Relations Coordinator will assist in press outreach, interview prep and scheduling, drafting and distribution of press materials, email support on internal communications, and the production of printed program books and other relevant publications.

Through collaboration with the entire Communications team and the DSO Marketing team, this role helps ensure that new and existing audiences are plugged into everything happening in the DSO universe.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work together with the Public Relations Manager to develop media coverage strategies for full scope of DSO presentations and activities.
• Assist in press and media opportunity logistics—including writing press releases, pitching stories, coordinating interviews and appearances, and acting as a DSO representative while liaising with press.
• Collaborate with the Public Relations Manager in the production of DSO’s signature program book, Performance magazine, as well as other printed program books and publications.
• Coordinate scheduling, building, routing, and sending of select internal and media communications via email (WordFly software platform).
• Provide copyediting support across the organization in adherence with DSO style guide.
• Moderate Live from Orchestra Hall webcasts to foster chat discussion, pull metrics, and troubleshoot issues.
• Assist Communications team with special projects planning and other duties as assigned, including social media support.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of equivalent experience in communications, journalism, marketing or related field
• Excellent editing, writing, and proofreading ability
• Experience with email marketing service (e.g. WordFly, Constant Contact, Mailchimp, etc.)
• Strong organizational and administrative skills and the ability to prioritize tasks and meet multiple deadlines
• Available and willing to work on evenings and weekends when department representation is needed for concerts and other events, including webcast chat moderation
• Dynamic and creative with a positive attitude and ability to provide superior patron service
• Ability to act independently, take initiative, and meet changing priorities.
• Successful experience working in, and contributing to, a collaborative, team environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in a PC network environment and experience with Microsoft Office and Windows software.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience working with local and/or national media
• Basic graphic design skills (experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Knowledge of and passion for classical music and the symphony orchestra

Not sure you meet 100% of the qualifications? If this role speaks to you and you believe that you can excel, we encourage you to apply. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is committed to considering candidates with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds who are interested in building and delivering impactful services and programs.

Additional Information:

• This is a salaried, non-union position.
• This position is eligible for the DSO’s exceptional benefits package, including $0 cost medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 403b retirement account, and great ancillary benefits.
• Successful candidates must be available to work a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, to meet the needs of the DSO’s performance schedule.
• All positions at the DSO require the successful completion of a background check prior to beginning employment. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates.

Physical Requirements:

This role primarily works in an office environment and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen. Additional physical requirements include:

Never

0%

Seldom

5% - 25%

Occasionally

26% - 50%

Periodically

51% - 75%

Frequently

76% - 100%

Standing

x

Walking

x

Prolonged Sitting

x

Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs.

x

Lifting/carrying 10 - 25 lbs.

x

Lifting/carrying 26 - 50 lbs.

x

Lifting/carrying more than 50 lbs.

x

Pushing/Pulling

x

Climbing

x

Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching/

Crawling

x

Reaching

x

Manual dexterity

x

Driving a Motorized Vehicle

x

Repetitive Motions

x

Position Reports to: Manager of Public Relations

Direct Reports: N/A

If accommodation is needed to ensure your successful participation in the

application or interview process, please reach out to [email protected] for assistance.