PR & Communications Specialist

Responsibilities

• Support the Festival's public relations strategy for local, regional, and national media, with a focus on arts, culture, entertainment, and Charleston.
• Support press strategy, messaging, and target development based on Festival programming, announcements, organizational priorities, and the 50th Anniversary.
• Draft and proofread press releases, media advisories, pitches, bylines, performance briefs, talking points, and other materials for external and internal audiences.
• Identify and pitch compelling story opportunities tied to Festival artists, performances, productions, organizational initiatives, Festival history, and the Festival's role in Charleston and the broader arts community.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media contacts.
• Coordinate media invitations, credentialing, and ticketing for Festival performances and events, and facilitate on-site interviews, press visits, press conferences, and news and video crews during the Festival.
• Monitor media coverage and maintain accurate and timely coverage reports.
• Manage pressroom materials, media assets, and other public relations resources.
• Support the development and execution of outward-facing communications that strengthen the Spoleto Festival USA brand and support seasonal, production-specific, organizational, and 50th Anniversary campaigns.
• Draft, edit, and proofread copy for the Festival's program book and related promotional materials, including marketing emails, leadership communications, and other audience-facing content.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of experience in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills, and the ability to write for multiple audiences and communications channels.
• Interest or experience in media relations, including pitching stories and working with journalists.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and related communications and project-management tools.
• A positive, flexible, and collaborative attitude, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.; this employer participates in E-Verify.
• Must be able to pass a background check and hold a valid driver's license; you must be 21 or older, as this role may require driving a Festival-provided vehicle.
• Requires the ability to stoop, kneel, bend, stand for extended periods, climb stairs, reach overhead, and lift up to 50 lbs., including work in low-light, outdoor, and high-noise environments.

Preferred

• Interest in the performing arts, cultural programming, and the Charleston community is a plus.

Benefits

• Complimentary access for seasonal staff and a guest to select performances and events.