Public Relations & Communications Manager

The Ordway: The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is one of the leading performing arts centers in the United States and a catalyst for vibrant arts in Minnesota. Powered by hundreds of talented and dedicated staff members and volunteers, the Ordway is renowned for its multidisciplinary programming, welcoming atmosphere, and comfortable environment. The Ordway welcomes audiences of all ages and backgrounds for year- round eclectic and entertaining offerings, including Broadway musicals, concerts, dance, vocal artists, and new works. Performances take place in the 1,900-seat Music Theater and a 1,100-seat Concert Hall. The Ordway serves tens of thousands of students and families each year through its arts education and community impact programs, and is a proud member of the Arts Partnership, a collaboration comprising the Ordway, Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Schubert Club. 

Position Purpose: The Public Relations & Communications Manager leads strategic communications and media relations efforts that increase awareness, generate audience interest, and support ticket sales for the Ordway's Broadway at The Ordway Series, while also securing earned media coverage for Ordway Presents programming, education initiatives, fundraising efforts, community engagement activities, and institutional priorities. In partnership with communications team, this role will serve as liaison to the media and is responsible for strengthening the Ordway's reputation, elevating the organization's visibility, and advancing its mission throughout the community and region.

Position Details:

• Posting Date: 8/28/26 - The Ordway is dedicated to building an equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from populations underrepresented in the theater field.

• Employee Type: Salaried, Exempt, Full-time 

• Pay: $58,000 - $65,000 annually

• Department: Marketing and Sales

• Reports to: Communications and External Relations Specialist

Key Performance Areas:

• Develop and execute integrated public relations and communications strategies that advance the Ordway's mission, drive awareness and audience engagement for Broadway at The Ordway series, and support Ordway Presents programming, education initiatives, fundraising efforts, and institutional priorities.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with media, touring production publicists, artists' representatives, community leaders, arts partners, and other key stakeholders to generate positive earned media coverage and strengthen the Ordway's visibility and reputation.

• Serve as the primary media contact for the organization, managing media inquiries, interview requests, spokesperson preparation, media appearances, and press relations.

• Lead publicity campaigns for Broadway at The Ordway series, including developing media strategies, coordinating with touring production publicists and press representatives, identifying story opportunities, securing feature coverage, and managing interviews and media appearances. Provide similar support for Ordway Presents programming, institutional initiatives, and season announcements. 

• Research, write, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, talking points, and media briefings for CEO and other spokespersons, and other communications materials. Collaborate with the Communications & External Relations Specialist and external public relations counsel on messaging, timing, and distribution strategies as appropriate.

• Coordinate media access, credentialing, ticketing, interview logistics, and related press services for performances, season announcements, special events, and organizational initiatives.

• Collaborate with Marketing, Development, Programming, Education, Executive Leadership, Production, the Communications & External Relations Specialist, and external communications partners to ensure consistent messaging and integrated communications strategies.

• Oversee content for organizational communications, including website content, newsletters, annual reports, event programs, executive communications, speeches, and other public-facing materials.

• Monitor, analyze, and report on earned media performance and communications effectiveness, maintaining media lists, communications calendars, release schedules, coverage reports, campaign assessments, and media monitoring systems.

• Position the CEO and senior leadership team as thought leaders through strategic media opportunities, community engagement initiatives, executive communications, and speaking engagements.

• Create and edit basic multimedia content, including light photo and video editing, to support public relations, media relations, and social media initiatives.

• Manage interns or assigned staff, coordinate relationships with external agencies and consultants, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Other Qualifications:

• Four-year degree required, preferably in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in musical theater, performing arts, entertainment, live events, or cultural sector strongly preferred.

• Minimum of three to five years of progressive marketing and communication experience required.

• Reliable transportation required.

• Proven results in achieving earned income goals, institutional branding and marketing.

• Demonstrated success securing earned media coverage through proactive media outreach, pitching, relationship building, and strategic communications planning.

• Three to five years of experience developing, pitching, and executing public relations, media relations, and communications strategies within a fast-paced, creative environment, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.

• Exceptional written, proofreading, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with media, stakeholders, community partners, and internal audiences.

• Ability to develop effective working relationships with internal departments, external partners and media/corporate community 

To Apply: For more information or to apply, visit ordway.org/employment.

Ordway is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, age, local human rights commission activity, national origin, and veteran, or disability status. The Ordway Theater and administrative office are wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcomed. All applicants who have questions or needs regarding access accommodations or interpreting assistance for job interviews are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources. 

We know there are great candidates who may not fit into the criteria we’ve outlined here, or who have important skills we haven’t listed. If that’s you, please don’t hesitate to apply anyway and tell us about yourself.