COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER (P/T)

Position Description: 

Chicago Opera Theater (COT) seeks a part time Communications and Social Media Manager who will be responsible for shaping COT’s voice across digital and traditional media channels. This role will work in partnership with artistic and administrative leadership to develop and execute COT’s communications strategy. The ideal candidate is a creative storyteller and strategic thinker with a deep understanding of digital trends, audience engagement, and the ability to communicate COT’s mission and values effectively across diverse platforms.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Communications Strategy & Media Relations

    • Help to guide COT’s comprehensive communications plan and execute on that plan, enhancing brand visibility, and engagement.

    • Draft, edit, and distribute newsletters, social media posts, and other content, ensuring a consistent voice across all platforms.

    • Work in partnership with COT’s external publicist on drafting press releases and coordinating media outreach efforts to maximize coverage for performances, events, and organizational news.

    • Support COT’s marketing efforts by crafting compelling messages and stories that drive ticket sales and highlight the unique experience of COT performances.

    • Support COT’s development efforts by creating donor communications and impact stories that foster engagement.

  • Social Media Management

    • Develop, manage, and execute social media strategies across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, TikTok and emerging platforms.

    • Create and schedule content that promotes COT’s performances, events, and initiatives, including photos, videos, stories, and behind-the-scenes features.

    • Engage with COT’s online community by responding to comments and messages, building a positive, interactive digital space.

    • Analyze social media metrics to assess performance, track engagement trends, and adjust strategies to drive growth.

  • Content Creation & Storytelling

    • Collaborate with the artistic leadership and staff to produce compelling narratives that highlight COT’s mission, programming, and community impact.

    • Capture unique moments during rehearsals, performances, and events to share real-time content.

    • Develop, manage, and execute regular email newsletters, including content planning, writing, and design coordination to engage COT’s community, drive ticket sales and event awareness, and strengthen the company’s unique role in Chicago’s arts ecosystem.

    • Manage COT’s website content, ensuring that all information is current, accurate, and engaging.

  • Analytics & Innovation

    • Track and report on communication, media coverage, and social media metrics to measure the effectiveness of initiatives and inform future strategies.

    • Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging digital platforms to keep COT’s communication strategy fresh and forward-thinking.

    • Identify and cultivate relationships with influencers, artists, and partner organizations to increase COT’s visibility in the digital space.

This position is a good fit for someone who has:

  • Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills with a strong eye for detail.

  • Proficiency in content creation tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and video editing software.

  • A solid understanding of social media platforms, analytics tools, and content management.

  • Passion for the arts and an understanding of opera and COT’s mission.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

  • Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, and anti-racist and anti-oppressive values

Chicago Opera Theater is willing to teach:

  • How to use COT’s Database / CRM

  • Policies and procedures specific to COT

Compensation:
We are seeking a dedicated and creative individual for this part-time role, offering 15 to 20 hours per week at $25 per hour. Schedule is flexible. This position offers flexibility for remote work, though we prefer a candidate based in Chicago for a mix of remote and in-person collaboration. However, we welcome fully remote applicants who bring the requisite skills and experience to excel in this role. This role presents an opportunity for growth, with the potential to expand to a full-time position based on performance and organizational needs.

At Chicago Opera Theater, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it.  COT is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and to provide employees with a work environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at COT are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the law. 

We encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and all others who may contribute to the diversification of ideas at COT. 

Please let us know how you heard about this opportunity along with submitting a resume and cover letter to jobs@cot.org. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone solicitations please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

About Chicago Opera Theater

Chicago Opera Theater is a company laser-focused on living its values of: 

  • expanding the tradition of opera as a living art form

  • producing high-quality works new to Chicago audiences

  • identifying and supporting top-tier casts and creative talent

  • following through on commitments to equity and access – behind the scenes, on the stage, and in the audience

Since its founding in 1973, in a city where storefront theaters and global icons thrive side by side, COT has grown from a grassroots, community-based company to a national leader in an increasingly vibrant, diverse, and forward-looking art form. COT has staged over 165 operas, including 80 Chicago premieres and 49 operas by American composers. In addition to its mainstage season, COT is devoted to the development and production of new opera through its Vanguard Initiative, launched in 2018, which trains emerging opera composers, invests time and talent in new opera at various stages of the creative process, and opens up opportunities for Chicago audiences to become part of the development of new work in dialogue with the creators themselves.