COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA RELATIONS SPECIALIST
The Communications & Media Relations Specialist is a member of the dynamic team responsible for developing, implementing, analyzing, and reporting on initiatives that grow audiences, support ticket sales and donation targets, and strengthen community engagement. The Communications & Media Relations portfolio focuses on strategy, content creation, data segmentation, patron engagement, relationship building, and communications support for colleagues.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, the Communications & Media Relations Specialist manages media relations for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO), Winnipeg New Music Festival (WNMF), and Pantages Performing Arts Centre (PPAC).
The Specialist collaborates across departments to develop and execute comprehensive email marketing and communications strategies utilizing data segmentation to support concerts, events, fundraising, education and community engagement, and other organizational initiatives.
The Communications & Media Relations Specialist is an excellent writer and editor, understands the importance of deadlines, has a keen eye for detail, and understands marketing and design principles. They are creative and possess a high degree of initiative, judgment and analytic ability. They are a strategic thinker and self-reliant team player.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
General
- Initiates and manages all aspects of Media Relations for WSO and WNMF and, with guidance from the Associate Director and CEO, Pantages PAC.
- Plans, develops, and distributes effective and dynamic data-driven email campaigns.
- Oversees market/audience research.
- Identifies and reports on appropriate KPIs.
Email Communications– 55%
- Maintains audience lists, segmentation structures, and communication workflows within the organization's CRM and email marketing platforms.
- Plans, develops and distributes email campaigns to promote concerts, inform patrons, support fundraising efforts, and other communications initiatives for WSO, WNMF, and Pantages PAC.
- Develops content for email distribution to various audiences, collaborating with colleagues.
- Analyzes CRM data and develops and initiates plans for segmentation to ensure the greatest return on communication efforts.
- Ensures the efficacy of messages, consistency of branding, and quality control for materials created.
- Responds to, forwards, and reports on comments from stakeholders seeking input from appropriate colleagues.
- Identifies partnerships for email cross-promotions, contesting, and communications.
Media Relations – 30%
- Develops media tactics for the promotion of core activities and key announcements.
- Maintains strong relations with media and promotional partners.
- Develops media releases and public writing for events (speeches, host notes, soundbites, etc.).
- Identifies opportunities to pitch stories, coordinates interviews, and oversees photo/video opportunities.
- Participates in the development of responses related to sensitive issues.
- Acts as WSO media spokesperson when required.
- Acts as liaison with guest artists, ensuring a single point of contact for the Marketing & Communications Team.
- Acts as liaison with concert lenders, ensuring timely distribution of components and approval of WSO-developed marketing and communications products.
Planning, Research & Reporting – 10%
- Contributes to marketing and communications strategies to optimize the WSO’s profile, attendance, and fundraising efforts, including the WNMF, and supports the PPAC Capital Campaign.
- Conducts research, analyzes market trends, and develops plans to ensure the success of email communications undertakings and the long-term growth and stability of the WSO, WNMF and Pantages/PAC.
- Initiates and analyzes market/audience research and surveys and generates reports of findings.
- Identifies relevant KPIs and reports on monthly activities.
- Identifies successes and challenges and makes recommendations for improvements.
Other – 5%
- Other duties as reasonably assigned.
- Normal work week – 35 hours per week. Evening and weekend work will be required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 3-5 years of communications experience.
- Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software and data segmentation.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of current and emerging communications tactics.
- Results-driven and deadline-oriented, with solid planning and organizational skills.
- Experience in a small to mid-size organization.
- Creative, with a sense of humour and an ability to respond innovatively to issues as they arise.
- Team player with the confidence to take the lead on projects and a willingness to assist colleagues when needed.
- Strong working knowledge of email communications software and media relations best practices and a fair understanding of social media platforms, and website content management systems.
- Willingness and ability to occasionally work evenings and/or weekends.
- Knowledge or experience with classical music, the arts community and/or not-for-profit sector would be a definite asset.
IDEAL PERSONAL QUALITIES
- A passion for classical music and the arts.
- An engaging personality with an authentic desire to build energetic relationships internally and externally.
WHY WORK AT THE WSO: Full-time (FT) Employees start with three weeks of vacation, giving you the flexibility to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance, and after three (3) months of employment, FT employees enjoy a comprehensive group benefits plan including extended health and dental coverage, and an RRSP matching program of up to 6%, so you can focus on what matters most and build long-term financial security. Lastly, as a unique perk, you will have the opportunity to experience incredible live music and take in amazing concerts, making this not just a job, but a truly engaging and rewarding place to work.
SALARY: Commensurate with skills and experience.
TO APPLY: Please submit your resume to [email protected] no later than Thursday, July 9, 2026. The WSO welcomes all qualified applicants and highly values inclusion, diversity, and equity. Disability accommodation is available upon request.
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
Work Location: In person
