balletpressandcommsofficerjdsep13.pdf

8/14/2019 BalletPressandCommsOfficerJDSep13.pdf

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Ballet Press and Comms Officer JD Sep13

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Title: Ballet Press and Communications Officer

Reports to: Head of Ballet Press

Main purpose of the job

To contribute to media relations and campaigns for The Royal Ballet, including The

Royal Ballet Studio Programme, providing a high standard of media visibility for the

Company

To contribute to all media relations and campaigns for dance related activities for ROH

Learning and Participation to ensure optimal media coverage and visibility

To contribute to editorial ideas and content for ballet and dance for the ROH website and

other digital media platforms, working with ROH Media for content delivery

To provide a range of services provided by the Ballet Press team and work to department

procedures and practices

Main Responsibilities

Media Relations and Campaigns

Work closely with the Head of Ballet Press to:

• Contribute to the planning and execution of pro-active media campaigns focussed on

performances by (or presented by) The Royal Ballet in the main auditorium, Linbury

and Clore and on tour, and the programmed work of The Royal Ballet Studio

Programme and any touring activity, also working with visiting Companies’ PRs, in

order to maximise ticket sales alongside the work of the Marketing Department.

• Work with colleagues in Communications and Marketing in relation to Royal Opera

House corporate activity.

• Work with colleagues to raise the media profile of




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ROH dance activities, in particular programmed work for The Royal Ballet

Studio Programme (all dance related work)

ROH dance related activities for ROH Learning and Participation

Sponsorship relationships and commercial partners

• Maximise media opportunities with other ROH activities relating to the ballet

company, including but not limited to: Big Screens, cinema screenings, The RoyalBallet Studio Programme, Learning and Participation, events, concert series and

digital activity and events

• Ensure, as far as possible, that all press coverage is in sympathy with the image and

ethos of the Companies as currently defined

• Manage press enquiries as required for artists and staff of The Royal Ballet

• Liaise with guest artists and/or their management to maximise opportunities for

publicity and promotion, as their schedules allow

• Liaise and maintain contact with other departments as appropriate including Company

management for The Royal Ballet, Royal Ballet Studio Programme, artistic staff,

artists, ROH Learning and Participation, the Marketing Department and ROH

Enterprises• Develop arts and other press contacts as appropriate and maintain good relations with

existing contacts; keep all contact details including digital media updated on

department database (Tessitura)

• Maintain good working relationships with agents, PRs and recording and broadcast

companies and the Royal Opera House

• In the absence of the Head of Ballet Press, brief Director of Press and

Communications and Head of Press and Communications on meetings and all relevant

matters relating to the work of the Company and press projects undertaken; ensure

that all briefing materials are kept up-to-date to guarantee the efficient working of the

Department

Editorial Ideas and Content

Work closely with the Head of Ballet Press to:

• Identify opportunities to raise the profile of The Royal Ballet, The Royal Ballet Studio

Programme and ROH Learning and Participation music and opera activities for the

ROH website and other digital media platforms. Work closely with the Digital Media

team on current and future projects

• Produce press releases and written material as required

• Work with the Social Media Manager to contribute regularly to social media contentfor The Royal Ballet, The Royal Ballet Studio Programme and dance related work for

ROH Learning and Participation

• Work with colleagues on all audio and broadcast recording activity involving The

Royal Ballet, The Royal Ballet Studio Programme or for ROH Learning and

Participation, including documentaries

• Work closely with ROH Media, and other colleagues and contacts as required to

ensure the successful accomplishment of all media features

Service Provision

In consultation with the Head of Ballet Press:




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• Commission photography according to the needs of the project, issue contracts and

process invoices

• Coordinate on-site filming, including liaison between technical departments and other

key support staff as well as with external parties

• Manage digital imagery and broadcast material for opera productions in conjunction

with Head of Ballet Press and other departments as required and for archive, includingliaising with co-producers regarding use of imagery

• Ensure all photographs are correctly labelled, credited and stored appropriately

• Brief other Departments within the Royal Opera House regarding photographic

contracts to ensure that their photographic requirements fall within the current

contractual agreements

• Handle digital image enquiries for day-to-day requests regarding current productions

and artists of and associated with The Royal Ballet (to include scanning, printing and

re-sizing images as requested in order to send images by email)

• Ensure allocation of complimentary tickets for Royal Ballet performances and Royal

Ballet Studio Programme performances is fulfilled as required, including press ticket

allocation for other opera/music related projects taking place at the Royal OperaHouse, as well as work for ROH Learning and Participation

• Support all arrangements for press nights and press conferences for The Royal Ballet,

Royal Ballet Studio Programme and dance related work for ROH Learning and

Participation

• Undertake regular archiving and ensure all records are correctly labelled and filed in

accordance with the ROH Records Management policy

• Contribute to effective teamworking with all colleagues to ensure that the Press Office

is a creative, efficient and pro-active work area

Essential Knowledge/Skills and Experience

Arts and Media Experience

• Substantial experience of working in a busy Press Office, with an established network of

contacts across all media • Understanding and experience of the requirements and working methods of the media in

UK and overseas

• Understanding and experience of the needs and working methods of artists and theatre

personnel

• Awareness of and ability to keep up to date with developments in the ballet and dance

sector

• Ability to develop ideas for editorial content for the website, social media and other

digital media platforms

• Ability to develop a campaign strategy

• Demonstrated ability to write copy and prepare campaign materials




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Administration and Core Skills

• Strong communication skills and high standard of written/verbal English including

good proof-reading skills

• Highly proficient Microsoft Office user

• Highly proficient user of current digital imaging processes and good aptitude for

learning new applications • Strong organisational and time management skills with ability to prioritise and meet

deadlines

• Ability to work accurately under pressure

• Ability to grasp key issues quickly and, when necessary, to deal effectively with

complex situations at short notice

• Attention to detail and commitment to delivering a high standard of work

People Skills

• Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of people

• Ability to maintain a range of working relationships effectively

• Good communication skills with a professional and confident manner• Consistent high level of customer care and responsiveness

• Ability to work effectively within a team and lead on projects as required

Desired

• Knowledge of ballet and dance or interest and ability to learn more

• Audio visual filming and editing skills with knowledge of Final Cut Pro/Final Cut X

• Understanding of collective agreements regarding filming and broadcast issues

Note: This Job Description reflects the current situation. It does not preclude change or

development that might be required in the future.

balletpressandcommsofficerjdsep13.pdf

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