Communications Manager

About the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is Australia’s flagship orchestra, delivering extraordinary performances that inspire, challenge, and engage audiences in Sydney and beyond. Performing at the iconic Sydney Opera House and across NSW, the Sydney Symphony is committed to artistic excellence, innovation, and fostering a deep connection with its community. Through live concerts, digital programs, education initiatives, and collaborations with leading artists, the Sydney Symphony brings the joy of orchestral music to audiences everywhere. The organization values Integrity, Connection, and Joy.

The Role of Communications Manager

Reporting to the Head of Communications & Content, the Communications Manager is responsible for overseeing the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s media and publicity operations to enhance the organization’s visibility, reputation, and impact. This role involves developing and implementing publicity campaign strategies, building and maintaining strong relationships with media and stakeholders, and ensuring consistent messaging across all channels.

As an integral part of the Communications & Content team, the Communications Manager will work closely with the Marketing team and collaborate with colleagues across the organization. The role also includes managing the Publicity Coordinator and playing a key part in shaping and delivering high-profile publicity campaigns that align closely with marketing efforts and institutional priorities, while maximizing audience engagement, strengthening the Orchestra’s profile, and celebrating the work of its musicians and guest artists.

Key Responsibilities

• Media Strategy & Campaigns: Develop and implement long-term and project-based publicity strategies aligned with organizational objectives. Lead publicity campaigns for concerts, artists, Learning & Engagement programs, fundraising, and corporate announcements to maximize visibility, engagement, and ticket sales. Collaborate with the Marketing team and Social Media Manager to leverage media coverage effectively across all platforms (website, social media, e-news). Identify opportunities to position the Sydney Symphony Orchestra as a leader in the arts and cultural sector.
• Media Relations: Build and maintain strong, proactive relationships with journalists, editors, reviewers, broadcasters, and influencers in classical music, arts, entertainment, and lifestyle media. Serve as the primary point of contact for all media enquiries. Pitch stories and cultivate opportunities to profile the Orchestra, its musicians, and guest artists. Brief and prepare artists, musicians, and executives with media talking points, messaging, and interview guidance.
• Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and support the Publicity Coordinator to deliver effective day-to-day publicity operations. Provide clear direction, guidance, and professional development opportunities to build capability within the team. Ensure a collaborative and efficient working environment within the Communications & Content team and other departments.
• Press Materials & Content: Draft, edit, and oversee the distribution of press releases, media kits, and related publicity materials. Collate biographical, photographic, and promotional material for use by media and internal stakeholders. Ensure consistency, accuracy, and timeliness of all external communications.
• Events & Media Support: Oversee media attendance at concerts, rehearsals, launches, and special events. Manage onsite media, photographers, and film crews, ensuring compliance with approvals and permissions. Coordinate publicity support for artist interviews, photo shoots, and appearances.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Monitor media coverage, industry trends, and cultural conversations to identify opportunities and risks. Oversee media monitoring tools and analytics reporting (including Meltwater), providing regular updates to leadership. Analyze publicity campaign performance and prepare reports for senior management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in publicity, media relations, or communications, preferably within the arts, culture, or entertainment sector.
• Demonstrated success in developing and delivering publicity campaigns.
• Established relationships with Sydney and national arts/culture media (highly desirable).
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring staff.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple deadlines, and adapt to fast-paced environments.
• Tertiary qualifications in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Knowledge and passion for classical and contemporary orchestral music.

Development

Ongoing professional development is encouraged, with a focus on evolving media landscapes, digital integration, and leadership. Active participation in industry networks and professional learning will ensure the Orchestra’s publicity approach remains innovative and impactful.

What We Offer

• Salary $90,000 - $100,000 plus superannuation
• Professional development
• Hybrid & flexible working arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program
• Complimentary performance tickets

Key skills/competency

• Publicity Strategy
• Media Relations
• Campaign Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Content Creation
• Team Leadership
• Crisis Communication
• Meltwater (Media Monitoring)
• Classical Music Knowledge
• Event Management