Publicist

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Publicist is responsible for co-ordinating all aspects of the Centre’s media activity, including: generating ideas; pitching stories; writing press releases; managing launches and media calls; and liaison with all media and guest writers / speakers involved with the Wheeler Centre. This role is situated within the Marketing and Communications team but works closely with all departments as part of the organisation’s overall strategy of fostering public conversation within local, national and international contexts.

The Wheeler Centre is a fast-paced and ambitious organisation; to succeed in this role, you will enjoy being part of a highly motivated, collaborative, and imaginative team. The successful candidate will be an energetic and highly organised self-starter. With a passion for working with the media, you will have a gift for communication and building relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and artists. The role is full-time with some evening and weekend work required. A passion for books, writing, and ideas is a must.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop media strategies and tactical plans which raise the profile of the Wheeler Centre and drive audiences to the annual programme of events and projects
• Prepare media plans and timelines for each event including editorial coverage and event listings in a broad range of channels
• Generate media coverage for the annual Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards and other special projects as directed
• Identify editorial opportunities, pitch stories, research information and quotes, write press releases and distribute media materials
• Liaise with other major arts and cultural organisations and international and local speaker’s agencies to co-ordinate speaker schedules (eg. Stephen Barclay’s Agency, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Writers Festival)
• Chaperoning speakers to interviews/on media runs
• Providing occasional support for the digital team (ie. Proofreading, covering social media and taking photos at events)
• Attending season briefings with editors at the Age and Herald Sun prior to launch in order to maximize editorial coverage
• Providing support on the VIP desks at off-site events
• Stay abreast of issues of the day, specifically those with relevance to books, writing and ideas and identify media opportunities for the Wheeler Centre to contribute to that public conversation
• Provide expertise on a wide range of media channels, ensuring a current working knowledge of all relevant channels across online and traditional media
• Maintain strong relationships with key media contacts and build and maintain a database of relevant media contacts
• Liaise with internal staff to identify media opportunities and determine key messages
• Monitor Google Alerts and advise members of the team of relevant conversations that are taking place online and in social media channels
• Co-ordination of all media events and launches – including booking venues, developing media lists, invitations and collating RSVPs, development of running order in collaboration with the Programming, Operations and Development teams
• Establish systems and processes for monitoring media activity including daily clippings and reports on relevant coverage, for daily distribution to relevant members of the team
• Assist the Head of Marketing & Communications on other tasks as required

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a public relations or media related role. Tertiary qualifications in media / communications will be well
2. Demonstrated experience in implementing effective proactive public relations or media strategies and event or launch
3. Ability to work independently, under pressure and to manage high profile
4. A proven track record in generating media coverage across print, broadcast, and digital
5. Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with the media, with existing relationships and contacts across all media
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and strong proof-reading ability.
7. Calm under pressure, with excellent people skills – able to manage talent (guest speakers and writers) and the media, ensuring the best possible outcomes for the Wheeler

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

• The Centre is an Equal Opportunity Employer
• The Centre provides a smoke free environment
• This role requires occasional use of a vehicle and occasional physical activity; it is preferred that the successful candidate possess an unrestricted driver’s

Further information about the Wheeler Centre is available at www.wheelercentre.com.