Job Description

POSITION: Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Senior Director, Public Relations, Communications, and Content

STATUS: Full-time, non-exempt

Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings — and where Chicago comes alive.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera — voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story — to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings.

Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can. Lyric is also Chicago’s partner — in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities — through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city — and the world — why live performance still matters.

Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn’t just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It’s where Chicago comes to be moved — come inside. 

Lyric Opera of Chicago seeks a Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator who is responsible for a wide range of administrative work supporting public relations, social media, content, and marketing. Helping the team in tracking media coverage, social media engagement, vendor relationship management, artist manager relationship management, researching materials to help with promotion of productions, programming and Lyric’s robust education initiatives. In addition, this role is responsible for various administrative functions in PR, marketing/sales, and promotions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Public Relations, Social Media and Content

• Format and distribute all press releases on behalf of the company.
• Maintain the local, national, and international media distribution lists in Muck Rack under the direction of the senior director, director, and manager.
• Maintain and manage the online news room as well as support the media lounge on opening nights with tracking inventory, organization, and upkeep, and provide on-site support as needed. 

• Maintain and manage the media boards with the latest media coverage and information.
• Monitor and tag social media posts in Sprout Social to support tracking, coverage reporting, and performance analysis under the direction of the social media manager and digital associate.
• Copy edit, build, and publish written stories and other content on Lyric’s main website, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with editorial and communications priorities.  
• Oversee and manage the performance seating and ticketing needs of the department, including tracking RSVPs, inputting orders into Tessitura, and liaising with VIP Ticketing staff.
• Book and source photographers.
• Draft and maintain the company-wide weekly update Lyric News, including daily review of papers. In addition, distribute to internal list highlights of key media coverage on a weekly basis. 
• Manage the publication subscriptions.

• Liaise with the PR and social media agency partners.
• Collect, organize and maintain artist biographies, headshots and questionnaires; liaise professionally with artists’ managers to request materials and ensure timely follow-up, demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

Marketing

• Maintain marketing memberships and event listing  in local and national organizations that support Lyric's work.
• Collect and fulfill ticket donation/voucher requests from external partners.
• Coordinate all building signage, internal and external, content warnings, lobby activations,  inserts/flyers, and marquee copy, in collaboration with Lyric's director of sales and advertising and creative project manager, and Lyric’s Front of House team
• Liaise with Joffrey Ballet on signage as needed.
• Support accessibility enhancements through utilization tracking
• Assist in planning, administration, and execution of the annual Subscriber Preview event and the annual Millennium Park Concert.
• Support patron retention campaign as needed

Cross-Team

• Assist department in coordinating and producing press conferences and photoshoots throughout the season, including creating and maintaining timelines, travel schedules/bookings, and organizing planning meetings; prepare event kits, and monitor "day-of" execution.
• Conduct extensive photo research on artists and productions via the Internet.
• Manage and maintain the photo archives, fulfill photo requests, review photo credits, cataloguing and captioning production photos on the internal drive and press room in a time sensitive manner for social media and marketing.

• Work across departments such as development, artistic management, Ryan Opera Center and other key areas to ensure accuracy of facts and information in external materials including press releases, marketing promotional materials, social media, program books and websites.

• Oversee and draft memos on behalf of marketing communication to the company, chorus and orchestra for video and photoshoots
• Oversee invoice processing, departmental expense submissions and new vendor setup and management, ensuring accurate documentation, timely payments and compliance with internal procedures. 
• Train and monitor work of support staff/interns in the maintenance of company archives and departmental filing systems for current/completed projects as needed.

• General office administration duties include placing office supply orders, coordinating needs for new hires, and arranging catering for meetings and events. Maintain communication with the IT department on equipment needs and malfunctions.
• Review photo credits on marketing materials to ensure accuracy. 
• Provide organizational and administrative support for department leadership as needed, including facilitation of communications with other Lyric departments, meeting coordination, organizing team events, travel booking, and maintaining the department calendar. 

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As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as Lyric's leadership identifies the need at any time.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, marketing, or communications, or equivalent experience.
• Strong organizational skills, eagerness to learn, professional demeanor, oral/written and interpersonal communication skills are essential.
• Previous experience in an administrative support role includes a demonstrated ability to work independently and accomplish results accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced, high-level service environment.
• Expert word-processing and proficient software skills, familiarity with MS Office software, including PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, MuckRack, Cision, Meltwater, SproutSocial and Tessitura.
• Similar experience in public relations, marketing, advertising, or publishing fields is highly desirable, as is experienced with graphic design/production or press/media relations.
• Opera and/or classical music interest would be a significant plus.
• Ability to work and think independently, a motivated self-starter who also works well supporting a larger team.

WORK CONDITIONS:

•   Ability to oversee evening or weekend functions or performances.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Ability to operate a computer and to handle other office equipment.  

COMPENSATION: 

Job Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Salary Range is $46,000-$52,000 

Application Deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026 (5:00pm CT) 

Lyric Opera offers benefits including health, dental, vision, 403B (no company match), 401(k) with company match, PTO (including sick, vacation, and personal days, and holidays), life/AD&D coverage, opportunities for professional development, and complimentary tickets.

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to enhancing our diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Lyric does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

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