Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Chicago, IL

REPORTS TO: Director of Public Relations, Media Relations and Communications

STATUS: Full-time, 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 Manager to serve as a key member of the communications team, driving media coverage and content creation across the company's full range of artistic and educational programming — from classical opera and contemporary works to concerts, recitals, the summer musical, and Lyric's robust education initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Media Relations

• Manage media relations for a portfolio of productions and events, including operas, concerts, the summer musical, special events, and original digital projects, as determined by the Senior Director and Director. Responsibilities include writing press releases, developing and executing pitch strategies, building press relationships, staffing photoshoots and interviews, and maintaining press lists.
• Lead media relations for the Negaunee Education Programs and The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, Lyric's post-graduate professional artist training program.
• Serve as day-to-day liaison with outside PR firms engaged on season projects, ensuring alignment on strategy, messaging, and deliverables.
• Write and manage the internal circulation and electronic distribution of all press releases.
• Assist in planning and staffing media events, including the annual season announcement.
• Assist in the training and supervision of PR interns.

Public Relations Administration

• Manage all press ticketing, including maintaining the season press ticketing spreadsheet, updating records, and creating orders in Tessitura.
• Build, maintain, and regularly update Lyric's press lists and online press room.
• Develop and maintain the season media calendar, including press release and pitch schedules.
• Staff the Press Lounge for select opening nights and special events.
• Contribute to the company's weekly roundup of coverage of Lyric, peer institutions, and broader cultural news.
• Maintain the comprehensive electronic media log and oversee Lyric's outside media monitoring service, including data collection and efficacy reporting.
• Select and distribute photo assets from productions and events; respond to media photo requests.
• Manage invitations, RSVPs, and email lists for media events.

As the business evolves, so may this role; these duties may change as Lyric's leadership identifies the need.

Content Creation and Management

• Write and edit a wide range of content including press releases, newsletter articles, program book features, blog posts, web copy, brochure copy, and media relations plans, as assigned.
• Research and interview artists for video features; assist with asset management, distribution, and reuse in collaboration with the communications team.
• Edit and proofread print, electronic, and video materials as needed.
• Build and maintain newsroom and blog content.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 4+ years of communications and writing experience, ideally with a nonprofit or cultural organization, including demonstrated experience working with news media and developing content across multiple platforms.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage journalists and members of the public with clarity, warmth, and discretion.
• Strong research and fact-checking skills and a rigorous attention to detail.
• Familiarity with the Chicago-area media market, particularly classical music, theater, and cultural outlets.
• Knowledge of classical music and opera — or a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work independently, and thrive as part of a collaborative team.
• Working knowledge of the following tools and platforms: Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Slack, Airtable, Asana, Ziflow, and CRM systems (experience with Tessitura is a strong plus).

WORK CONDITIONS:

• Ability to occasionally oversee evening or weekend performances and special events.
• Sitting for extended periods.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and to handle other office equipment.

COMPENSATION:

Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000 annually

Application Deadline: Tuesday, July 7, 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 fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

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