Associate Director of Communications

This is a Full Time Job

Temporary Associate Director Communications - Careers At Sundance Institute

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Temporary Associate Director, Communications is charged with shaping and executing communications and press strategy for the Sundance Institute. This position will support with crafting key external communications and proactively securing opportunities among trade and consumer media to generate media exposure and positive publicity for the organization and its programs.

Working closely under the direction of the Interim Head of Communications, the Temporary Associate Director will also support the brand narrative.

This temporary position works full time from Monday, June 23, 2025 through Friday, February 13, 2026. The majority of this position's work can be executed remotely out of any of our operating states, until the department comes together in Park City, UT in January to support the in-person elements of the Festival. This role is required to be in-person during the Festival, and may be required to travel to additional off-site events. Extended hours including evenings and weekends will be required at key points.

Top priorities include but are not limited to?
• Leading the execution of an annual communications strategy and closely coordinating with the Marketing, Social and Editorial teams to consistently integrate efforts.
• Creating and managing Festival publicity and live event campaigns and overseeing all details related to media.
• Cultivating and maintaining an existing network of strong relationships with journalists and liaising with contacts to shape, develop, and pitch stories to secure news stories and features on the Institute and its programs.
• Writing, editing, and performing targeted distribution of organizational communications, including announcements, articles of various lengths, blog posts, speeches, quotes, and news releases.
• Shape narratives and pitch story ideas that align with the Institutes priorities and goals.
• Managing year-round and seasonal employees, including selecting and training highly effective individuals, delegating appropriate and meaningful work while providing direction, feedback, and support to ensure employees understand responsibilities and are effective in their roles.
• Overseeing press lines, interviews, photo calls, and publicity activities, including all preparation and organization, briefings, guiding the team, and coordination with media.
• Managing key duties for the Sundance Film Festival, including securing coverage, managing staff, overseeing press lines, working with film teams, organizing information, drafting and approving communications, approving film information and materials, and prepping key messaging.
• Conducting detailed reviews of news releases, including those issued by Institute collaborators to ensure consistency in message.
• Collaboratively managing agencies and contractors in pursuit of Institute goals.
• Developing and seeking out opportunities for Institute and executive visibility.
• Actively ensuring best practices are applied and staying abreast of trends and progressive approaches to publicity.
• Creating and refining department workflows to ensure best practices are applied to Communications activities across the Institute and within the Communications Department.
• Crafting and developing talking points, Q&As, quotes, statements, speeches, and messages on behalf of Institute employees.
• Serving as the primary logistical and administrative lead for the Sundance Film Festival press accreditation process, including managing application setup, review workflows, deadlines, status communications, and approvals in alignment with Institute guidelines.

You have the following direct or transferable qualifications and skills:
• 7 years experience in communications, public information, public relations, and media relations.
• Strong knowledge of the field including experience in media relations, development of press campaigns, and execution of strategic communication plans for live events or festivals.
• Extensive experience writing a range of materials, including news releases, remarks, positioning and messaging documents, and web copy.
• Strong leadership skills with a background that includes experience in managing employees.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to build strong relationships at all levels while working across the organization in order to drive results.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with outstanding attention to detail and ability to swiftly develop familiarity with a proprietary house style guide in addition to AP style guide.
• Strong consultation, presentation, meeting design, and facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of and relationships with national and international cultural, arts, and entertainment media outlets.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

You will be successful in this role if you?
• Are a strategic thinker with amazing storytelling skills and a strong attention to detail.
• Have a keen understanding of the entertainment and arts? non-profit landscape and stay on the pulse of cultural conversations.
• Create and execute strategic public relations campaigns targeting audiences that affect culture
• Utilize exceptional writing and editing skills to craft engaging and compelling communications.

In addition to a weekly pay of $1,538.47 to $1,923.08*, this position is eligible for benefits & perks, highlights include:
• Paid sick leave and Institute holidays
• Employee assistance program
• Employee Wellness Initiatives
• Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)

*Location will be taken into consideration when making the final offer.