Communications Manager

Note to Potential Candidates – How to Apply

To be considered for this position, you must apply at https://www.careers-page.com/experiencescottsdale. Applications submitted through any other site or system will not be considered.

Summary

The Communications Manager, under general supervision of the Vice President of Communications, serves as a primary spokesperson and media contact for travel journalists, bloggers and influencers. This position will implement Experience Scottsdale’s strategic public relations program with the goal of generating positive local, national and international publicity for Scottsdale and the organization’s membership.

The Communications Manager works with the Communications Assistant, Communications Coordinator, Director of Communications, and Vice President of Communications.

Essential Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Communications Strategy & Execution: Contribute to the creation and execution of the department’s communications plan and digital strategy. Though the primary focus is earned media, collaborate with the team to create and execute the paid influencer marketing strategy for all social channels. Partner with the marketing department to help steer and complement their campaign and niche driver efforts, including working with broadcast opportunities and content creators.

· Media Relations: Serve as a primary day-to-day media contact responding to journalist and influencer inquiries. Identify potential publicity and media opportunities within target domestic and international markets and proactively pitch key media outlets as well as bloggers and social media influencers. Support broadcast or other video shoots. Form and foster media relationships for Scottsdale as a leading destination brand.

· Media Missions, Trade Shows & Events: Plan, execute and participate in select media missions in key North American markets for in-person pitch meetings. Represent Scottsdale at select trade shows and events, including vetting and securing media appointments and follow-up.

· Writing & Pitching: Draft, edit and send media pitches and select press releases. Brainstorm creative story ideas and proactively pitch key media, as well as respond to incoming queries.

· Individual & Group Press Trips: Lead the coordination and execution of select individual and group press trips, including pitching, itinerary development, and on-site activities meeting journalists as an official spokesperson for the organization.

• Database Administration/Reporting: Manage the monthly and quarterly reporting processes including ensuring clip entry is on schedule, pulling accurate department reports, crafting reports, and recording metrics. Oversee and collaborate to produce social recaps for partnerships with content creators.
• Management: Assist in managing the day-to-day workflow of the team and implementation of the communications plan and digital strategy. Act as an editor and oversee the coordinator’s key duties, including pitching, writing, itinerary creation, and media list preparation. Manage Experience Scottsdale’s golf PR and marketing agency. Manage select team programs and projects and play a key role in the department’s largest events.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Required:

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Excellent writing and editing skills, applying AP Style guidelines

· Demonstrated success in media relations

· Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact confidently with media, members and stakeholders to represent the destination well in Scottsdale and on the road

· Strong attention to detail

· Excellent organizational skills

· Strong work ethic and pride in one’s work

· Sense of urgency

· “Go-getter,” team spirited attitude and a willingness to lead others

· Ability to prioritize and self-start on tasks effectively to meet goals and deadlines

· Ability to see the big picture as well as the little details

· Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines at once while maintaining accuracy and meeting work product expectations

· Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite

· Ability to effectively use social media

Preferred:

· Experience working with Burrelles or similar media clipping services

· Experience working with Meltwater or other media databases such as Cision, MuckRack, etc.

· Experience working with SEO tools such as SEMrush, MozBar and Google Analytics

· Experience working in the travel industry

· Experience working with Apple/MacBook equipment and applications

· Management or leadership experience

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree required in a related field such as journalism, public relations, marketing or communications. Minimum of five years of experience, with increasing responsibilities, in media relations or public relations project development; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position is responsible for the indirect supervision of the Communications Coordinator and Communications Assistant.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This job includes both work in an office setting and remote work. It also requires active participation in outside meetings and destination activities, as well as work-related travel. A vehicle/reliable transportation is needed. This role routinely uses standard office equipment and requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. If necessary and physically able, the job includes some outdoor physical activities such as hiking, horseback riding or kayaking. On occasion, someone in this role may be asked to lift items up to 50 lbs. for special events.

Position Type & Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, frequent evening and weekend work is required as job duties demand. This position requires up to 10% travel.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Our visitors come from all walks of life and so do we. As an equal opportunity employer, Experience Scottsdale is committed to creating a diverse environment that allows our employees to learn, develop and grow. To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Experience Scottsdale will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. Experience Scottsdale does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or any other characteristic protected by law.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, you must apply at https://www.careers-page.com/experiencescottsdale. Applications submitted through any other site or system will not be considered.