Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains an extensive working knowledge of Grapevine's attractions, hotels, restaurants, Historic Main Street, festivals, history and visitor experiences to effectively represent and promote the destination.
• Researches editorial calendars for a variety of weekly, monthly and seasonal publications, travel trends and media opportunities to support proactive public relations efforts and identify potential story opportunities for Grapevine.
• Maintains and expands media contact lists by researching and identifying relevant local, regional, national and international journalists, freelancers, publications, producers and media outlets that align with Grapevine's communications efforts.
• Researches and maintains communications resources including media databases, editorial calendars, community calendars and other tracking documents to support organized and effective communications efforts.
• Monitors media coverage, maintains coverage records, tracks similar destination marketing organization (DMO) communications and industry trends and assists with reporting public relations results, earned media opportunities and communications activities.
• Drafts press releases, media materials and other written communications promoting Grapevine events, attractions, hotels, dining, recreation, retail, festivals and visitor experiences for media, community stakeholders, hospitality partners and marketing partners.
• Develops story ideas, media pitches, background information and supporting materials to support proactive media outreach efforts.
• Supports public relations initiatives, manages assigned projects and contributes to the overall communications goals of the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau.
• Provides regular updates to assigned supervisor on project status, deadlines, priorities, questions and emerging opportunities through ongoing communication and project management tools while demonstrating initiative and sound judgment in assigned responsibilities.
• Assists with planning, coordinating and hosting media familiarization tours for visiting journalists, travel writers and other media guests, including preparing itineraries, coordinating materials and providing on-site support. Media tours can require extended hours, including early mornings, late evenings and weekends.

Requirements

• Position requires a 4-year degree plus three years of experience in public relations, journalism or related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours/schedules and overnight travel.
• Must pass a Federal/National criminal background check. Must have a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Preferred

• Experience working with media outlets, journalists or newsroom environments is highly desirable.

Benefits

• The City of Grapevine offers a generous and comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, life insurance.