Responsibilities

• Media Relations: Create and execute a cohesive long-term public relations strategy aimed at generating earned media for the Greater Birmingham Region and strengthening our visibility as a premier visitor destination.
• Develop and execute a communications plan in alignment with overarching organizational goals that include strategy and implementation of emerging and traditional media and public relations tactics.
• Locally, build rapport with reporters to tell the overall GBCVB story, while improving awareness and importance of tourism and of our organization to the community. Establish the GBCVB as the authority on data and travel and tourism trends/insights across the region.
• Build and maintain relationships with regional, national, international, and industry media.
• Manage media inquiries and coordinate media interviews.
• Oversee press releases, media advisories, and media resources.
• Manage crisis communications plan, including ongoing maintenance and review with team.
• Manage internal and external communications relative to issues that have the potential to impact visitor experience and brand image.
• Oversee ongoing media monitoring and provide timely and effective messaging as appropriate.
• Provide strategic oversight of GBCVB staff who execute press outreach, media events, media visits, media calls, crisis communications support, and press material development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field (master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in communications, PR, or media relations
• Experience in travel/tourism, hospitality, or destination marketing strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of and experience in the Greater Birmingham Region preferred.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing communications strategies that generate measurable results.
• Strong relationships with local, regional, national, and trade media.
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Experience managing crisis communications.
• Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson.
• Ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Supervisory experience a plus.