Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated public relations and communications strategies that enhance Visit Seattle’s brand reputation and support organizational objectives.
• Partner closely with Visit Seattle’s Conventions Team and Seattle Convention Center (SCC) to develop media strategies that support the meetings and conventions market.
• Provide strategic oversight of communications planning and content development, including editorial calendars, media materials, executive communications, stakeholder messaging and publicity initiatives.
• Lead proactive and reactive media relations and publicity efforts across consumer, trade, and industry audiences, overseeing media communications, thought leadership content, and press materials to generate positive earned media coverage and support organizational priorities.
• Develop, manage and execute the scope of work and outputs of a contracted external PR agency.
• Have accountability for creating and contributing structure and content for the Visit Seattle signature events.
• Oversee corporate communications, including newsletters, board presentations, executive communications, and stakeholder-facing content.
• Lead crisis communications planning and response efforts to protect Visit Seattle’s reputation and support the tourism community.
• Develop and manage the Public Relations and Communications budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive experience in public relations, communications, media relations, or a related field, including responsibility for developing and executing strategic communication initiatives.
• 3-5 years of demonstrated people leadership experience with a track record of building, developing, and motivating high performing teams.
• Experience managing external public relations agencies, including coordinating agency deliverables, aligning communications strategy, and ensuring high-quality execution of public relations initiatives.
• Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson, leading crisis communications, and managing sensitive issues with professionalism, credibility and sound judgement.
• Strong media relations experience, with the ability to build and maintain relationships across local, regional, and national media.
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills, including experience developing press releases, executive communications, speeches, presentations and other stakeholder-facing materials.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted partnerships across leadership, industry partners, community organizations, members, and other key constituents.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, lead complex projects, and deliver results with discretion, accountability, and strategic focus.
• Knowledge of the Seattle region and tourism industry landscape preferred.
• Able to travel 10-20% for media missions and activations.

Benefits

• 15 days of Paid Time Off to start, with 12 paid office holidays and 1 Personal Holiday.
• 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage paid for by Visit Seattle. In addition, Visit Seattle will cover 75% of premium for family coverage.
• ORCA card and subsidized parking in the building's garage (restrictions apply).
• Reimbursed for monthly cell phone expenses.
• 401(k) with up to a 5% organization match.