Responsibilities

• As the Director of Strategic Communications, you will develop effective, targeted media pitches and editorial submissions that garner high-profile media exposure for Galveston Island and each of the organization's business units.
• You supply quotes, photos, and other crucial information to journalists and the media.
• Working closely with the marketing team, you help formulate collateral, sales promotion pieces, brochures, advertising, annual marketing plans, online content, blogs, and key marketing projects.
• You are already familiar with the Island and its surrounding areas, which makes you a great asset when organizing campaigns that help advertise the evolving branding and messaging of our organization.
• Using your superb communication skills, you are able to effectively work with external organizations to expand our reach and perceptions of Galveston.
• In-house, you collaborate with the digital marketing team to create b-roll footage, YouTube videos, event photography, video pods, and more to increase exposure.
• You are sometimes expected to travel in or out of the local area and work outside, but that excitement factor is what makes your job so appealing to you.
• You are comfortable being a leader and taking the initiative on all of these projects.
• At times, you find yourself working with the Senior Director of Marketing, Park Board CEO, and the Executive Director to set and attain PR goals for each fiscal year.
• You ensure your department remains on task for established goals, and you oversee professional development opportunities for staff.

Requirements

• Four-year college degree in public relations, communications, journalism, and/or marketing-related field, or equivalent related experience
• Seven or more years of public relations experience, preferably in a related field such as travel, hospitality, or tourism
• Previous experience in government-focused public relations or government affairs
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing and implementing successful strategic communications/PR plans
• Strong writing skills for a variety of communication vehicles that include press materials, creative collateral, digital channels, and more
• Strong editing skills, with a comprehensive knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and especially AP style
• Ability to pitch media daily
• Ability to collaborate with a small staff
• Prior management responsibilities for an organization's publicity program and staff
• Prior work with high-level executive teams and comfortable working with the Park Board CEO and Visit Galveston Executive Director

Benefits

• We provide exceptional benefits and perks , including strong health, dental, and vision plans, plus hospitalization, STD, and LTD policies fully paid for by the employer, and a 401(k) plan with a 5% employer match on a 3% employee contribution