Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the PR team in the Marketing department and assist in the execution of the work plan to raise awareness and inspire travel to the Asheville area.
• Coordinate monthly earned media clip analysis, execute PR team reports that feed into dashboards, apprise clipping service of upcoming or missing media coverage, maintain press clip and other PR team files, and prepare clip round-ups for various purposes.
• Share major media coverage across the Explore Asheville team. Ensure that Explore Asheville-generated clips are shared directly with local partners to make the connection to Explore Asheville PR efforts.
• Coordinate the media database and develop media lists for targeted outreach using media relations software. Work with media databases and coverage tracking tools to handle direct distribution of media information as needed.
• Respond to image, video, and digital asset requests from media, requiring knowledge of brand image library and policies that govern the use of Explore Asheville imagery. Support management of press photo and video/b-roll hub via Explore Asheville’s digital asset management system.
• Route media requests, answer routine inquiries, execute fact checks, support upkeep of press sheets/backgrounders and provide information to journalists as directed by PR team.
• Support journalists on assignment and media research trips to Asheville. Secure itinerary elements, book accommodations, schedule partner connection points for visiting journalists and oversee the coordination of media welcome amenities.
• Organize details for FAMs (curated media engagement visits) and events, including press conferences and large-scale media activations.
• Support intake process for media site visit and influencer partnership requests, standardized responses, and media request forms. Help pull major opportunities into team activation systems and provide an appropriate level of welcome, support and connectivity to media/influencers passing through Asheville.
• Help track and gather community news for integration into PR efforts. Work with the PR and Partnership & Destination Management team to develop and manage partner outreach lists. Disseminate media leads and requests for information, as needed, to partner lists and Explore Asheville partner communications channels in support of national media requests and opportunities.
• Lead upkeep of ExploreAsheville.com online newsroom as a source for fresh news content, accolades, and destination highlights.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) from a four-year college or university in Journalism, English, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications or similarly relevant major -OR- any combination of education, coursework, and/or technical training necessary to meet position requirements.
• Minimum of one year of experience in the field of public relations.
• Background in media relations, media pitching, or work within the media is essential.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Thorough understanding of AP style required.
• Strong writing and editing skills and a proactive marketing-oriented approach to public relations are critical.
• Media relations and varied experience with all types of writing assignments are the two most important elements of experience needed.
• Ease in both written and oral communications and a thorough understanding of the role of public relations and how it can enhance and complement other marketing elements within the organization are key.
• Experience in social media is beneficial.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and quality assurance a must.
• Proven commitment to delivering measurable results and achieving established goals.
• Excellent interpersonal, organization, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Goal-driven with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and adhere to deadlines.
• Must be a strategic thinker and a proven self-starter able to support achievement of organizational goals.
• Must be highly organized and detailed-oriented.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, current automobile insurance and own or have access to an automobile when needed.
• Some local travel, generally within Buncombe County, is required, but not extensive.

Preferred

• Experience in social media is beneficial.

Benefits

• What We Offer: Explore Asheville offers a competitive benefits package that includes a Paid Time Off program with 19 days to start; 11 annual paid office holidays; employer-provided medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance; 401k with a company match; and employee wellness benefits.