Communications Manager

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The communications manager oversees and manages key projects for communications and public relations initiatives, with responsibility for project management in support of achieving department strategic goals. About one third of this role involves proactive and reactive media relations, about one third involves external communications writing, and about one third involves coordinating press and influencer trips to meet department goals. This position represents the organization at trade shows, conventions, and events; serves as a spokesperson for the company; and acts as a project manager for the communications department, ensuring consistency and brand adherence across all internal and external Visit Milwaukee communications efforts.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Communications Strategy 

• Serve as a key contributor to the department annual strategic plan. Responsible for project management of assigned goals and tactics, ensuring timelines and goals are met. 
• Working in tandem with Visit Milwaukee’s tourism PR agency, develop and execute external public relations plan to inform local, regional, national, and international news and travel media of Milwaukee’s tourism assets. 
• Ensure communications, promotions and media outreach adhere to Visit Milwaukee brand standards.  
• Ensure communications, promotions and media outreach adhere to diversity, equity, and inclusion standards both in audiences represented and audiences targeted. 

Media Relations 

• Serve as a primary contact and resource to leisure and meetings travel media, including responding to inquiries and proactively pitching. 
• Work with local partner businesses and PR agency of record to create compelling, customized itineraries for hosted journalists. 
• Serve as day-to-day contact for PR agency of record.  
• Complete post-trip reporting, including database management and journalist follow-ups. 
• Serve as spokesperson for the organization in interviews both on and off-camera as necessary.  
• Conduct media site visits and tours through Milwaukee attractions and neighborhoods on foot and/or by vehicle. 
• Represent Visit Milwaukee at various public relations and media-related conventions and tradeshows. 
• Research, write and disseminate press releases. 
• Coordinate, implement, and represent Visit Milwaukee on desk-side visits. 

Copywriting 

• Provide a wide variety of copywriting to all Visit Milwaukee departments as needed, including but not limited to: advertorials, articles, newsletters, social media posts, marketing collateral and company presentations. 
• Update website copy when necessary to reflect the destination’s current offerings and attractions 
• Assist Vice President of Communications & Advocacy with script writing for Visit Milwaukee events and copy for annual report. 
• Other copywriting duties as assigned. 

Community Outreach 

• Attend tourism and other meetings with partners to stay informed of local events and assist in related promotional efforts. 
• Play a key role in creating and executing events aimed at bringing more visibility to Visit Milwaukee as an expert in the community as well as creating connections and pride within the community. 

Other Responsibilities: 

• Give presentations on behalf of the communications department and company, as needed. 
• Provide overall project management support and oversight; overseeing assigned cross-departmental projects and company initiatives   
• Represent Visit Milwaukee in the community by helping to staff Visit Milwaukee sponsorship tables, booths activations at festivals and events, and more.  
• Attend meetings, conferences and tradeshows as needed. May require long-distance travel. 
• Assist with other projects as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required education and experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution in marketing, public relations, advertising, journalist or a related field, or relevant equivalent professional experience. 
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the successful performance of the essential job duties. 
• Minimum of five years of public relations or media experience required, preferably in the hospitality or travel industry. 
• At least three years in a role requiring professional written communications. 

Required skills, knowledge and abilities:  

• Demonstrated experience in media relations and evaluating and reporting media results required.  
• Must possess demonstrated experience in written communications skills, including copywriting and editing. 
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills required. 
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusivity in the workplace.  
• Ability to present to diverse audiences and communities.  
• Possesses strong technical experience, including advanced computer experience.  Proficient with MS Office applications, working with databases, and generating written and visual reports, including experience with PowerPoint.  
• Processes a high degree of integrity when dealing with confidential information. 
• Keen attention to detail, the ability to coordinate multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines. 
• Must be able to develop and maintain networks within the tourism and media community. 
• Must be a driven individual with a strong work ethic, the ability to work at a rapid pace, and to identify trends and opportunities and formulate action plans with a quick turnaround.  
• Ability to travel by air and personal vehicle. Must possess a valid driver’s license. 
• Must have internet access at home. 
• Must be able to work nights and occasional weekends as required. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to sit or stand at desk, operate computer keyboard and view computer screen for six to eight hours per day. 
• Must be able to hear and converse via telephone and in person. 
• May be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. 
• May be required to lift boxes and small equipment up to 50 pounds in weight. 
• Travel in personal automobile may be required for business; occasional air travel may be required. 

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. 

Important: Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to contact every applicant. If you do not hear from us, it means that we have moved forward with another candidate who more closely meets the qualifications for the position.

Please submit your application through our online system, including your cover letter and resume.

Visit Milwaukee is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.