Manager of Out-of-Market Media Relations

Budgeted Annual Salary: $56,000-$70,000

Annual Bonus Potential 4%

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

As unapologetic promoters of Cleveland, Destination Cleveland’s team works every day to attract visitors, inspire visitors and locals alike to explore and connect people to experiences that illustrate Cleveland’s diversity, creativity, and contagious passion. We’re in the business of equitably growing the region’s economy through travel and tourism while also cultivating a passion for Greater Cleveland. As the only organization charged with marketing Cleveland outside of the region, we never stop talking about the city. We know the region inside and out. We roll up our sleeves and get the job done for The Land. We’re a group of expectation-exceeding, fun-loving, innovative professionals. 

SUMMARY OF POSITION

As a member of Destination Cleveland’s PR team, the Manager–Out-of-Market Media Relations must be a solutions- and detail-oriented creative thinker with a deep sense of urgency. Using their significant knowledge of/familiarity with Greater Cleveland, they will work with the Director of Out-of-Market Media Relations and contractor(s) to garner media coverage of Cleveland as a place to visit in drive-market and national consumer media outlets. They will assist as needed with inquiry response for the meetings & conventions and group tour markets. This individual is accountable for meeting or exceeding metric-based goals. 

  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Works with Director of Out-of-Market Media Relations and contractor(s) to create, implement and evaluate strategic media relations efforts that position Cleveland as a leisure destination. 

• Evaluates leisure hosted media requests for strategy alignment; elevates to Director as needed.

• Organizes and hosts all media visits, including itinerary development and coordination of visit logistics/travel arrangements. Works to maximize hosting budget resources.

• Establishes and builds relationships with key PR contacts at attractions and experiences; continually identifies and engages with new leisure-related businesses and brand-related subject matter experts for inclusion in leisure pitching and hosting

• Continually adds to Cleveland tourism knowledge, including human interest stories.

• Fulfills within 24 hours materials/information requests from media.

• Works with VP of PR/Communications as needed to execute B2B and B2C media relations for the international leisure market, including itinerary development and hosting.

• Maintains log of all media outreach and inquiries in assigned verticals on agreed upon timeline.

• Serves as primary author of news releases and fact sheets for leisure PR outreach. 

• Acts as lead to update media section of ThisisCleveland.com, including news release uploads, In the News and fact sheet updates and other edits as needed.

• Anticipates opportunities to promote Cleveland as a destination city and proactively recommends ideas for consideration/implementation, in conjunction with or independent of marketing campaigns.

• Maintains PR b-roll and online photo libraries, working with outside resources to update b-roll as needed.

• Compiles and sends Daily News round-up.

• Serves as lead for compilation, analysis and reporting for all earned out-of-market media metrics.

• Acts as PR team expert and lead for CRM, entering expense & in-kind data.

• Operates as a member of the crisis communications team, assisting as requested.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Marketing Officer and VP of Communications/PR.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIREMENTS

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• 4 to 6 years’ experience in public relations, which involves extensive media relations work, writing for a variety of audiences and mediums and some media spokesperson duties.

• An undergraduate degree in a communications-related field.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• AP Style writing and editing; an understanding of basic legal principles of journalism

• Proficient technology app skills; Advanced MS 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, CoPilot)

• AI proficiency

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Must possess excellent written and verbal communications skills

• Ability to compose letters, media materials, newsletter articles, presentations and other written materials

• Must be able to present information publicly, conduct in-person media interviews, speak professionally with reporters and respond to questions from co-workers, clients, media and the general public 

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form

• Must be flexible and very resourceful

OTHER REQUIREMENTS and DESIRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with PR agency or contractors

• Outstanding organizational skills

• Strong team player with ability to work independently

• Familiarity with the City of Cleveland and Greater Cleveland tourism experiences

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends

• Knowledge of Meltwater is a plus

• Experience/relationships with media who cover destinations, a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent talking and/or listening

• Regular sitting

• Occasional standing, walking and lifting of up to 25 pounds

• Requires close vision

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Hybrid environment including office with moderate noise and ability to work remotely

• Offsite visits/appointments required