Communications Manager

VISIT Milwaukee has an immediate opening for a Communications Manager with demonstrated public relations, media, writing, and social media experience and a proven track record of success in executing communications strategies.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Communications Manager oversees and manages key projects for communications and public relations initiatives around conventions, meetings, trade shows, and leisure travel as needed. He/she is responsible for project management and reporting in support of achieving department strategic goals. The communications manager supports ongoing public relations efforts including outreach to media, lead involvement in convention PR, while ensuring consistency and brand adherence of all internal and external VISIT Milwaukee communications efforts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications Strategy

• Oversee, create and manage annual communications and project calendar tracking VISIT Milwaukee’s communications, promotions, and media efforts around conventions, meetings, trade shows, and international travel. Track external communications (press releases, social media, newsletter, etc.) and interactions with core target audiences.
• Ensure communications, promotions and media outreach adhere to VISIT Milwaukee brand standards. Train communications staff and other staff as needed on communication standards and policies, and ensure consistent on-brand messaging and tone is achieved organization-wide.
• Assist with managing internal communications, including copywriting, talking points, speeches, annual report, and other duties as assigned.

Media

• Serve as a resource to journalists and the media, including responding to inquiries and making pitches for both consumer and trade publications. Tracks pitches and editorial requests for follow-up around conventions, meetings, trade shows, and international travel.
• Nurture existing media contacts; develop new contacts through ongoing research and outreach to maximize additional, targeted PR opportunities around conventions, meetings, trade shows, and international travel.
• Identify convention trade and group tour media outlets to promote travel to Milwaukee.
• Execute external public relations plan to inform local, regional and national news and travel media of Milwaukee’s convention and tourism assets.
• Develop and maintain targeted media lists.
• Assist in planning and hosting press trips for visiting media.
• Develop and distribute Milwaukee media kits and revises as needed as well as organizing and updating VISIT Milwaukee’s media highlights.
• Ensures timely distribution of media placements to VISIT Milwaukee partners and stakeholders.

Copywriting

• Provide a wide variety of copywriting assistance within the public relations/marketing departments and to other VISIT Milwaukee departments as needed, including but not limited to:
• Press releases, media pitches, advertorial, feature articles, travel writer e-newsletter, web content, social media posts, publications, marketing collateral and company presentations.
• Assist with script writing for VISIT Milwaukee events and copy for annual report.
• Update all organization fact sheets as required on quarterly basis.
• Provide pre-written descriptive copy on Milwaukee for promotional needs.
• Provide information on the Wisconsin Center, Milwaukee's history, attractions, culture, dining and entertainment options.
• Assist with personalized welcome letters and letters of support. Draft proclamations when requested.
• Draft and distribute press releases and media alerts for incoming conventions and events.

Outreach

• Represent VISIT Milwaukee at various media-related conventions and tradeshows as necessary.
• Represent VISIT Milwaukee on regional desk-side visits as needed.
• 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.

Administration

• Regular tracking of results related to media inquiries and press visits.
• Supervises interns to process clippings/articles emanating from travel media.
• Manage the digital asset management system for media requests related to conventions, meetings, trade shows, and leisure as needed.

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,
• 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.
• Three to five years of public relations or media experience required, preferably in the hospitality or travel industry.
• Previous business-to-business writing experience or equivalent, as well as knowledge of meetings & conventions industry as a whole.

Required skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in media relations and evaluating and reporting media results required. Travel and tourism media contacts helpful.
• Event planning knowledge or experience a plus.
• Must possess demonstrated experience in written communications skills, including copywriting and editing.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, including experience with TV appearances, radio, or other media channels.
• Must be proficient in social media strategy and execution across social platforms, and understand the importance of real-time social media.
• 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 Prezi and PowerPoint. Graphic design experience working with Adobe Creative Suite a plus.
• Keen attention to detail, the ability to coordinate multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and a commitment to business ethics and integrity.
• Must maintain networks within the local 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 be able to work nights and occasional weekends as 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.

Commensurate with experience.