Director of Communications and Advocacy

Objective:

The Director of Communications and Advocacy plays an important role in building relationships with journalists, local community and government leaders, business partners and more to generate positive media attention and a strong community and national reputation for both the organization and the tourism industry across Adams County.

This director-level position maintains a leadership role in the organization and manages – directly and indirectly – the team’s communication efforts in all projects.

There are three primary areas of focus for this position – media relations, advocacy and community relations, and partner communications.

The hours for this position are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but as needed, evening and weekend availability will be required.

This position directly supports the organization’s work as outlined in the annual marketing plan and overall strategic plan.

General Responsibilities:

• Work in close cooperation with the President & CEO, Vice President and fellow directors to guide the organization’s communications and advocacy efforts.
• Maintains a strong understanding of local and non-local communications and community relations opportunities, challenges, trends and threats.
• Plays an important role in supporting the entire Destination Gettysburg team in developing and implementing strong and effective messaging to a variety of audiences.
• Acts as first point of contact for all media on all requests.
• Assists in the editing and proofreading of various organizational communications.
• Manages the organization’s communications budget.
• Other duties as assigned by the President or Vice President.

Categorical Responsibilities:

Media Relations:

• Develop and maintain an annual media relations plan to outline objectives, goals and metrics related to PR efforts for media initiatives locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
• Manage all media inquiries – including but not limited to national and international journalists, local media and trade publications. This includes coverage of the leisure, group and meetings markets.
• Maintain an active and effective list of journalists to generate positive press coverage of Gettysburg and Adams County.
• Develop and pitch a variety of story angles, events, seasons and other destination developments in the form of press releases, media invitations and personalized emails.
• Host journalists, as required, in the destination. This includes the creation of itineraries, making necessary arrangements with business partners, escorting, etc.
• Respond to journalists’ requests for information, interviews, multimedia assets and more.
• Track all media placements through organization’s media monitoring platform and compile monthly report for board of directors.
• Maintain responsibility for the organization’s crisis communications plan and related efforts.
• Work with the Creative Content Specialist in vetting, negotiating and making necessary arrangements for paid content creators (influencers).
• Represents Destination Gettysburg at media marketplaces, as necessary.
• Maintain and update the media section of Destination Gettysburg’s website.

Advocacy and Community Relations:

• Alongside President & CEO, develop and manage the organization’s advocacy strategy.
• Develop and distribute press releases and pitches related to the impact of tourism in Adams County, Pa. This includes, but is not limited to, the topics of economic research, new marketing campaigns, product development and other.
• Alongside Vice President, review and assess the organization’s research platforms to create talking points, media pitches, industry communications and more.
• Monitor local news, government action (federal, state, county and municipal levels) to flag relevant topics and create an action plan as necessary.
• Acts as a liaison between organization leadership and its Advocacy Committee to develop agendas and help lead discussions and related efforts.

Partner Communications:

• Works with the Director of Partnership and Vice President to compile content and edit partners communications, including but not limited to biweekly newsletters, email notifications, letters, etc.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, journalism, marketing or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in public relations or the related fields of journalism or communications.
• Must have high level of interpersonal skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills including a strong command of grammar and vocabulary.
• Must have the ability to work at a fast pace, switch priorities on short notice and address media or community issues immediately.
• Must have strong skills and experience in Microsoft Office programs, including but not limited to Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience in database management, email marketing, photography and on-camera interviews is preferred.
• Must have strong attention to detail, exemplary time management and organization skills.

Benefit Package:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• 100% paid health insurance for employee
• 100% paid life insurance for employee
• Dental and Vision
• Short- and long-term disability
• Simple IRA with company match

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have at least five years of experience in the communications, journalism or marketing fields?
• Do you have experience with Microsoft products, including but not limited to Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint?
• Will you be able to reliably commute to Gettysburg, PA 17325 for this job, including relocating if necessary to be within a reasonable commuting distance?

Work Location: In person