Public Relations Communications Coordinator

Description:

Discover Long Island, the region’s only official Destination Leadership Organization, is a dynamic, mission-driven private non-profit committed to enhancing the brand and image of Long Island and increasing economic development and quality of life for Long Island residents. 

This position is a rare opportunity for an ambitious, creative, team-oriented professional who is experienced in corporate and public communications with strong media relations contacts, preferably in the travel and tourism industry, to be the brand ambassador and communicator for one of the world’s most beautiful and exciting destinations. Discover Long Island is an award-winning destination marketing organization that has emerged as a national industry leader and trendsetter for bold creativity, inspirational trend setting and visionary community engagement. As the Communications & PR Coordinator, being passionate about your role, public relations, economic vitality, and Long Island is essential. 

Position reports to: 

Director of Public Relations & Communications 

Please send resume and cover letter to cguiry@discoverlongisland.com

Specific Responsibilities Include:

Public Relations/Communications/Media Relations:

• Serve as secondary public information contact for media inquiries and field as needed, coordinating interviews, drafting quotes, and providing information. 

• Assist in the development of internal corporate communications materials such as leadership talking points and speeches, quote drafting, letter drafting, and more.

• Assist in the development of high-quality, informative, and interesting press releases, press kits, and related materials. 

• Assist with media travel requests, itinerary development, and individual and group trip execution for visiting journalists and influencers including coordination of lodging, attraction visits, dining, and transportation.

• Create and distribute weekly newsletters (B2B and B2C) that strategically communicate organizational updates, partner news, upcoming events, seasonal travel inspiration, and campaign initiatives.

• Write and publish weekly blog content for the Discover Long Island website that supports SEO goals, seasonal campaigns, and key tourism initiatives.

• Assist with organizing and executing media events, press conferences, tours, visits, and exhibitions.

• Maintain the coordination of running lists with media and influencers.

• Possess a positive attitude, passion for life and PR, grace under pressure and ability to work in a fast-paced environment required.

• Coordinate alongside the Director of Public Relations & Communications all PR deadlines, objectives, and schedules.

• Develop weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual media activity reports.

• Actively research ways to keep Long Island top of mind for local, national, and international media sources.

• Create and maintain relationships and opportunities for coverage with travel and tourism trades.

• Research and validate content materials for all corporate communications including industry newsletters, digital presentations, and reports.

Continuously Evolve Industry Expertise:

• Maintains a well-informed working knowledge of attractions and partner services available. 

• Participates in various industry organizations and activities to maintain positive relationships and awareness of Discover Long Island.

• Research best practices, new opportunities, and surface trends and insights on a regular basis.

Special Assignments:

• Assists with special projects as assigned by executive management and/or the CEO. 

• Assists with general office duties as needed. 

Qualifications: 

• 2-3 years of communications experience (travel and tourism industry experience preferred). Will consider a professional from similar type organization in travel, hospitality economic development or related agency. • Preferred Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications, tourism & recreation, or related field. • Excellent writing skills including a strong command of grammar, usage, and vocabulary. • Experience in leading highly effective teams. Skilled in public relations and communicating to a diverse audience. • Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, management, outside agencies, and the media. • Skilled in organizing workflow and managing multiple projects. • Proficient in the use of computers and related equipment, hardware and software applicable to area of assignment. • Advanced user knowledge of the following software, sufficient for performing direct tasks as well as training others to use: CRM System (Customer Relationship Management)/Web-based database programs, Outlook, MS Teams, Mailchimp, MuckRack, Canva... • Ability to work under deadlines and stressful situations. • May be required to work extended hours, evenings, and weekends. • Ability to define and resolve problems quickly and effectively. • Ability to write clear, concise reports and business correspondence. • Well-organized, self-motivated, and proactive.