Public Relations & Communications Manager (Tourism)

The purpose of this position is to promote Collier County through Public Relations and earned media as a tourism destination to domestic and international travel writers, sports writers, food writers and travel writers for trade media, periodicals and other news media. Creates and distributes press releases, contacts and responds to inquiries for information from the news media.
Organizes and oversees individual or groups of travel writers to inspect are hotels, attraction, restaurants and shopping venues in Collier County.

Assists the Tourism Division Director in creating, developing, implementing and communicating an overall PR and earned media communications strategy for attracting visitors to Collier County.
Develops and oversees the implementation of an annual Public Relations plan which will support the destination brand message for attracting visitors to County. Oversees the planning of travel itineraries for visiting journalists.
Manages and grows the existing database of news media contacts for pitching stories and creating demand for journalists to visit the area. Maintains current media contacts and develops business relationships with new media contacts to increase awareness and demand to promote Collier County as a travel destination.
Reviews and edits copy for promotional items and advertising messages for tone and brand consistency.
Attends trade shows, conferences, organized media events and seminars to learn best practices and add to the current database of travel writers and news media.
Reviews research reports to produce PR releases on visitation results, trends and adds that content to CVB website and social media posts to promote the destination for future visits.
Identifies and invites travel writers and news media to visit the County to research our tourism offerings first-hand and to write stories about their experiences.
Vets free lance writers and blogger/influencers to determine their value in visiting our area to write stories and post to their social media followers.
Writes and presents monthly reports on activities and accomplishments to Tourist Development Council (TDC).
Works with outside vendors to report on publicity generated by PR activities.
Updates the shared database of tourism offerings to distribute press releases and "What's New" stories to media outlets.
Maintains relationships with Chambers of Commerce, Visit Florida and PR contacts in other counties to further publicize tourism offerings in Southwest Florida.
Oversees Public Relations budget for division; monitors and controls expenditures; recommends purchases to meet operational needs.
Operates a personal computer, telephones, copiers and other general office equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software.

Bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related media field; supplemented by three to five years of experience performing communications and public relations work; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position. Must be skilled in creative writing and verbal presentations. Travel required. Fingerprinting required.
Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License with any applicable endorsements and maintain eligibility requirements and endorsement(s) to drive a County vehicle as provided in CMA 5805.