Manager, Communications

SUMMARY 

The Manager of Communications is responsible for managing the Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB) public image and supporting organizational relationships with external stakeholders, including government officials, media outlets, community groups, and the general public by developing and implementing strategic communication plans to promote DTPB’s interests and objectives. This position will support a goal of further strengthening stakeholder partnerships by executing proactive DTPB corporate initiatives that highlight quality-of-life and quality-of-place benefits that destination promotion provides to residents. This position is responsible for managing and expanding perceptions using earned media strategies and will often navigate complex issues to help the organization maintain a positive reputation.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leverage media relations in the local market to enhance, preserve, and protect DTPB’s reputation
• Develop messaging targeted at educating residents about the value and importance of destination promotion
• Work with the office of the President and CEO, and executive leadership team to strategize on issues related to DTPB corporate communications and external affairs initiatives, including managing political and tourism industry trends
• Develop media response strategy for topics, prepare statements, and brief company spokespeople
• Engage in long-range community relations outreach planning from a communications perspective
• Attend public events, community engagement initiatives, and stakeholder meetings to build positive relationships
• Develop strategies and messaging to respond to negative publicity or a crisis that could impact the organization’s reputation 
• Monitor public opinion by tracking sentiment and media coverage to identify potential issues and adjust communication strategies accordingly
• Create, submit, and deliver regular reports to internal leadership, Board of Directors, community stakeholders
• Partner with web and social media teams to ensure alignment of local communication strategy through owned channels
• Write, edit and/or approve official communication tools such as key messaging, speaking points, press releases, official corporate statements, CEO quotes, corporate videos, communication newsletters and corporate letters
• Meet with industry partners to discuss media and stakeholder engagement opportunities
• Plan and execute major projects using own initiative
• Provide input on the establishment of policies and criteria that affect departmental operations

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE

• The successful candidate will display interpersonal skills required for frequent interaction with key constituents and will possess the ability to work cohesively with internal and external customers, corporate management, media, and the larger community
• BA (4-year degree) in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, English, Journalism, Tourism Marketing, Hospitality or degree that is relevant to duties of the role, or equivalent years of experience creating and implementing corporate identity, public relations and communication programs
• Experience supporting communications for corporate external affairs is a plus
• Knowledge of and expertise in public relations campaigns
• Proficient writing skills, with demonstrated experience in drafting news releases, talking points, and speeches/presentations for executive leadership
• Experience with latest suite of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook
• Ability to write in a journalistic, persuasive manner that is customary for corporate and external publications
• Must demonstrate a positive attitude and cooperate with staff
• Other duties and tasks as assigned

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

DISCOVER THE PALM BEACHES is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Working conditions are normal for an office environment.  Work will require occasional weekend and/or evening work and business travel.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Remote work will be limited, strictly depending on the needs and priorities of the organization and the CEO office, this executive will work most of the time at the headquarter office.

OTHER INFORMATION

This position description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.