Visit Ithaca is hiring! We are seeking a communications Manager to join our team of passionate, talented Destination Marketing professionals who are committed to sharing our Gorges community with the world. This is a full-time, non-exempt position starting at a compensation rate of $30.25-$32.30 per hour, within a 37.5-hour work week. We are proud to offer a robust benefits package including health insurance, 401K match, paid leave, and wellness initiatives, among several others. We are a hybrid remote/in-person organization committed to supporting our employees through a flexible workplace structure.
To apply, please read thoroughly the following information about this opportunity, and send your resume along with answers to the assessment questions within this posting to Mary Kay Marks at ern@tompkinschamber.org. Please note that your application materials MUST include answers to the assessment questions—otherwise your materials will be considered incomplete and will not be considered for candidacy.
ROLE DESCRIPTION:
Under the supervision of the director of Marketing, the Communications Manager will support the annual work plan goals of the Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention & Visitors Bureau and its Visit Ithaca brand by leading communications and public relations efforts. Act as key liaison to regional tourism partners, contracted media/PR firms, and travel trade and influencers, facilitating coverage which meets mutual goals and results in quality media placements with a high return on investment and impressions across platforms. Collaborate with the CVB and Chamber team to represent organization to the community, our stakeholders, and visitors to the area. In addition to strong written communications skills, experience managing projects involving multiple stakeholders and gaining consensus is also highly relevant.
JOB DUTIES:
Media Relations & PR:
- Coordinate all media and influencer hosting, including qualifying, itinerary planning, hosting in county, and follow up to increase success of destination visibility and awareness, especially as it relates to key focus areas in the Tompkins County strategic tourism plan and CVB annual workplan.
- Develop and edit copy in a wide range of print and digital applications which may include media kits, media releases, persuasive copy writing for web and social media.
- Spearhead annual Travel Guide production, including project management, content development, advertising sales, and working cross-departmentally with Visitor Experience team.
- Distribute media releases and pitches to targeted media lists around internal campaigns, events and promotions.
- Collaborate with the Social Media Specialist to identify and vet guest content creators.
- Explore options and make recommendations for optimizing use of technology to deliver images, stories and pitches to media efficiently and effectively.
- Act as main point of contact for local and national sponsored media visits, inquiries and pitches.
- Utilize internal tools for tracking and reporting PR activity such as Simpleview CRM to maintain media contacts, track earned media, and report benefits to tourism partners.
- Nurture relationships with local and regional media to enhance knowledge of local tourism efforts and impacts on community, to engage with the local community to position Visit Ithaca as a resource on tourism expertise, and to effectively communicate about local tourism collaborations among the CVB/Chamber and tourism partners.
- Work with director of Marketing to update and maintain relevant media relations resources via the website, Crowdriff and other online platforms.
- Stay knowledgeable of relevant and new/unique tourism offerings to pull into media pitches and queries, including participation in local/regional FAM tours and product knowledge education opportunities.
Partner Communications:
- With CVB team, develop content and distribute bi-weekly partner newsletters, and surveys as requested.
- Work with CVB team to gather and submit weekly content to Chambergram.
- Work with President and Vice President to develop and deploy crisis communications when necessary.
- In partnership with the director of Marketing, identify opportunities and coordinate B2B networking events, educational workshops, and media events.
Other CVB functions:
- Work with director of Marketing and President regarding the administration of the PR budget for hosting media groups and individual media tours, use resources judiciously.
- In coordination with CVB team, edit and develop content for profile sheets, and additional sales and marketing collateral as needed.
- Collaborate with Chamber staff to maximize opportunities for Chamber & CVB teams to work together, capture opportunities to co-market, and enhance perception of both “sides” of the organization.
- Attend events and participate in professional & staff development opportunities as requested by supervisors.
Essential Functions:
This role is a combination of desk work (hybrid in-office/remote) and onsite, hands-on work that requires time moving about an event in both indoor and outdoor settings. Off-site meetings around the county are common. Work is completed in digital formats individually and in collaborative groups. Social capacity includes small meetings, networking at small and large events, and a moderate amount of public speaking. Occasional evening hours are required, twice per month on average.
Technological systems and platforms used include Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams; Zoom/virtual environments; Trello or other project management software; social media platforms; familiarity with web-based database management, and onsite hybrid meeting technology
All staff members are expected to participate in regular staff training sessions and team development opportunities, pursue professional development opportunities deemed mutually beneficial to the individual and organization and as budget allows, and to participate earnestly in diversity, equity, and inclusion educational offerings and discussions.
As part of our values, we seek to provide an inclusive, accessible workplace and encourage communication of necessary accommodations to remove barriers and make our employment relationship a successful one.
Candidate Profile & Position Requirements
Experience & Education: At least four years of communications experience required. High school degree or equivalent required, industry-relevant higher education or certifications preferred. Two years of experience in more than one of the following fields desired: public relations, copywriting, project management, travel and tourism industry, graphic design, digital marketing.
Desired Characteristics: Strong oral, visual, and written communications skills; inquisitive and entrepreneurial nature; taking initiative and exercising creativity are integral. Developing story pitches and creating/maintaining communications relationships are key. Effective time management, attention to detail, planning, and organizing are necessary. The ability to lead and manage projects as an individual and in collaboration with a team is integral to success. A commitment to understanding the benefits of a workplace culture, encouraging and elevating diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential.
PERFORMANCE FACTORS:
- Quantified ROI on digital, print, social media, TV and Radio media impressions.
- Creative media pitching with demonstrated visitor conversion.
- Timely delivery and effective management of projects.
- Accuracy and quality control of print and digital collateral materials and communications.
- Demonstrated proactive initiative
REQUIRED APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
- Are you authorized to work in the United States?
- Our hybrid operations include being in-person for a minimum of three days per week, with up to two days of remote work per week. In-person can mean at offsite meetings or events (not necessarily in the office). Can you please verify that you are able to comfortably commute to meet these expectations? If you live outside the area, please give us more details on how you will meet this expectation.
- Do you have the required years of experience in the required areas in a similar role? If so, please explain the similarities in how your experience compares.
- Project Management experience is one of the main responsibilities of this role. Do you have the required project management experience listed? If so, please give two examples of successful past work in this area.
