Communications Coordinator

New Orleans & Company; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A tourism marketing organization is seeking to promote New Orleans as a premier destination. The ideal candidate will manage media relations and coordinate press trips, engage with journalists and influencers, and draft press materials. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a Bachelor's degree. The position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for creative content production in both digital and traditional channels.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in communications or public relations.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and influencers.
• Problem-solving abilities and follow-through.

Responsibilities

• Promote New Orleans through media relations and influencer marketing.
• Assist with story development and press trip coordination.
• Draft and distribute press releases and media materials.
• Manage PR Council list and maintain industry relationships.
• Handle communications inbox and be available for after-hours tasks.

Skills

Strong writing and editing skills

Excellent communication abilities

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Ability to manage multiple objectives

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS)

Tools

CRM or data management systems

Job description

DEPARTMENT: COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS

ACCOUNTABLE TO: ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS

Primary Objective/Position Summary:

Promote New Orleans as one of the best destinations in the U.S. through media relations, press trips and influencer marketing. Support New Orleans & Company in providing strategic communication and public relations assistance to all internal departments.

Major Areas of Accountability/Essential Duties:

• Work with media and influencers by assisting with story development, press trip coordination (accommodations, tours, meals, attractions, transportation and VIP Pass distribution when necessary) and follow‑up after their visit.
• Assist journalists and influencers with inquiries about New Orleans tourism via phone, in person, online or email.
• Provide information, suggestions, contact information and story development support.
• Vet incoming influencer requests for travel assistance, under oversight from the Communications Manager and AVP of Communications and PR.
• Manage the Widen photography and video database for PR, organizing assets and providing journalists and clients with assets and technical support.
• Help host journalists and influencers during their city visits for group and individual press trips, including dinners and events on nights and weekends.
• Assist SVP of Communications with thought leadership campaigns, presentations, CEO Communications, articles and results reports for the board and other stakeholders.
• Work with online influencers on content creation trips to produce photo, video and blog content for use on their social channels as well as our owned channels and website.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media alerts, talking points, advertorials, etc.
• Manage the Press and Media section of NewOrleans.com and create or update content as needed.
• Assist in creating content on business social media channels in collaboration with the Marketing team.
• Support Senior Manager of International PR on international media relations and press trips as needed.
• Support Manager of Communications PR database management in Simpleview. Track media interactions to add to media lists and to contribute to the department’s quarterly goals.
• Support department in production of quarterly publication, Tourism Matters.
• Oversee database management software – Muck Rack, TV Eyes as well as media list building, news release drafting and distribution.
• Monitor media for earned coverage assists as needed to be applied for credit in achieving quarterly goals.
• Participate in regular calls with our PR agency of record to strategize and lend support. Provide agency partners with information for pitching and media inquiries.
• Represent New Orleans & Company by attending local press conferences and events, as needed.
• Manage PR Council list. Maintain positive working relationships with PR counterparts at local tourism businesses and regularly communicate with them on media leads and information.
• Interact with members of the Executive Team and the CEO on interview requests, media coverage and reporting.
• Manage communications inbox and phone lines.
• Available after hours and on weekends when hosting a journalist/influencer in town or as assigned, or during a crisis such as a hurricane.
• Perform other duties and projects, as assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) from a four‑year college or university and 2–3 years of experience. Requires strong writing, editing and organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with social media platforms, influencers and emerging technology such as AI.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and spreadsheet/database programs; experience with a CRM or data management system is a plus.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities, attention to detail and follow‑through.
• Ability to manage multiple objectives simultaneously and prioritize appropriately.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to speak effectively before groups of customers, members, and/or employees of the organization.
• Attention to detail with a high level of accuracy and follow‑through.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Position operates in several different environments, but predominantly in an office environment with prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer. Does not entail exposure to challenging or hazardous conditions. This position may require frequent weeknight and weekend assignments, often off‑site, including occasional overnight stays. Ability to travel by airplane and operate a motor vehicle, or in lieu of a driver’s license, access to reliable transportation.

About Us:

New Orleans & Company is the official destination sales and marketing organization for New Orleans’ tourism industry, representing over 1,100 member companies. Founded in 1960, our mission is to inspire, promote and encourage travel to our city for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people. Our vision is to ensure New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique, and welcoming city in the world to live, work and visit.

New Orleans & Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We do not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.