Media Relations Specialist #48388

City of Virginia Beach; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance options

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A local government entity seeks a Media and Communications Coordinator to enhance its media relations and promote Virginia Beach as a premier travel destination. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in public relations, event planning, and insightful research skills. Responsibilities include coordinating media campaigns, assisting with community outreach, managing travel arrangements, and conducting interviews with various stakeholders. Competitive benefits package and important projects await the right applicant.

Qualifications

• Experience in media relations and public affairs is essential.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic communication plans.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Promote Virginia Beach as a premier travel destination.
• Assist with community outreach and relationship development.
• Manage scheduling and travel arrangements for the Director.

Skills

Media Relations

Content Creation

Event Planning

Public Relations

Research Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Social Media Platforms

Job description

Virginia Beach is a diverse, vibrant, appealing community with a dynamic year-round economy that serves the needs of local residents and visitors alike. The Virginia Beach Economic Vitality Portfolio encompasses the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) and Economic Development Department. develops and promotes Virginia Beach as a first-class, year-round destination that contributes to the quality of life and a diverse local economy.

The Marketing Communications Unit manages advertising campaigns, public relations, social media, content creation, collateral development, graphic design and research for domestic leisure travel and internal business unit clients including international tourism, sports marketing, meetings and conventions, group tour, visitor information services, resort management and convention center.

The Media and Communications Coordinator position reports to the Director of Media Relations, who oversees local, regional, and international media relations for economic development, leisure travel and internal business unit clients including, sports marketing, meetings and conventions, group tour, resort management and convention center.

Job duties for the Media & Communications Coordinator I (Media Relations Specialist) will include the following:

• Work to achieve and communicate the Economic Vitality Portfolio’s vision and goals by aiding the Director of Media Relations and Public Relations Agency of Records
• Work with the Director of Media Relations to promote Virginia Beach as a premiere travel destination.
• Assist in securing earned national and international media campaigns for a variety of markets including but not limited to economic development, sports, meetings & conventions, groups, leisure and more.
• Assist with planning, coordinating, executing and attending special events including in-market media familiarization trips
• Under the direction of the Director of Media Relations, assists in community outreach and relationship development by conducting and gathering research to aid in the development of a variety of communication materials, methods, programs, and opportunities aimed to inform and involve locals
• Under the direction of the Director of Media Relations, assists with the needs of the Economic Vitality Portfolio’s industry partners & stakeholders
• Assist with fulfilling interview requests from media outlets
• Assist with sending images to writers & editors that will accompany articles about Virginia Beach
• Assist with tracking national, local and regional media coverage
• Updating the CRM media page (press hits, press releases)
• Sending Media Leads via Partner Pipeline and corresponding with those who have submitted
• Maintain relationship with Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), Capital Region USA (CRUSA) and other associations/organizations associated with the Economic Vitality Portfolio and reply to leads
• Assist with creating gift bags / presents for clients
• Assist with schedule management, travel arrangements, expense tracking/reporting and reviewing invoices/contracts for the Director of Media Relations
• Experience in proactive and reactive pitching editors, writers and influencers
• Manage procurement and invoice processes and services as the divisions’ purchasing card reconciler

Travel and working some weekday nights & weekend days and nights will be required. This position is not eligible for a remote/ hybrid/ or telework schedule.

As a City employee, you will enjoy a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, health, dental and vision insurance options, a wellness program, retirement, tuition reimbursement and more.

The City of Virginia Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.