Senior Public Relations Specialist

State-of-Missour; Jefferson City (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is seeking a seasoned communications professional to lead media relations and public outreach from its Jefferson City office. This role focuses on pitching Missouri travel stories, building media contacts, and coordinating information requests about destinations and attractions.

You will collaborate with MDT’s marketing agency, develop editorial ideas and press itineraries for domestic and international media, and deliver presentations as a spokesperson.

Qualifications

• Six or more years of professional experience in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or Marketing.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required or equivalently demonstrated by experience.
• Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Field media requests for information about Missouri tourism destinations and attractions.
• Develop strategy with MDT’s marketing agency, create editorial calendars and pitch story ideas to media outlets.
• Pitch travel stories focused on Missouri to regional and national media.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media and industry members.
• Produce media coverage reports and maintain coverage dashboards.
• Serve on the division’s content creation team for VisitMo.com, the annual travel guide, and social channels.
• Research and write informational materials, news releases, presentations, newsletters, and brochures.
• Design and escort press trips for domestic and international media and content creators.
• Edit materials for content, clarity, organization, grammar, style and format.
• Deliver presentations and act as media spokesperson for division activities to media and the public.
• Assist with coordination of special events and develop materials to promote division services, missions and goals.
• Represent the Division at travel-related media trade shows.
• Perform other related work as assigned.

Skills

Journalism

Communications

Public relations

Marketing

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Job Location: This position will be located in Jefferson City, MO, within the Harry S. Truman Building (301 W. High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101)

Travel: Travel is required for this position - up to 60%. Could include international travel.

Why you’ll love this position:

The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is the administrative arm of the Missouri Tourism Commission, and it advocates for the sound development of the travel and tourism industry in Missouri. MDT’s mission is to promote Missouri as a top-of-mind travel destination and to boost state revenue through increased visitor spending.

• Field media requests for information about Missouri tourism destinations and attractions. Provide requested information, contacts and photographs.
• Work with the division’s marketing agency to develop strategy, create editorial calendars and develop story ideas to pitch to media outlets.
• Pitch story ideas focused on travel in Missouri to regional and national media.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media and industry members.
• Develop and maintain media coverage reports.
• Serve on the division’s content creation team to develop articles and trip ideas for VisitMo.com, the annual printed/digital travel guide and social media channels.
• Research and write informational materials, news releases, presentations, newsletters, articles, booklets, brochures, and other print and digital publications.
• Design, develop and escort as required, curated individual and group itineraries press trips for domestic and international media and content creators.
• Edit materials for content, clarity, organization, grammar, style and format.
• Deliver presentations and/or serve as media spokesperson regarding division activities to the media, special interest groups, and the public. This includes broadcast interviews.
• Assist with coordination of special events, and develop materials, displays and programs to promote division services, missions and goals.
• Represent the Division at travel-related media trade shows.
• Perform other related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Six or more years of professional experience with demonstrated knowledge in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or Marketing. This can be obtained through a combination of work experience and completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong writing and storytelling skills.
• Comprehensive editing and proofreading skills.
• Knowledge of AP Style is preferred.
• Ability to compose and produce a variety of informational materials.
• Ability to conduct and review research and discern pertinent information.
• Comprehensive knowledge and skill in the use of methods and techniques of disseminating information to the public.
• Comprehensive knowledge of public relations techniques and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and explain division policies and operations.
• Ability to communicate and make presentations to media, employee groups, and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with media representatives, agency officials, other employees and the public.
• Ability to demonstrate regular and reliable attendance.
• Knowledge of the state’s tourism industry is desirable.

Lack of post‑secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

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