Job Summary:  The Public Affairs Manager, under the supervision of the Director of Strategic Communications, is responsible for assisting in the accomplishment of the Galveston Park Board’s public affairs strategies and goals by coordinating local media and community relations efforts as outlined in the CVB/Park Board’s strategic communications and advocacy plans. This position serves as the local public information liaison and a spokesperson for Park Board Administration and Operations, Park Board of Trustees, community advisory committees, and regularly collaborates with the Visit Galveston Public Relations and Marketing teams. This position nests within the Visit Galveston team to manage local and regional media markets to produce positive exposure and manage public perceptions of the destination and Park Board of Trustees organization.

Essential Job Tasks:

• Assist the organization in achieving its PR and STRATCOM goals by coordinating local media and community relations efforts outlined in advocacy and strategic plans
• Serve as local media and public information liaison for Galveston Park Board Administration and Operations organizations and the Park Board of Trustees
• Regularly attend public meetings of the Park Board of Trustees and committees, and draft/distribute news and information using internal and external communications channels and personally engaging local media as needed
• Under the supervision of the Director of Strategic Communications and Director of Marketing, assist in the development and implementation of a coordinated annual outreach plan to generate positive exposure for Galveston Island’s Park Board projects and initiatives, resident advisory boards, and the organization’s managed beach parks
• Conduct outreach in regional media markets as assigned, including but not limited to, writing, and distributing press releases, developing story pitches, conducting local media missions, hosting press tours, scheduling in-studio interviews, coordination live shots in the field, and managing routine and emergency media requests
• Work with agencies to produce monthly and yearly reports (quality assurance oversight) on tracking media outreach, coverage, and earned media results
• Assist in the production and distribution of the organization’s annual report, quarterly report informational brochures, other documents, and web pages
• Manage Park Board and committee social media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) and conduct regular outreach with the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce (Eblast)
• Research, schedule, and track speaking engagements, as part of a larger advocacy plan, for Park Board executives and spokespeople at area civic events, affinity group meetings, homeowners’ organizations, and business gatherings
• Additional tasks as needed, including special reports, newsletters, advertising copy, social media, updating media lists, publicity projects, and attending conventions, etc.
• Some infrequent paid travel required in the conduct of media outreach

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• The ability to travel in and out of local area by personal or company vehicle and public transportation to include air, train, cab, etc.
• Must be able to stand or sit at a desk, and operate office equipment a minimum of 8 hours per day
• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs, as well as balance
• Must be able to occasionally stoop, kneel or crouch
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Must be able work indoors or outdoors in various weather conditions and temperatures
• Must be able to walk or stand for long periods and as required for events
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
• Must be able to read, write and comprehend both written and oral communications, as well as respond in written and oral communication
• Ability to operate computer, fax, e-mail system and general office equipment including laptop computers when traveling away from office
• Responsible for following all public health safety measures designed for their personal safety and the safety of coworkers and guests

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two or more years of experience in Public Relations, preferably in a related industry such as hospitality or tourism
• Demonstrated excellence in news writing and creative writing
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communications
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Focus on success through teamwork and collaboration
• Accomplished analytical thinker who brings out of the box ideas and solutions
• Strong and consistent ability to prioritize activities within specific timeframes
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities
• Willing and able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Good people skills and problem-solving abilities

 Desired Qualifications:

• Four-year degree from an academic institution in Public Relations or related field, or an equivalent of education and combined experience