Company: Newport Beach & Company

Job Title: Director of and Communications

Reports to: Senior Director of Destination Storytelling

Summary of Position:

Newport Beach & Company is seeking a public relations and communications leader to promote Newport Beach, California to the world and garner local, regional, national, and international media coverage for the premier resort coastal community.

Newport Beach & Company is fulfilling the strategic vision to become the destination organization (DMO) of the future, where creative and innovative solutions that support business goals are the norm and all team members, activities and actions reflect the highest standards of excellence in the industry.

The successful candidate must be able to engage and work well with internal teams and external stakeholders. The position requires a strong degree of multitasking, a sharp focus for details, and an innate sense of urgency to promptly respond to team and media requests. He/she must have a passion for the travel industry; possess a ''can-do'' attitude; and have an understanding of media relations, content, and communications. This includes media pitching, industry research, media coordination, blogging, social media marketing, press material writing, and more.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of excellence and an impeccable command of strategic thinking, creative writing, and media relations especially in tourism and luxury PR and . They must be an excellent mentor and role model within the organization and throughout the community.

In short, the role ensures the Newport Beach brand is infused throughout the organization via creative writing for all company and destination marketing communications. This position reports to the Senior Director of Destination Storytelling.

Duties and Responsibilities (include by are not limited to the following):

Media Relations Serves as the media relations strategist guiding the media relations team via proactive, big-picture outreach to local, regional, national, and international media.

• Develop targeted, effective media pitches and editorial submissions that garner high-profile media exposure for Newport Beach and each of Newport Beach & Company’s business units

1 • Work with local, regional, domestic, and international media on press releases, story pitches, media FAMs, media site visits, and responding to press inquiries • Assist with management of external agencies and consultants • Ensure marquee Newport Beach events achieve highly effective and engaging media relations support • Work with Marketing Team to coordinate media relations efforts with campaigns and local events via specific markets that reach targeted audiences • Responsible for writing all press releases, fact sheets, backgrounders, and editorial pitches • Responsible for press kits and online media room (printed, electronic, and any other versions) • Manage and execute media assists by sending journalist information, supplying quotes, photos and all information the journalist may need • Oversee/maintain PR metrics and press clippings, publish the month-end marketing/media relations activity report and monthly media summaries

Communications Serves as a lead for creative-writing expert guiding and writing most of the copywriting for collateral, sales promotion pieces, brochures, advertising, annual marketing plans, online content, , and key marketing projects.

• Ensures brand positioning is consistently infused throughout all creative-writing projects • Work with digital marketing team to develop online editorial content • Work with Publishing Company on editorial content for various publications including, but not limited to: Annual Visitors Guide, Map of Newport Beach, Meeting Planner Guide, Boutique Hotel Guide, Weddings Guide, etc • Create and distribute quarterly media e-newsletters for media, partners, consumer, travel/trade and meeting planners • Assist with writing the Annual Marketing Plan • Create the Annual Visit Newport Beach Community Report • Work with Senior Director of Destination Storytelling to develop social media strategy including and all social channels • Develop Editorial Calendar • Assist with script writing for Newport Beach & Company and Visit Newport Beach sponsored events and initiatives, such as the Visit Newport Beach Annual Dinner Presentation, radio placements, etc. • Assist marketing team with planning and strategy of b-roll, YouTube videos, event photography, video pods, etc. for media use • Assist with award applications, editorial for recognitions, etc. • Work with Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Director of Destination Storytelling to set and obtain PR goals each fiscal year • Special projects as assigned

Qualifications: • Four-year college degree in public relations, communications, and/or marketing-related field or equivalent related experience (preferably in a tourism/DMO/CVB environment) • Seven years or more strong Public Relations background • Travel industry or luxury background preferred • Strong writing skills for a variety of communication vehicles that includes press materials, creative collateral, digital channels, and more • Strong editing skills, with a comprehensive knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and especially AP style

2 • Ability to pitch to media on daily basis • Ability to work with small staff • Prior management responsibilities for an organization’s publicity and/or marketing program • Knowledge of the local area, hospitality industry, media, and -gathering processes • Demonstrated success in building a strong public relations program preferred • Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, MAC, and email. • Basic knowledge of HTML, Adobe Dreamweaver, and Wordpress to facilitate website updates, e- newsletters, and blog • Ability to multi-task, adhere to deadlines, and work independently • Professional demeanor and a strong work ethic • Established contacts with local and national press and media representatives preferred • International press contacts would be ideal • Professional demeanor and a strong work ethic • Flexible schedule a must, with some nights, weekends, and travel required

Work Environment: • Newport Beach & Company offers an excellent work/life balance with a friendly and supportive company culture. The organization provides health insurance as well as other wellness and lifestyle benefits, including a flexible 9/80 work schedule • Quiet office environment with low noise level • Office area is heated and air-conditioned • This position is an “in-office” position…telecommuting is not an option • The office dress code is business casual. Traditional business attire is required if meeting with clients • Newport Beach & Company is an equal opportunity employer

How to Apply: Send cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. No phone calls please. Candidates will not be contacted unless considered for next steps in the interview process.

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