Manager of Media Relations
Job Description Visit Flanders consists of a network of partners and employees. Visit Flanders wishes to function as a strategically- and knowledge-driven organization to promote sustainable development of tourism and the tourism sector in Flanders and Brussels, with an eye to the ensuing economic benefits, employment and social welfare. This mission has led Visit Flanders to develop a vision regarding its responsibilities in regards to tourism and in the tourism sector. The agency has identified three major roles for itself. 1. 2. 3.
A tourist knowledge and innovation centre. A streamlined knowledge- and market-driven marketing organization. A customer-oriented service provider.
The NY office is specialized in the promotion of tourism to Flanders from North America (U.S. and Canada). This position is located in New York City, NY. The Manager of Media Relations will serve as a counselor for communications and messaging in support of public policy goals and in promoting Visit Flanders as a preferred destination for U.S. and Canada. Based in New York City, the manager will provide strategic communications support to leadership in Flanders and the NY office; draft, execute and implement the media and press strategic plan; assist in shaping complex media relations efforts in a fast-paced and challenging policy, business and political environment; distill complex policies and concepts into easily communicated messages; execute messaging and communications strategies across mainstream and social media; advise on broad public relations strategies to showcase Visit Flanders as leading tourist and conference destination; manage media monitoring and reporting; and inform partners of media and press opportunities. Required Basic Qualifications:
Minimum 10 years’ experience in policy and advocacy communications
B.A. in related field; masters’ degree preferred
Experience developing effective communications strategies, including integrated traditional and social media initiatives
Significant experience within a corporate public affairs organization, or the tourist/travel industry
Demonstrated record of placements in top national media outlets
Experience in crisis communication and reputation management
Experience managing other team members and leading project teams Preferred Basic Qualifications:
Outstanding written and oral communications skills – in particular solid writing, editing and proof-reading skills
Ability to craft compelling executive-level talking points, messages, press releases, op-eds and other materials
Ability to lead complex media relations efforts including story pitching, fact-checking, reporter targeting and results packaging
Ability to work well under pressure, with demonstrated success at working under deadlines with tight time frames
Established relationships with tourism and travel reporters and industry trade press
Experience integrating traditional media efforts with social/digital media outreach
Ability to multi-task and thrive in challenging situations that require creativity, drive and commitment
Effective relationship building skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment
Ability to serve as a trusted counselor to leadership, including officer-level audiences when needed, to support leadership as a communications partner on a variety of strategic public relations initiatives and to prepare spokespeople for media interviews
Strong analytical and problem solving skills
Solid knowledge of tourist or travel industry
Ability to manage other team members, lead project teams and work with outside agencies Remuneration based upon experience, attractive benefit package. Please apply online: jobs@visitflanders.us Deadline for applications: May 9th 2014