General Statement of Duties/Distinguished Features of the Class
Hiring range is negotiable between $38,505 and $49,672 depending on a candidate’s qualifications and experience
The Communications and Creative Services Manager will be responsible for the design and implementation of public relations and communications programs required to support the mission of the Goldsboro-Wayne County Travel & Tourism Department: brand, market, and sell the area to nonresidents as a preferred leisure, convention, and business destination to generate positive economic growth by increasing demand for local lodging facilities. In addition, this position will act as the graphic design/production manager in charge of producing original, creative design work for various marketing channels and branding efforts.
Essential Duties and Tasks
Communications/ Public Relations
- Develops positive working relationships with regional, state, and national media to drive coverage of the Goldsboro-Wayne County tourism industry, attractions, and events.
- Writes and distributes press releases pertaining to Visit Goldsboro’s initiatives that increase the public awareness and understanding of the Goldsboro-Wayne County tourism industry.
- Builds and maintains a selection of media kits for the immediate interests of the department and seasonal events that attract visitors to Goldsboro-Wayne County.
- Grows database of contacts for industry partners, media outlets, and potential visitors; designs and distributes monthly event calendar e-newsletter.
- Assists Director with planning for industry events, including NC Travel and Tourism Week, Visit NC 365 Tourism Conference, legislative receptions and association tradeshows.
- Collaborates with creative partners in developing story ideas and selecting media to carry out successful ad campaigns.
- Implements strategy to enhance Visit Goldsboro’s digital presence and brand awareness among industry partners, media outlets, potential visitors, and general public.
- Drafts pitches, attends media missions, and plans media blitz/desk side meetings with targeted media and industry partners.
- Plans and manages logistics for quarterly media receptions and familiarization tours; collaborating with creative partners as needed to craft travel itineraries targeting media outlets, freelance writers, and social media influencers.
- Stays current on PR best practices, which may require attending educational conferences or trainings.
- Assists Director with creating and implementing strategic plan to achieve communication and marketing objectives of the Visit Goldsboro office.
Creative Services
- Designs creative artwork for various print and digital marketing projects, such as advertisements, brochures, website layout/illustrations and social media content.
- Collaborates with creative partners to film, edit and produce promotional videos
- Manages social media platforms and collaborates with creative partners to schedule and post effective content driving traffic to Visit Goldsboro website and increasing followers.
- Stays current with social media monitoring tools, new social media channels, social CRM or similar tools and updates Visit Goldsboro’s existing channels.
- Gauges effectiveness of marketing plan and identifies improvement opportunities.
- Ensures deadlines are met and brand standards are maintained throughout projects.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong writing, editing, proofreading, layout and design, professional printing/publishing skills are essential, including ability to present concepts verbally
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suites: In-Design, Photoshop, After Effects, and Illustrator
- Ability to develop creative communication strategies
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital/social media platforms
- Experience in public relations and marketing
- Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting assigned deadlines
- Self- motivated and demonstrates positive attitude with ability to be flexible in the face of changing priorities
- A wide degree of creativity and latitude
- General knowledge of destination marketing and the tourism industry
- General knowledge of City programs, policies, and structure
- Expert knowledge of the geographic layout of the city, including street names, neighborhoods and city facilities; must possess the ability to read and follow road maps.
- Ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.
- Ability to lead/manage performance of lower level equipment operators and crewmembers.
- Ability to file and maintain records and reports in performance of duties.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors.
- Ability to interact and promote positive relations with citizens.
Physical Requirements/Special Requirements
Light work requiring the exertion of up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Work requires reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or make fine distinctions in sound. Visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of office machines, operation of a motor vehicle, determining accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, graphic design, or related field from an accredited university or college; two or more years of professional experience in related industry, or a combination of related education, training, and experience; experience within the tourism industry or ad agency is a plus.
Special Requirements
Possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license. Experience with video production software a plus. Some evening and weekend work required. Out of town travel may be required.