Position Title: PR & Communications Manager
Company: Visit SLO CAL
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Functional Area: Public Relations, Marketing, Communications
Employment Type: Full-Time Regular
Education Required: Four-Year Related Degree (or equivalent experience)
Experience Required: 5+ Years
Salary Range: $50,000 - $65,000 annual salary plus benefits, DOE

Organization Description:

Visit SLO CAL is a team of destination marketing professionals who work with, and on behalf of, our community, and local partners and our investors to promote SLO CAL® (San Luis Obispo County) to both domestic and international visitors. As the countywide non-profit destination marketing and management organization (DMMO) for SLO CAL, Visit SLO CAL’s goal is to collaborate with partners to build the SLO CAL brand through a data-driven, efficient and dynamic marketing and sales program while simultaneously enhancing the resident quality of life. Built on research with a strategy of continuous improvement, Visit SLO CAL aims to establish SLO CAL as a favorite West Coast destination known for its signature slower pace of life and unique mix of incredible, immersive guest experiences. For more information, visit SLOCAL.com.

Position Description:

Do you have experience working with media, pitching ideas and developing stories?

Are you a skilled communicator with a passion for SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County, California)?

Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and leading multiple projects at once?

Are you a natural team player who puts your success on par with the success of the team?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, we'd love to talk with you about the PR & Communications Manager position at Visit SLO CAL. We seek a talented, organized, driven, passionate, detail-oriented and collaborative person to join our team. This position is integral to our goal of increasing awareness of SLO CAL as a destination and is a vital part of our overall success.

Here's what your day will look like

You will have the great responsibility of developing and implementing proactive communications strategies, responding to in-bound media requests, anticipating communications needs and preparing for the unexpected. Anyone able to pivot around that many priorities will be a valued member of our team! You will supervise the PR & Communications Intern and work with the Chief Marketing Officer and others to execute these tactics. Your expected time commitment could often be over 40 hours a week, with events, and could include nights and weekends.

You will oversee all media relations, film industry relations and public communications, including production of press releases and materials, presentations, talking points and copywriting. You will develop and manage relationships with the press/media, film industry and local communications professionals – all while promoting a positive public image for Visit SLO CAL and representing the SLO CAL destination. Other duties include:

• Generating positive media coverage for Visit SLO CAL and its communities
• Written communications supporting sales, marketing and management teams
• Partner relations and communications
• Public speaking preparation
• Copywriting and editing collateral materials

You will become a brand guru by collaborating with staff, partners and our local destination marketing organization (DMO) partners to achieve and maintain brand consistency, coordination of messages and excellent standards in internal and external communications.

Who are you?

• You are vibrant, passionate, and self-motivated.
• You have an outstanding record of achievements in marketing and/or public relations/communications.
• You are a driven, collaborative professional who can lead by

Core Responsibilities: (Est. % of Time)

Agency/Contractor Management: (~15%)

• Manage day-to-day Visit SLO CAL partnerships with national PR agency, ancillary agencies and communications contractors
• Serve as a liaison between the PR agencies and travel and tourism partners to respond to media requests and manage media visits

Operational Duties: (~15%)

• Oversee PR tracking, reporting and contact records in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system
• Manage priorities consistent with Strategic Direction 2023
• Ensure compliance with all standard policies and procedures
• Manage Communications Department monthly expenses and financial reporting; assist with bi-annual budgeting
• Assist leadership team with implementation of new projects and facilitate additional responsibilities, as requested
• Travel willingly for marketing events, professional development and/or agency collaboration

Press & Media Management: (~25%)

• Act as main point of contact for all reactive media inquiries
• Cultivate and manage local press relationships, arrange for interviews or press conferences, develop and execute local Visit SLO CAL public relations
• Speak at travel media engagements and be comfortable on air or in front of the camera
• Manage in-market media and influencer visits, including planning and arranging itineraries, hosting media, follow-up and tracking (often includes nights and/or weekends)
• Attend and facilitate press events, conduct press meetings, develop & pitch story ideas, conduct follow- up, etc. (5-8 trips totaling 20-40 days of travel annually)

Internal & External Communications Management: (20%)

• Assist the marketing, sales and management team in the development and execution of the Strategic Content Marketing Plan (SCMP)
• Oversee the production of all Visit SLO CAL public communications, including:
  • Press/media & corporate/local communications (~70%): press releases, public presentations, speeches, talking points, partnership materials, newsletters,
  • Consumer communications (~30%): Visitors Magazine, website copy, e-newsletters, blog, collateral,
• Work with marketing team to manage visual and video assets and their use rights

Film SLO CAL (15%)

• Oversee Film SLO CAL key relationships and the development/execution of the countywide film relations strategy
• Collaboration with the SLO International Film Festival, area permitting offices/officials, and state organizations
• Development and execution of film industry leads for filming in SLO CAL
• Tracking economic impact of film industry in SLO CAL and the role of Film SLO CAL’s marketing and promotion efforts

Partner Engagement (~5%)

• Collaborate and coordinate with partners, such as local tourism businesses, DMOs, Central Coast Tourism Council (CCTC), Visit California (VCA), Brand USA, etc., for media relations and in the development and execution of the Strategic Content Marketing Plan
• Maintain and cultivate partner relationships with ongoing site visits and one-on-one meetings Staff Management (5%):
• Responsible for the productivity, priorities and deliverables of the PR & Communications Intern (currently one position)
• Clearly set expectations for direct report(s). Evaluate performance based upon expectations providing regular coaching and feedback

Visit SLO CAL, an equal opportunity employer, offers an exciting opportunity for qualified, career-motivated professionals. We provide competitive compensation and the chance to work with talented people in a successful, fast-paced and pleasant environment. We offer many premium benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, vacation time and much more.