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The Communications Manager leads local and regional media relations, manages media outreach and hosts journalists and influencers. The Communications Manager identifies interesting and unexpected destination story angles, seeks breakthrough publicity opportunities and tracks trends to ensure Visit Buffalo Niagara maximizes earned media opportunities, elevating the Buffalo brand to consumer and industry audiences. The successful candidate will possess exceptional writing and editing skills and have a proven track record in crafting pitches and writing press releases and blog posts.

Essential Functions:

Establish and maintain positive relationships with local, regional and national media.

Serve as a point of contact for media inquiries and fulfill requests.

Coordinate and staff desk side meetings in key media markets.

Plan itineraries and accompany visiting writers on familiarization tours, as needed.

Prepare written content for speeches, videos, newsletters, website, press materials, sales and marketing collateral and other projects as assigned.

Generate and distribute media advisories and press releases.

Curate and maintain database of local, regional and national media contacts.

Work with local media to generate news stories and features about tourism-related topics and the work of Visit Buffalo Niagara.

Update and maintain the press section of the website.

Serve as an official spokesperson both on and off camera as needed.

Assist with internal communications/PR needs, including coordinating with other departments on their needs.

Maintain cordial and effective relationships with co-workers, clients, community officials, partner organizations and other contacts.

Various other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Marketing.

Please submit cover letter and resume to smith@visitbuffaloniagara.com

Requirements:

Four-year degree in a relevant field of study, including Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, New Media. Supplemented by three to five years of experience performing communications and public relations work.

Strong writing, proof reading and editing skills.

Highly motivated self-starter; ability to take initiative with projects; ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

Strong interpersonal skills, maturity, good judgment and capable of communicating in a professional manner with a diverse range of individuals.

Skilled in verbal presentations.

Efficient organizational skills; detail oriented; proven problem analysis and resolution skills.

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple priorities/projects/responsibilities simultaneously while meeting stringent deadlines.

Proficient technology application skills, including Microsoft Office.

Ability to work frequent nights and weekends as needed. Reliable, dependable, flexible and responsive.

Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Ability to lift at least 25lbs. on an occasional basis.