Sustainability and Public Affairs Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary:

The Sustainability & Public Affairs Manager is a key leader in the California tourism industry community and at Visit California. This position is responsible for executing a global public affairs program for Visit California aimed at promoting the relevance of California’s tourism industry and developing new sustainable travel and destination management programs to ensure the longevity and preservation of the tourism industry, as well as California’s vital economic, environmental and cultural resources. 

Responsibilities include developing strategies, managing communications tools and providing oversight of PR agencies and Visit California staff who execute public affairs strategies. Assist with crisis communication strategy and partner engagement. Work closely with the Communications and Executive teams on all facets of public affairs. Communicate with stakeholders to change or shift perspective on issues affecting the state of California and travel and tourism.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• 30% Act as point person and project manager for Visit California's public affairs agency. Develop public affairs strategies and communications plans around ongoing initiatives, including California Tourism Month, National Plan for Vacation Day, etc.
• 20% Enhance Visit California's relationships with top-tier media. Respond to media inquiries. Draft correspondence and media messages to meet outreach needs at the request of the President and CEO, Vice Presidents, and senior staff members. Manage press relations for executives and senior staff. Develop reports communicating program results for internal audiences, industry partners, and key stakeholders.
• 10% Work across the organization to ensure both B2B and B2C sustainability-focused messaging and initiatives are developed and implemented. Consult with stakeholders on ongoing issues and opportunities with the tourism industry related to conservation, resources management, responsible travel, etc.
• 10% Manage statewide project to develop specific tourism plans for each of California's 12 tourism regions. 
• 10% Manager and develop content for online properties devoted to Public Affairs/Travel Matters messaging. Oversee ongoing content strategy for public and industry-facing digital communications. 
• 10% Manage aspects of crisis communications, including developing consumer-facing content, overseeing crisis tracking tools, briefing staff, interactions with industry partners and making ongoing updates to Crisis Communications plans.
• 10% Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

Essential Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each key duty satisfactorily, as well as exhibit the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, media relations or related field
• Minimum of five years of professional experience in public relations, media relations, or communications
• Ability to identify communications opportunities and develop supporting programs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, specifically including expertise in AP styles. Persuasive writing experience is a plus
• Strong editing skills paired with a strong creative sensibility and strategic mindset
• Agency or Destination Marketing Organization experience a plus, tourism industry experience preferred
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products, web browsers, and other graphics and presentation software