Public Relations Coordinator

ALABAMA GULF COAST CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

(Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism)

Gulf Shores, Alabama

DATE: July 2021 SUPERCEDES: May 2019

TITLE: Job Description- Public Relations Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Public Relations Manager

SUMMARY: This is an critical support position that plays a vital role in the public relations team’s media and public relations efforts. The public relations team is part of the Marketing Department and works alongside the advertising, content, and digital teams promoting Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and the Fort Morgan Peninsula as a top vacation destination for families, couples, golfers, fishing enthusiasts, nature lovers and more.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, English, or other related program from a four-year college or university.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills including proofreading and editing.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Works well as part of a team and independently with moderate supervision; can effectively manage multiple projects/priorities and adhere to deadlines in a face-paced environment.
• A high level of competency in Microsoft Office, Smartsheet or Google Drive, and database management is desired.
• Strong understanding of writing in AP style.
• Minimum two years of experience working in a public relations or media outlet setting OR strong college internship experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Manual dexterity to manipulate data, computer keyboard, calculator, telephone, and writing instruments.
• Visual acuity to view computer screen, data, correspondence, and the telephone.
• Mental health to perform operational tasks and to operate office equipment.
• Speech and hearing to communicate with other people and via all forms of media.
• Ability to lift and carry 35 pounds.
• Have dependable transportation and a current driver’s license.
• Flexibility to carry out responsibilities on evenings, weekends, and to travel as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

% Time
Devoted Duties

45% Carries out implementation steps for:

• Cataloguing media clips in Simpleview database and scoring those according to our established Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
• Entering journalists and media outlets into Simpleview database; tracking media interactions in Simpleview.
• Gathering information for and fulfilling media inquiries and photo/video requests
• Media pitching both proactively and reactively
• Story research and writing press releases
• Media list and outlet research, press release distribution, and media list maintenance in Cision
• Daily media monitoring via Cision, Burrelles, Metro Monitor, and Google Alerts
• Compiling and distributing the Daily News Snapshot via email to staff and key stakeholders
• Manages PR social media efforts (these are separate from the organization’s social channels)
• Maintaining and updating the Media Attraction Card program and webpage
• Working with the Public Relations Manager to strategize public relations opportunities and goals
• Supporting the Public Relations Manager in day-to-day opportunities to interact with and assist the media
• Processing expenses and reconciling PR budget to accounting reports

30% Assists in planning, hosting, servicing, and tracking results of media trips and press familiarization tours to our area.

10% Takes the lead in compiling editorial calendars for review with the Public Relations Manager in planning for the coming year. Ensures key areas of the online Media Room are up-to-date (Awards, In the News, Media Kit, press releases, etc.) Annually updates the CVB “How To” Guide for industry partners and local events.

5% Works with industry partners, vendors, agencies, clients, community partners, and others as needed based on annual marketing plans and special project assignments, including the planning and execution of the annual PR Pros workshop.

5% Works as part of the Crisis Communication Team structure. Maintains crisis media lists, updating those twice per year. Distributes press releases and key information to media in times of crisis; may assist local emergency management agency with media relations, community relations, and/or social media during crisis incidents.

5% Coordinates/provides public relations/marketing operations and special project support to:

• Director of Marketing
• Public Relations Manager
• Chief Operating Officer
• as well as other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Marketing and/or the President/CEO

______

100%

EVALUATION:

• Three months after hire (probation period), then annually.
• Holds regular status update meetings with supervisor with written tracking report.
• Participates in departmental meetings, client services meetings, and agency project meetings as needed.
• Other CVB managers and key agency contacts will be asked for input on their working relationship with and perceived job performance of the person in this position as part of the annual review process.