Assistant Director of Communications
: Job Details :

Job Summary: This position is a key player in executing comprehensive communication strategies that align with the organization's strategic plan. This role is responsible for implementing innovative public relations and communication programs to elevate Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County as a premier tourism destination. This position reports to the Senior Director of External Relations. Key Responsibilities: Public Relations: Develop and implement strategic public relations initiatives to cultivate relationships with journalists, generating earned media exposure that effectively promotes our destination's narrative to key markets.Serve as the organization's media spokesperson at press conferences, live and recorded interviews, in-studio appearances, and other opportunities.Prepare and manage press engagements ensuring appropriate representation.Monitor press coverage and produce digital press clippings for monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.Craft and edit press materials including alerts, releases, fact sheets, support letters, advertising copy, talking points, and speeches.Develop and pitch newsworthy stories and press releases to maximize engagement. Communications: Oversee the Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County industry website and media page.Support copywriting, proofreading, and execution of communication initiatives. Community Relations: Partner with tourism industry organizations to enhance public relations exposure and stimulate travel and tourism to the Chesapeake Bay Region, Greater Baltimore/DC, as well as the overall destination.Represent Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County at trade shows, familiarization tours, PR missions, networking events, and media marketplaces.Foster relationships with local media and community organizations to increase awareness of tourism's economic impact and its benefits to the community.Other duties as assigned. Qualifications: A minimum of five years of professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, tourism, or marketing.Exceptional written and oral communication skills, proficient in AP style.Proven expertise in media and public relations, with a track record of achieving key performance indicators in media exposure.Willingness to travel throughout Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, as well as outside the destination for national trade and media shows.Proficiency in various software and technologies, including Microsoft Office, CRM/CSM (Simpleview), Meltwater, PowerPoint, Canva, etc.Familiarity with tourism and hospitality assets in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County is preferred.Accreditation in Public Relations or similar certifications is a plus.Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Salary & Benefits: This full-time, exempt position offers a hybrid schedule and a competitive starting salary ranging from $65,000 - $75,000 based on experience. In addition, VAAAC offers generous benefits, including 20 PTO days, 13 floating holidays, employer-paid (individual) health, vision, and dental benefits, 401(k) plan with 5% match (after 90 days), basic short-term disability and life insurance benefits (after 90 days), Employee Assistance Program, parking benefits and professional development. To Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and response to the following writing prompt to HRapplications@ indicating Assistant Director of Communications  in the subject line. Writing Prompt: In 400-500 words, describe a public relations campaign you would develop to promote an upcoming event in Annapolis or Anne Arundel County. Highlight your approach to storytelling, media outreach, and community engagement for the following: Imagine you are tasked with increasing media coverage for Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County during the off-peak travel season. In 400-500 words, outline your strategy for securing media.#J-18808-Ljbffr