Public Relations and Communications Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Director of Public Relations & Communications, the Public Relations and Communications Manager will recommend and implement strategy for business, meetings, and corporate communications to consistently articulate Meet Minneapolis’ mission. This includes developing and executing plans that highlight the impact of the Minneapolis Convention Center, the efforts of our sports marketing initiative, Sports Minneapolis, and our Minnesota Sports Awards event.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Written Communications: Writes exceptionally well; clearly and succinctly develops a variety of messages; manages messages to achieve desired effect or result.
• Interpersonal Savvy: Relates well to all kinds of people, up, down, and sideways, inside and outside the organization. Builds appropriate rapport. Builds constructive and effective relationships. Uses diplomacy, tact and can diffuse high-tension situations comfortably.
• Action Oriented: Takes initiative. Is action oriented for the things he/she sees as challenging. Not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning, seizes opportunities and is highly capable of meeting deadlines while handling multiple projects.
• Creativity: Comes up with new and unique ideas. Easily makes connections among previously unrelated elements. Tends to be seen as original and value-added in brainstorming settings.
• Composure: Is cool under pressure. Does not become defensive or irritated when times are tough. Can be counted on to hold things together during tough times. Can handle stress and is not knocked off balance by the unexpected. Doesn’t show frustration when resisted or blocked and is a settling influence in a crisis.
• Drive For Results: Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.
• Leader Relationships: Responds and relates well to management and external leaders. Likes to learn from those who have been there before. Is easy to challenge, develop and is comfortably coachable.
• Peer Relationships: Can quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all. Can represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to other groups. Can solve problems with peers with a minimum of noise. Is seen as a team player and is cooperative. Easily gains trust and support of peers. Encourages collaboration and can be candid with peers.
• Self-Development: Is personally committed to and actively works to continuously improve him/herself. Understand that different situation and levels may call for different skills and approaches. Works to deploy strengths and works on compensating for weakness and limits.
• Technical Learning: Enthusiastically embraces new technology.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary

• With Director of Sales and Marketing at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the SVP of Destination Sales and the Director of Public Relations and Communications, develop and execute communications strategy for Minneapolis Convention Center and the meetings media including proactive and reactive media requests
• With Sports Minneapolis, develop and execute communications strategy for Sports Minneapolis including proactive and reactive media requests
• Drive key elements of the Minnesota Sports Awards including recruitment of selection committee members, execution of the nomination process, communications/public relations and execution of the awards show with the Director of Public Relations and Communications
• With the SVP of Public Affairs, VP of Destination Branding and Strategy and Director of Public Relations and Communications, identify, develop, execute, and manage organizational communications plans
• Help develop and execute communications strategy around the long-term Destination Transformation 2030 plan and local awareness
• Develop and nurture contacts with local media, particularly journalists focusing on hospitality, tourism, economic development and business
• Promote efforts of Meet Minneapolis content and disseminate research findings
• Establish organizational talking points and assist with speeches and scripts for Meet Minneapolis leadership or events
• Work in tandem with the Public Affairs Manager on government and stakeholder communications related to Public Affairs activities
• Maintain close local relationships with government, industry and corporate strategic partners

Secondary

• Take an active role in content for and execution of organizational communication newsletter
• Assist in development of content and scripting for Meet Minneapolis Annual Meeting
• Represent Meet Minneapolis in presentations or panels, as needed
• Provide support on sales and marketing collateral, including but not limited to brochures, website content, sales collateral and direct mail, especially as it relates to meetings and corporate communications needs.
• Recommend positioning and messaging to the Director of Public Relations and Communications and Leadership Team in crisis situations; craft responses and assist with execution of approved plan
• Assist with public relations efforts for the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center
• Provide backup for other public relations initiatives including social media posting, consumer-facing leisure travel outreach and other communication needs.

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of BA in English, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or related field of study.
• At least 5 years public relations, corporate communications, public affairs or journalism experience
• Familiarity with the local area;
• Familiarity with local government/politics preferred (not required)
• Must have valid driver’s license

ESSENTIAL SKILLS REQUIRED:

Writing & Editing

• Articulate messages using appropriate grammar, usage and vocabulary;
• Produce creative, persuasive, consistent, results-driven, long- and short-format copy for a variety of audiences for use on web and in print;
• Attention to detail and proofreading.

Organization

• Prioritize tasks and organize workload for efficient time-management;
• Detail-oriented: Meet multiple-scheduled deadlines on time (possibly working late hours and/or weekends as needed);

Professionalism

• Team-oriented, but should be able to work independently
• Ability to approach situations with collaboration
• Accept and learn from constructive criticism
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy; and the ability to work closely with Meet Minneapolis leadership to ensure desired results are achieved
• Demonstrate a can-do, get-it-done attitude and a willingness to step in and help team members and the overall organization when needed
• Self-motivated and resourceful, with the skill to take initiative
• Passionate adherence to organization values of Accountability, Inclusion, Passion and Collaboration.

COMPUTER KNOWLEDGE:

• Must be proficient in Mac and/or PC computers
• Microsoft Office
• Must have intermediate knowledge of Social Media Channels

SALARY & BENEFITS:

• Competitive Salary and Incentive Potential; 
• Excellent Benefits Package