Public Relations and Marketing Manager

Under supervision of the Executive Director, the Public Relations and Marketing Manager is responsible for promoting utilization of the Quad City International Airport by planning, developing, managing and implementing marketing plans, advertising and communication strategies, public relations strategies, customer service programs, air service development and special events. This position develops and implements data-driven campaigns and strategies to improve passenger, community and tenant relations and promote QCIA as a destination for commercial air carriers, cargo carriers and general aviation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

1. Directs, plans and coordinates communication efforts including public relations and community outreach. Implements a comprehensive communications strategy which includes press releases, social media postings, marketing materials, newsletters and email communications targeted to various audiences and stakeholders and telling the QCIA story in alignment with its vision, mission and strategic objectives.
2. Develops and implements strategies and programs to improve communications and relations between QCIA and the proximate communities, business and tourism relationships and tenants. Works with Human Resources to ensure employees receive corporate brand information and brand consistent communications.
3. Serves as the QCIA Public Information Officer and the primary 24/7 media contact, responding to media inquiries, developing public information and news articles for print, electronic and broadcast media, and conducting media briefings. Develops and pitches positive stories to local media and national trade publications.
4. Develops and maintains a crisis communications plan. Informs the employee community as appropriate and actively prepares affected employees to implement the plan.
5. Plans, develops and implements the staging of public relations and other airport hosted meetings, events and community-focused programs.
6. Participates in the design, development and delivery of presentations to the Metropolitan Airport Authority Board of Commissioners, airport tenants and potential tenants, business and community groups and other stakeholder audiences.
7. Researches, plans, develops, and implements marketing campaigns and strategies to promote QCIA to passengers, commercial air carriers, cargo operators, general aviation, and the business community, resulting in increased airport usage and sustained and broad-based community awareness of the Airport’s value to the regional community.
8. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with key contacts, including airline executives, government officials,Visit Quad Cities, Chambers of Commerce, regional businesses, employer travel coordinators, travel and tourism representatives and meeting planners. Positions QCIA as a competitive airport which meets the needs of air travelers in its service area through effective marketing and public relations.
9. Collaborates with the Executive Director and air service development consultants in planning and maintaining good working relationships with current and potential future air carriers. Assist in new business/cargo development.
10. Manages advertising strategies, media buys and creative development for airport marketing in print, electronic and broadcast media.
11. Manages and coordinates revisions to website format, newsletters, and any print of electronic marketing/communications tools, both internal and external. Develops brand standards and ensures that all internal and external communications are consistent with said standards.
12. Actively manages airport website and social media platforms that effectively engage the customer, enhance information service delivery and provide for maximum positive impact. Manages passenger information and customer service initiatives. Oversees complaint management and responses.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education, Experience and/or Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, business, or closely related field is required, AND 
• Three to five years of increasingly responsible positions within communications/public relations and marketing functions is required with at least two years’ experience at a management level strongly preferred, OR
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with the public and to represent the employer in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated success in public relations, market research, marketing plan development and implementation.
• Demonstrated success in marketing/sales and public speaking required, including prior on-camera experience with the media.
• Demonstrated success in company branding. 
• Experience with rebranding strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in budget preparation and effective budget management.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough working knowledge of the principles and practices of communications (including crisis communications), public relations, marketing, advertising and customer service.
• Excellent public speaking skills and the ability to interact positively with members of the media, patrons, tenants and the general public, sometimes in an adversarial circumstance.
• Must be skilled in data and market analysis and company positioning, brand identity, competitive analysis, strategic advertising, market communications, promotional marketing and digital applications.
• Must be able to work collaboratively and effectively with others at all levels internally and with external organizations and stakeholders.
• Must be able to listen and to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Must have ability to solve problems and to effectively organize and prioritize work.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Must be highly proficient and knowledgeable about digital marketing strategies and utilizing social media for marketing and public relations purposes.
• Must be able to make quality decisions based on sound judgment and to manage time effectively. 
• Must be willing to travel and professionally represent the Airport Authority.

Salary: $72,000 - $95,000 depending on qualifications.