Director-Public Relations

Working closely with agency partners and regional stakeholders, including Greater St. Louis, Inc., this role ensures a cohesive, amplified St. Louis story across tourism, business and economic development audiences. The PR Director will work collaboratively with our internal departments to effectively support tourism growth, convention sales and destination reputation.Key ResponsibilitiesLead national, international and regional PR strategies that elevate St. Louis' profile and shape destination narrativeDrive media strategies that support convention sales, major events and key announcementsSupport executive visibility for Explore St. Louis leadership, including the President and CEO, by identifying and securing media speaking opportunities, interviews and thought leadership positioning that elevate the destination narrativeOversee local, national and international media outreach for Explore St. Louis, America's Center and the St. Louis Film Office, with a focus on elevating the Film Office as a driver of national and global destination awarenessCollaborate with the partnerships team to align PR messaging and develop tools, story frameworks and communications that enable partners to amplify the St. Louis narrativeExpand media strategy to include podcasts, digital-first outlets and emerging media platforms, ensuring outreach reflects evolving media consumption habitsManage national and international agency relationships to ensure alignment with organizational prioritiesTrack and analyze media performance to optimize strategy and impactPlan and execute media hosting and familiarization toursMaintain alignment with Greater St. Louis, Inc. to ensure a unified regional storyIdentify timely story angles tied to openings, events and cultural moments across the destinationDevelop press materials including releases, media alerts, itineraries and story startersPlan and execute press conferences and media events as neededIntegrated Marketing AlignmentAlign PR strategy with paid, owned and earned efforts in collaboration with marketingPartner with social and content leads to integrate PR priorities into channel planning and campaignsEnsure earned media storytelling is reflected across owned platforms including social, website, blog and newslettersWork closely with the Director of Brand Voice to align PR strategy with brand positioning and messagingCollaborate on editorial storytelling and destination features that support media pitchingPrimary KPIsGrowth in high-value earned media placements across top tier national and international outletsShare of voice versus competitive destinations in priority marketsQuality of coverage including message pull-through, brand alignment and target audience reachInfluence on destination perception, including shifts in sentiment, brand attributes and reputation in priority marketsMedia impact on convention sales, major event visibility and destination demandIncrease in international media coverage, with emphasis on priority markets such as the UKPerformance of hosted media including resulting coverage and reachAlignment of earned media with brand and campaign priorities across paid and owned channelsEducationBachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related field required. Advanced degree preferred.Equivalent senior-level experience will be consideredQualifications and AttributesDeep knowledge of St. Louis and its visitor economyStrong storytelling, writing and editorial planning skillsExperience aligning PR with social and digital content strategiesHighly collaborative with strong internal and external relationship skillsStrong connector across media, hospitality and cultural sectorsDeep curiosity about travel, culture and emerging trendsStrategic mindset with clear understanding of PR's role in destination growthConfident external representative of the destinationHighly organized with ability to manage multiple prioritiesJoin us as a pivotal leader in shaping our organization's voice! Bring your energy, creativity, and strategic insight to drive impactful public relations initiatives that resonate with audiences worldwide. Explore St. Louis offers a robust compensation and benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance as well as pension, paid holidays and PTO. Apply on our Explore St. Louis Careers URL or email a resume and cover letter to jobs@explorestlouis.com . Please include your cover letter and resume when applying online. NO PHONE CALLS! EOE.Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.#J-18808-Ljbffr