Strategic Communications Manager

As the official destination organization for the city, Visit Albuquerque is responsible for promoting Albuquerque as a competitive and world-class leisure, meeting, convention and sports destination, and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, Visit Albuquerque strengthens the city's economic position and provides opportunity for people in the community.

Visit Albuquerque is seeking a Strategic Communications Manager to develop and execute strategic communications initiatives that elevate the visibility, reputation and influence of Visit Albuquerque. Working under the direction of the Director of Communications & Public Relations, this position leads communications efforts that strengthen relationships with local media, community organizations, elected officials, industry stakeholders and the public while advancing Visit Albuquerque's mission and strategic priorities.

This position develops executive communications, speeches, presentations, messaging and thought leadership content; cultivates proactive local media and community relationships; coordinates public speaking and community engagement opportunities; and supports communications strategies that advance organizational advocacy initiatives. The Strategic Communications Manager plays a key role in communicating the value of tourism and hospitality, promoting the industry's contributions to Albuquerque's economy and quality of life, and strengthening public understanding of Visit Albuquerque's mission, impact and role in the community.

Visit Albuquerque offers employees a collaborative, team-oriented culture, opportunities for growth, a strong compensation and benefits package, and the opportunity to be a part of some of the coolest events in Albuquerque. Learn more at visitalbuquerque.org

Key Responsibilities

• Develop communications plans and messaging that raise awareness of key organizational initiatives, support organizational advocacy efforts, publicize destination development initiatives and promote other strategic priorities.
• Develop and execute communications initiatives that elevate the visibility and reputation of Visit Albuquerque and that position its Board of Directors and applicable members of staff, including the President & CEO, as thought leaders in the industry and the community.
• Create compelling messaging that communicates Visit Albuquerque's mission, strategic priorities and the economic and community value of the tourism and hospitality industry.
• Develop speeches, presentations, talking points, briefing materials, executive correspondence and other communications for executive leadership.
• Research, write and design presentations for delivery to tourism partners, civic organizations, elected officials, industry groups, community organizations and other external audiences.
• Identify, coordinate and support speaking engagements, media interviews and public appearances for Visit Albuquerque leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Produce a variety of communications materials, including press releases, fact sheets, articles, newsletters, website content, reports, op-eds, guest columns and other written materials.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to identify stories and communications opportunities that advance organizational goals.
• Develop and pitch story ideas that increase awareness of Visit Albuquerque's initiatives, strategic priorities and the visitor economy.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with local and regional media, community organizations, elected officials, tourism partners and other key stakeholders.
• Respond to applicable media inquiries and coordinate interviews and other media opportunities.
• Represent Visit Albuquerque professionally at media events, community activities and industry gatherings as needed.
• Capture photos and content at local events and tourism-related activities when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing or related field preferred, with three to five years of relevant experience.
• Experience in advocacy, tourism, hospitality, destination marketing or media relations is a plus.
• Knowledge and appreciation of Albuquerque.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Strong editing and proofreading skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of Associated Press (AP) style.
• Strong working knowledge of social media.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office/365 software including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn and be proficient with industry-specific software (Simpleview) required.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Note to Applicants: This search is being conducted by Valliant Consulting Group. If you require reasonable accommodations, please reach out to us and we will be happy to work with you. Visit Albuquerque is an equal opportunity employer.