Communications Manager

About the role

The Communications Manager plays a critical role in communicating the message of Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) to key targeted local partners, the wine industry, B2B media, trade publications, and other stakeholders. The Manager works with peers across the organization to help curate destination messages and convey them to targeted audiences, enhancing SCT’s public perception locally, regionally, and within the wine tourism industry sector.

Organizational Mission: Inspire overnight travel to Sonoma County that bolsters the region’s economy and encourages responsible stewardship of the community’s abundant resources.

Organizational Vision: Sonoma County will be the premier destination in North America for responsible travelers who enjoy, protect, and preserve the area’s bountiful natural and cultural resources.

The Communications Manager reports to the Vice President of Community Engagement but collaborates across the enterprise on initiatives that serve the entire team.

Responsibilities

• Organizational Communications
  • Develop and distribute communications including e-newsletters (Consumer Newsletter, Tourism Industry News & Resources, Tourism Industry Performance & Insights, Vacation Rental Newsletter, Partner Alerts), LinkedIn posts, and other special communications as needed.
  • Work across teams to manage, compile, and create SCT’s annual report, including data and milestone tracking throughout the year.
  • Compile and create annual Partner Reports for each municipality in the County.
  • Support the implementation of influencer marketing efforts across the organization.
  • Collaborate with the Design Marketing Manager and team to create presentation decks and materials for the Annual Meeting.
  • Edit and proofread company documents such as press releases, marketing and sales materials, and website articles.
  • Work with the Research and Data Systems Manager to update trends, facts, and figures for use in stories, e-newsletters, articles, press releases, and other materials.
• Wine Tourism
  • Serve as the organization’s contact for the wine tourism industry.
  • Coordinate with the Sonoma County Winegrowers and Sonoma County Vintners to elevate awareness around wine and visitation.
  • Keep SCT informed about trends in the wine industry.
  • Collaborate with SCT’s PR agency of record on wine tourism initiatives.
• Community/Partner Outreach
  • Assist with the creation and execution of National Travel and Tourism Week initiatives, events, and associated messaging.
• Additional Duties
  • Work across teams on special projects, as assigned.
  • Draft award submissions for key travel industry, public relations, and local awards.
  • Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum five years of journalism, communications, PR agency, or in-house public/media relations experience.

Skills

• Experience developing and executing public relations programs for tourism, not-for-profit, or consumer brand organizations.
• Experience managing multiple programs and meeting deadlines.
• Significant experience working with clients or partners in drafting programs and conveying information.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience working with agencies and vendors specific to media and public relations.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint); willingness to take required coursework to become skilled in PowerPoint if not already highly proficient.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Dependable, highly motivated team player with a positive attitude.
• Willingness to work outside typical business hours.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Frequently sits, stands, and walks.
• Occasionally twists, turns, bends, kneels, and reaches overhead.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Primarily operates in a professional office environment.
• Periodic domestic travel required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and provide own transportation.