Director of External Affairs
About the role
The Director of External Affairs is a critical strategic leader at Visit California. This role is charged with executing a global public affairs program aimed at promoting the relevance of California’s tourism industry, mitigating direct threats to the organization and industry and developing long-term strategies to ensure the longevity and preservation of the tourism industry, as well as California’s vital economic, environmental and cultural resources.
Responsibilities
20% Government Relations: Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at the national, state and local levels that may impact the tourism industry. Facilitate outreach to elected officials and key opinion leaders to preserve Visit California’s position as the state’s authority on all matters related to the travel and tourism industry and economy. Brief senior leadership on policy developments and media coverage.
20% Stakeholder Engagement: Identify, establish and nurture relationships with key external stakeholders, including government agencies, tourism businesses, destination marketing organizations and community advocates. Build broad coalitions in support of tourism-related initiatives, leveraging communications channels and other opportunities to reach new audiences.
15% Messaging Development & Internal Consultation: Advise on consumer and B2B marketing strategies to leverage messaging opportunities to mitigate potential narrative pitfalls. Develop strategies for deployment of statewide economic impact research and messaging partnering organizations can use to engage with communities, elected officials and other important stakeholders.
15% Media Relations: Build Visit California’s relationships with top-tier media and implement a comprehensive strategy to enhance Visit California’s visibility, brand relevance and favorable share of voice. Draft correspondence and media messages to meet outreach needs at the request of executive team and senior leadership. Manage press relations for executives and senior staff.
10% Crisis Communications Support: Manage aspects of crisis communications, including developing consumer-facing content, overseeing crisis tracking tools, briefing staff, interactions with industry partners and making ongoing updates to Crisis Communications plans.
10% Stewardship Strategist: Lead development of new programs that assist the California tourism ecosystem in building resilience and planning sustainability-focused futures. Consult with stakeholders on ongoing issues and opportunities related to conservation, resources management, responsible travel, etc.
5% Program Administration & Reporting: Manage external vendors and projects related to public affairs programs, including key agencies. Effectively communicate the organization’s advocacy efforts and successes to the key audiences, including the board of directors, investors, public and media.
Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, public relations, public affairs, political science, public policy, journalism, business administration, marketing, or related field.
Experience: Minimum of 5-8+ years of experience in public affairs, corporate communications or government relations, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
Stakeholder Relationships: Proven ability to build and sustain networks with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders and industry partners.
Strategic Thinking: Expertise in creating and implementing communication strategies, including proactive and reactive media relations, public speaking and crisis response management.
Political Environment: Strong understanding of local, state or federal government processes and policy development.
Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality materials, such as speeches, briefings and press releases.
Technology: Familiarity with CRM/Database systems such as Salesforce or similar platforms, media monitoring software, and social media platforms.
Qualifications
Ability to navigate complex social and political environments.
Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines.
Team Leadership: Demonstrated capacity to motivate teams and drive organizational mission.
Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, Visit California offers an excellent health benefit package. We also offer a fantastic PTO and holiday leave package, 401(k) plan, professional development, an employee discount network, an employee assistance program (EAP), fitness center access, parking, a hybrid work environment, and much more!
Pay
Salary Range: $140,500 - $196,000
Schedule
Hybrid (2-3 days per week on site, 2-3 days per week remote)