Director of Strategic Communications

About the Role

The Director of Strategic Communications will direct and oversee the overall communications activity for the Galveston Park Board and Visit Galveston, including tourism media relations, governance, and internal communications. This position involves managing tourism-focused public relations for Visit Galveston, community and governmental affairs-focused public relations for the Galveston Park Board of Trustees, and internal employee communications.

About Visit Galveston and the Park Board of Trustees

Established in 1963 by Galveston citizens, the Park Board of Trustees is a specialized unit of government responsible for overseeing Galveston's tourism efforts, Galveston Island Beach Patrol (GIPB), and Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Funded primarily through Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and beach user fees, the Park Board operates without sales or property tax revenue. The nine-member board consists of volunteer residents with diverse business backgrounds, each serving at least two years and participating in advisory committees.

The mission is to promote and support tourism on Galveston Island to foster an environment that establishes a great place to live, work, and visit. The vision is to create a tourist destination offering an exciting variety of experiences and a high quality of life for residents.

Responsibilities

• Develop effective, targeted media pitches and editorial submissions to garner high-profile media exposure for Galveston Island and the organization’s business units.
• Supply quotes, photos, and other crucial information to journalists and media outlets.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to formulate collateral, sales promotion pieces, brochures, advertising, annual marketing plans, online content, blogs, and key marketing projects.
• Organize campaigns to advertise the evolving branding and messaging of the organization, leveraging familiarity with Galveston Island and its surrounding areas.
• Work with external organizations to expand reach and perceptions of Galveston.
• Collaborate with the digital marketing team to create b-roll footage, YouTube videos, event photography, video pods, and other multimedia content to increase exposure.
• Travel in or out of the local area and work outdoors as needed.
• Lead and take initiative on all projects, working with the Senior Director of Marketing, Park Board CEO, and Executive Director to set and attain PR goals for each fiscal year.
• Ensure the department remains on task for established goals and oversee professional development opportunities for staff.
• Motivate and educate the team while managing public relations efforts.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing-related field, or equivalent experience.
• Seven or more years of public relations experience, preferably in travel, hospitality, or tourism.
• Previous experience in government-focused public relations or government affairs.
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing and implementing successful strategic communications/PR plans.
• Strong writing skills for press materials, creative collateral, digital channels, and other communication vehicles.
• Strong editing skills with comprehensive knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and AP style.
• Ability to pitch media daily and collaborate with a small staff.
• Prior management responsibilities for an organization’s publicity program and staff.
• Experience working with high-level executive teams, including the Park Board CEO and Visit Galveston Executive Director.
• Proven ability to act as a strategic advisor on legislative agendas, government affairs, and emerging local issues.
• Ability to rally internal resources and data to create content that evangelizes the Galveston mission, working with stakeholders across multiple departments.
• Knowledge of the local area, hospitality industry, media, and news-gathering processes.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Mac, and email.
• Basic knowledge of HTML, Adobe Dreamweaver, and WordPress for website updates, e-newsletters, and blogs.
• Strong understanding of AI tools, including appropriate use cases for AI-driven content, communications, and research.
• Ability to multitask, adhere to deadlines, and work independently.
• Established contacts with local and national press and media representatives (preferred).
• International press contacts (ideal).
• Professional demeanor and a strong work ethic.

Required Certifications, Licenses, and Training

• Professional certification or affiliation within the public relations field.
• Current and valid Class C Driver’s License.
• Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) certification or ability to become certified (training provided upon hire).

Pay

$125,000, depending on skills and experience.

Benefits

• Strong health, dental, and vision plans.
• Fully employer-paid hospitalization, short-term disability (STD), and long-term disability (LTD) policies.
• 401(k) plan with a 5% employer match on a 3% employee contribution.

Schedule

Typical schedule of 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with weekend and evening hours as needed. Flexibility and travel are required.