The Public Relations and Media Coordinator promotes Monroe, West Monroe, and Ouachita Parish as a premier tourism destination through effective public relations, media efforts, and partnership development. The coordinator promotes the activities and accomplishments of the DMWM team within the community, state, and region. The Public Relations and Media Coordinator will collaborate with the VP of Marketing & Communications and the tourism bureau team for special projects and organizational strategic initiatives as needed. This position reports to the VP of Marketing & Communications and serves as a member of the Discover Monroe-West Monroe team.

 

Core Responsibilities

  • Build media relationships, manage public relations campaigns, coordinate media tours, and collaborate across departments to maximize media exposure and earned coverage.
  • Develop recognition of the DMWM team through media channels and actively seeking recognition.
  • Focus efforts on strategy & media relations; campaigns, content, & tools; media familiarization tours & events; collaboration & partner engagement; and reporting & crisis management.

Position Specific Core Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute a media relations strategy with the VP of Marketing & Communications to position Monroe-West Monroe as a top destination, focusing on state, regional, and national media outlets.
  • Build and maintain proactive relationships with travel writers, editors, and media contacts through press trips, email, phone, and social channels.
  • Actively pitch story ideas and respond to editorial requests on behalf of Discover Monroe-West Monroe.
  • Issue press releases and organize media information to maximize media exposure for Bureau projects and achievements.
  • Enhance media relationships in key markets, including DFW, East Texas, Little Rock, Jackson, and Baton Rouge, to increase coverage of tourism stories.
  • Maintain relationships with the Louisiana Office of Tourism and Louisiana Travel Association PR contacts to extend the region’s visibility.
  • Maintain a current database of local media, state media outlets, travel writers, editors, and related media associates for news releases and soliciting coverage of the area.
  • Develop and manage monthly public relations campaigns to generate earned media exposure in local, regional, and national markets.
  • Create, publish, and disseminate email newsletters to leisure, meetings & events, sports, and tourism industry partners.
  • Coordinate content updates for the monroe-westmonroe.org website.
  • Use social media strategically as part of media relations efforts.
  • Explore new tools and innovative methods to enhance public relations and media outreach.
  • Organize media familiarization (FAM) tours with industry partners and communicate results to partners to amplify coverage.
  • Plan and coordinate special communications projects and assist in organizing National Tourism Awareness Week and other industry-related events.
  • Attend media conventions and meetings to strengthen industry connections and follow up on media requests promptly.
  • Work closely with other departments to align public relations efforts with marketing campaigns and sales initiatives.
  • Collaborate with DMWM grant recipients to maximize public relations and publicity opportunities, promoting both the grant program and the Bureau’s investment in the community.
  • Provide tourism industry partners with a "report card" summarizing public relations efforts and outcomes relevant to their businesses or attractions.
  • Manage, monitor, measure, and report on public relations activities using MuckRack and other tracking tools, including KPIs like media placements and mentions.
  • Submit monthly and annual reports highlighting public relations accomplishments to the VP of Marketing & Communications.
  • Assist in creating and implementing a crisis communications plan, as needed.
  • Plan and coordinate any special communications projects.
  • Performs other duties not listed as assigned by President/CEO & Executive Team.


Requirements & Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or journalism
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent Computer Skills and Knowledge
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products – Word, Outlook, Power Point, Excel
  • Experience with design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite is an asset.
  • Exceptional organizational, relationship-building, and time management skills.
  • High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.