Communications Manager

Communications Manager in 25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS State of Mississippi $61,416.94 - $67,558.63 Annually About the Agency The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is the state's lead economic and community development agency. MDA recruits new companies to Mississippi, helps existing companies expand and provides support to foster growth and new opportunities in a variety of areas, including energy, small and minority business, trade, film, retiree recruitment and more. Additionally, MDA attracts millions of visitors to the state each year through Visit Mississippi, the tourism division of the agency. MDA also supports pass-through funding and provides support for a variety of grant programs and non‑profits, such as Innovate Mississippi and Mississippi Main Street Association. Location 25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS Full-Time Job Number 9321-0411-20260903HS Opening Date 09/04/2026 9/17/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada) Agency Minimum Salary $61,416.94 $67,558.63 Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Develop and distribute media advisories, news releases, briefing documents, and other media materials for Visit Mississippi, trail systems, and affiliated programs through Cision and other digital platforms. Maintain media databases and support day-to-day media relations activities, including responding to inquiries and coordinating fulfillment of requests for information, photography or video assets, and interviews. Write, edit, and proofread content for Visit Mississippi’s owned, earned, and paid channels, including newsletters, blogs, online articles, itineraries, collateral, and other consumer-facing communications. Review and edit vendor- and agency-developed content to ensure accuracy and consistency with Visit Mississippi’s brand voice, messaging standards, and objectives. Develop executive communications, including talking points, presentation materials, scripts, and other public-facing content that supports Visit Mississippi leadership, initiatives, and events. Assist with planning, promotion, and execution of Visit Mississippi events, including press conferences, marker unveilings, industry events, and activations through media relations, collateral development, and event support. Support Visit Mississippi trail programs through the development of press materials and promotional collateral. Current trail programs include the Mississippi Blues Trail, Mississippi Country Music Trail, Mississippi Freedom Trail, Mississippi Writers Trail, and the Great Mississippi Nature Trail. Collaborate with Visit Mississippi’s public relations firm, partner organizations, and the Chief Marketing Officer to identify, develop, and execute story opportunities regularly. Maintain editorial calendars aligned with Visit Mississippi priorities, campaigns, events, and organizational goals to support positive coverage of Mississippi tourism assets. Represent Visit Mississippi at tourism conferences, media marketplaces, industry events, professional meetings, and industry organizations. Participate in committees and industry activities on behalf of Visit Mississippi. Provide support for broader Office Visit Mississippi initiatives, including marketing campaigns, special projects, stakeholder communications, and brand initiatives. Review invoices, contracts, and vendor documentation; assist with administrative functions related to the Office of Marketing & Communications activities, budget and deliverable tracking/reporting, vendor management, and contract coordination. Ensure all communication materials align with Visit Mississippi’s brand voice, messaging standards, and strategic objectives. Develop and maintain relationships with in‑state media outlets and monitor, track, and report on earned media coverage. Maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, tourism partners, industry organizations, and professional associations. Manage multiple projects simultaneously while prioritizing deadlines and maintaining quality standards. Maintain organized records of media contacts, editorial calendars, communication materials, and performance reporting. The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description are representative of the work performed but are not intended to be all-inclusive. Visit Mississippi reserves the right to revise, modify, or assign additional duties and responsibilities as needs evolve. Employees may be required to perform other job‑related duties as assigned. What you'll need to be Successful To be successful, the candidate must have strong writing, editing, and project management skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. The candidate should demonstrate strong communication skills, excellent customer service, and the ability to build good rapport with staff and the public. The candidate should also have knowledge of social media channels and the ability to create and manage content, along with strong critical thinking, creativity, and organizational skills. Preferred Qualifications Typically requires a bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of experience. Preference given to candidates with a degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or related field. Address 210 East Capitol Street Suite 800 Jackson, Mississippi, 39201 #J-18808-Ljbffr