Head of Communications PR and Media

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 then convey them to targeted audiences. In doing so, the Manager strives to enhance SCT’s public perception locally, regionally and within the wine tourism industry sector.

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

The Communications Manager works to convey organizational messaging to local partners, stakeholders, and residents. The position also helps to communicate the organization’s programming through presentations, coordination of stakeholder meetings and other opportunities to disseminate salient information. The Communications Manager will report to the Vice President Community Engagement, but will work across the enterprise on initiatives that serve the entire team.

Organizational Communications

Develop and distribute communications including, e-newsletter communications (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.

Support the implementation of influencer marketing efforts across the organization.

Work with the Design Marketing Manager and the team at the Annual Meeting to create the presentation deck and other needed materials.

Edit and proofread other company documents, such as press releases, marketing and sales materials, and website articles as needed.

Work with the Research and Data Systems Manager to update trends, facts and figures for the meetings and group segment and travel trade segment to use in stories, e-newsletters, articles, press releases, and other materials.

Wine Tourism

Act as the organization 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.

Work with SCT’s PR agency of record on wine tourism initiatives.

Community/Partner Outreach

Assist with creation and execution of National Travel and Tourism Week initiatives, events and associated messaging.

Work across teams on special projects, as assigned.

Draft award submissions for key travel industry, public relations, and local awards.

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.

Administrative Responsibilities

Experience developing and executing public relations programs for tourism, not-for-profit or consumer brand organizations

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.

Must be proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Periodic domestic travel required