Director of Public Relations and Communications

Job description

About Visit Seattle Visit Seattle is a private, non-profit destination marketing organization (DMO) serving Seattle and King County. We exist to responsibly grow the visitor economy for the benefit of the community. About the Role The Director of Public Relations and Communications leads Visit Seattle’s public relations and communications function across local, regional, and priority domestic markets. This role develops and executes integrated communications strategies that strengthen Visit Seattle’s brand reputation, position Seattle as a premier destination, increase destination awareness, and generate positive media coverage that supports growth in Seattle’s tourism economy. The Director provides leadership and accountability for three core areas: leisure media, business travel media, and corporate communications. Through strategic planning and execution, this role advances visitor perception, Net Promoter Score (NPS), resident sentiment, and membership engagement. As a key communications leader, the Director partners closely with the Chief Engagement Officer and Public Affairs Manager on legislative and advocacy communications, issues management, briefing materials, and media inquiries. What You’ll Do Department Leadership Develop and execute integrated public relations and communications strategies that enhance Visit Seattle’s brand reputation and support organizational objectives. Partner closely with Visit Seattle’s Conventions Team and Seattle Convention Center (SCC) to develop media strategies that support the meetings and conventions market. Provide strategic oversight of communications planning and content development, including editorial calendars, media materials, executive communications, stakeholder messaging and publicity initiatives. Lead proactive and reactive media relations and publicity efforts across consumer, trade, and industry audiences, overseeing media communications, thought leadership content, and press materials to generate positive earned media coverage and support organizational priorities. Develop, manage and execute the scope of work and outputs of a contracted external PR agency. Have accountability for creating and contributing structure and content for the Visit Seattle signature events. Oversee corporate communications, including newsletters, board presentations, executive communications, and stakeholder-facing content. Lead crisis communications planning and response efforts to protect Visit Seattle’s reputation and support the tourism community. Develop and manage the Public Relations and Communications budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources and alignment with strategic priorities. Perform other related duties as required. Media, Industry and Community Representation Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media. Serve as a designated Visit Seattle spokesperson on destination marketing, organizational initiatives, and key industry issues, in coordination with Chief Engagement Officer, and other Executive Team Leaders and Board Members. Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with destination marketing organizations, tourism industry partners, and public relations professionals throughout the region. Represent Visit Seattle in industry, community, and media-facing engagements that support organizational priorities and destination visibility. Travel as needed to support media relations, industry engagement, and organizational priorities, including domestic and international markets. Team Leadership & Development Lead, coach, and inspire the PR and Communications teams Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and incentives aligned with organizational priorities. Attract, develop, engage and retain top talent critical to Visit Seattle’s success. Role-model Visit Seattle’s core values: Inclusion, Impact, Commitment, and Excellence. Foster a positive, high-performance culture focused on service, accountability, innovation and measurable impact. Remove barriers to success, streamline processes, and ensure rapid response to client opportunities. Contribute to a positive, productive, safe, respectful, professional work environment and culture. Qualifications 10+ years of progressive experience in public relations, communications, media relations, or a related field, including responsibility for developing and executing strategic communication initiatives. 3-5 years of demonstrated people leadership experience with a track record of building, developing, and motivating high performing teams. Experience managing external public relations agencies, including coordinating agency deliverables, aligning communications strategy, and ensuring high-quality execution of public relations initiatives. Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson, leading crisis communications, and managing sensitive issues with professionalism, credibility and sound judgement. Strong media relations experience, with the ability to build and maintain relationships across local, regional, and national media. Exceptional written and verbal communications skills, including experience developing press releases, executive communications, speeches, presentations and other stakeholder-facing materials. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted partnerships across leadership, industry partners, community organizations, members, and other key constituents. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, lead complex projects, and deliver results with discretion, accountability, and strategic focus. Knowledge of the Seattle region and tourism industry landscape preferred. Able to travel 10-20% for sales missions and activations. What We Offer Visit Seattle offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, along with a positive, purpose-driven workplace culture. Our culture is guided by our values of Inclusion, Impact, Commitment, and Excellence. We are passionate about championing our region as a world-class destination for travel and tourism and promoting the economic power of travel. Our benefits are always evolving, though here's a peek into your perks: You'll have 15 days of Paid Time Off to start, with 12 paid office holidays and 1 Personal Holiday. You'll have 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage paid for by Visit Seattle. In addition, Visit Seattle will cover 75% of premium for family coverage. You'll receive an organization-paid ORCA card, and subsidized parking in the building's garage (restrictions apply). You'll be reimbursed for monthly cell phone expenses. You'll receive 401(k) with up to a 5% organization match. Base salary range: $120,000 - $150,000 with an annual incentive up to10%. Compensation decisions are based on experience and scope of responsibility. Our Commitment to Equity We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and deeply committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We believe that diversity makes us stronger, more innovative, and better equipped to serve our communities. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and identities. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity, or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, military service or veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status or military service. Visit Seattle strives to create a meaningful interview experience for candidates. If you need accommodation for a disability or for any other reason during the hiring process, please let us know.