Public Relations Manager

This is a Safety‑Sensitive Job for Purposes of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment.

This position is not considered Essential Personnel under the LRCVB Inclement Weather policy.

JOB OBJECTIVE
To manage and support the execution of public relations initiatives that align with the strategic priorities of the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) by building and maintaining a positive public image for Little Rock as a tourism and meetings destination, enhancing the visibility of LRCVB, and supporting its partners through proactive media relations and compelling storytelling initiatives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Manages and supports the execution of public relations initiatives that align with the strategic priorities of the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) by building and maintaining a positive public image for Little Rock as a tourism and meetings destination, enhancing the visibility of LRCVB, and supporting its partners through proactive media relations and compelling storytelling initiatives.

Develops and maintains the division’s editorial and media pitch calendar, targeting leisure, travel trade, local, and industry media; collaborates with the Director of Communications to evaluate results and identify new opportunities.

Collaborates with the Director of Communications in the development of a comprehensive, strategic and measurable plan to secure earned media coverage in target publications and outlets, to increase awareness of the positive economic and cultural impact of tourism in Little Rock.

Conducts research to identify media contacts and targeted outlets; conducts proactive outreach in key markets to generate earned media coverage and strengthen and maintains relationships with journalists, editors, influencers, and content creators across print, digital, broadcast, and social media platforms to increase editorial coverage for LRCVB; coordinates and conducts deskside media tour meetings with various media representatives; attends travel media and influencer trade shows to promote Little Rock as a destination.

Provides assistance to the Director of Communications in the day‑to‑day operations of the Marketing and Communications Division.

Collaborates with the Director of Communications to serve as the media spokesperson for LRCVB, representing LRCVB in interviews, statements, and media appearances.

Oversees the development and ensures distribution of LRCVB communication material to include collateral, fact sheets, press releases, media alerts, media itineraries, and other promotion/public information materials needed to support public relation campaigns and media requests.

Develops, plans, and implements tour concepts to gather participation from regional and national media for individual media visits or as part of press tour groups to promote Little Rock as a tourist or meetings destination and highlight the city’s key assets, with an emphasis on providing exceptional and memorable media experiences; creates itineraries and manages all tour logistics from inception to completion; coordinates and participates in third‑party inbound press trips; develops invitations, marketing materials and itineraries for reporters and editors; assists with logistical coordination for reporters and editors when visiting the destination, including serving as host or guide as assigned.

Maintains and updates media lists and editorial contacts in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system; utilizes the CRM system to track the use of various media tools and ensure data accuracy, including itinerary tracking and appropriate follow‑ups with media.

Supports and updates the LRCVB Tourism Master Plan, Annual Business Plan, Crisis Communications Plan and other applicable LRCVB Plans as required.

Monitors and tracks media coverage received through print, broadcast and online coverage of LRCVB and prepares monthly metrics for media coverage generated for LRCVB and its destination‑wide initiatives.

Conducts research, compiles, and analyzes data, prepares various narrative and statistical reports for special projects as requested by the Director of Communications.

Interacts with LRCVB staff, partners, and clients in a courteous, cooperative and professional manner.

Operates a personal computer with Internet, spreadsheet, and word processing software in the performance of essential job functions.

Operates an automatic transmission automobile in the performance of essential job functions.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.

Knowledge of correct English grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of the hospitality and tourism industry.

Knowledge of principles and practices of the marketing and public relations industry.

Knowledge of a cross‑section of business disciplines including sales, marketing, hospitality industry, financial and accounting systems, e‑commerce and business communications.

Knowledge of hard copy and computer files and record‑keeping systems.

Knowledge of research methods and techniques.

Knowledge of internet tools, research, social media tools, and other basics used in communications.

Knowledge of computer fundamentals and business software, including desktop publishing, Internet, graphics, spreadsheet, and word processing software.

Skill in the operation of a computer, utilizing database, desktop publishing, spreadsheet, Internet, and word processing software.

Skill in the operation of an automatic transmission vehicle.

Skill in verbal and written communication.

Ability to write and edit content across multiple platforms and formats.

Ability to cultivate positive, professional working relationships with local, state and national media.

Ability to proof brochures, flyers, press releases, information pamphlets, media announcements, public presentation materials, web content, digital content and other promotional information materials.

Ability to conduct research, analyze, and compile data.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.

Ability to review data and translate the information into compelling storylines that is easily understood by audiences of various backgrounds.

Ability to promote Little Rock as a destination.

Ability to learn specific hospitality/tourism industry knowledge of Little Rock and area hotels, facilities, restaurants, attractions, and service businesses.

Ability to present oneself in a professional manner and establish and maintain effective working relationships with LRCVB staff, partners, clients and various organizations.

Ability to prepare narrative and statistical reports.

Ability to learn and apply LRCVB procedural operations, functions, and policies.

Ability to establish and maintain hard copy and computer files and record‑keeping systems.

Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups.

These knowledge, skills, and abilities are usually, although not always, acquired through a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field and three (3) years of professional‑level work experience in public relations or media relations, preferably in tourism, hospitality or destination marketing. Agency experience or hospitality background preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid Arkansas Class D (Non‑Commercial Vehicle) Driver’s License before employment and maintain licensure for the duration of employment in this position.

Must be available to work nights, holidays, and weekends as required.

This position may require one or more of the following pre‑employment screenings: drug and alcohol screening, or background investigation.

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