The Communications Coordinator helps share the stories that inspire visitors to experience Grapevine through public relations, media relations and destination marketing. Working under the direction of assigned management, this position develops compelling content, supports media outreach, builds relationships with journalists and industry partners and promotes Grapevine's attractions, hotels, restaurants, Historic Main Street, meetings and conventions, festivals and visitor experiences to local, regional, national and international audiences. The position requires occasional early morning, evening and weekend work to support media tours, media events and other communications initiatives.
All functions are performed in collaboration with the assigned supervisor.
1. Develops and maintains an extensive working knowledge of Grapevine's attractions, hotels, restaurants, Historic Main Street, festivals, history and visitor experiences to effectively represent and promote the destination.
2. Researches editorial calendars for a variety of weekly, monthly and seasonal publications, travel trends and media opportunities to support proactive public relations efforts and identify potential story opportunities for Grapevine.
3. Maintains and expands media contact lists by researching and identifying relevant local, regional, national and international journalists, freelancers, publications, producers and media outlets that align with Grapevine's communications efforts.
4. Researches and maintains communications resources including media databases, editorial calendars, community calendars and other tracking documents to support organized and effective communications efforts.
5. Monitors media coverage, maintains coverage records, tracks similar destination marketing organization (DMO) communications and industry trends and assists with reporting public relations results, earned media opportunities and communications activities.
6. Drafts press releases, media materials and other written communications promoting Grapevine events, attractions, hotels, dining, recreation, retail, festivals and visitor experiences for media, community stakeholders, hospitality partners and marketing partners.
7. Develops story ideas, media pitches, background information and supporting materials to support proactive media outreach efforts.
8. Supports public relations initiatives, manages assigned projects and contributes to the overall communications goals of the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau.
9. Provides regular updates to assigned supervisor on project status, deadlines, priorities, questions and emerging opportunities through ongoing communication and project management tools while demonstrating initiative and sound judgment in assigned responsibilities.
10. Assists with planning, coordinating and hosting media familiarization tours for visiting journalists, travel writers and other media guests, including preparing itineraries, coordinating materials and providing on-site support. Media tours can require extended hours, including early mornings, late evenings and weekends.
11. Assists with media interviews and media opportunities by preparing background information, coordinating interview logistics, supporting talking points and representing Grapevine professionally with media representatives when appropriate.
12. Assists with planning and preparation for media missions, media events, broadcast media opportunities and other communications initiatives throughout the year. This responsibility requires work outside regular business hours, including occasional early morning television appearances and evening and weekend events.
13. Builds relationships with tourism and hospitality partners, including local hospitality partners, state tourism representatives and other industry organizations.
14. Represents the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau at industry meetings, professional events and other communications-related opportunities as assigned.
15. Supports communications initiatives by assisting with photography, content gathering and social media needs that help showcase Grapevine's attractions, events and visitor experiences.
16. Assists with writing, editing and proofreading a variety of Grapevine communications materials, including Grapevine Today, brochures, website content, City e-newsletters, presentations and other collateral pieces.
17. Actively contributes creative ideas, recommendations and solutions while openly sharing observations, questions and opportunities with assigned management and communications team to support established strategies, priorities and team objectives.
18. Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
19. Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.
20. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers, media representatives, industry partners and others.
- Requires a strong communicator who is curious, collaborative and highly organized.
- Must demonstrate initiative, creativity and commitment to open communication and continuous learning.
- Must thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Working knowledge of public relations principles, media relations practices and communications strategies, with the willingness and ability to continue developing these skills.
- Experience developing written communications and storytelling content including press releases, media pitches, articles, website content, newsletters, presentations and other professional materials, with the ability to create engaging digital content including social media posts, photos and short-form videos/reels.
- Experience working with media outlets, journalists or newsroom environments is highly desirable.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines and priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability and willingness to support media interviews by assisting with preparation of talking points, coordinating interview logistics and representing Grapevine professionally on camera with media representatives when appropriate.
- Strong understanding of journalism principles, AP style, English usage, grammar, punctuation and professional writing standards, including business correspondence.
- Experience with identifying compelling story ideas, developing media pitches and support proactive public relations efforts.
- Ability to research, maintain and organize media contacts, editorial calendars, community calendars and communications tracking systems.
- Ability to monitor media coverage, track results and assist with reporting communications activities and earned media opportunities.
- In collaboration with the assigned supervisor and communications team, ability to independently manage assigned projects while maintaining timely and effective communication regarding project status, deadlines, questions and opportunities.
- Willingness to contribute ideas, ask thoughtful questions and demonstrate initiative while supporting established communications strategies and priorities.
- Must quickly learn and develop a strong working knowledge of Grapevine's attractions, hotels, events, history and visitor experiences.
- Must build and maintain positive relationships with media representatives, hospitality partners, community stakeholders, coworkers and others.
- Awareness of current communications trends, digital platforms and content practices and must be able to adapt to evolving communications tools and strategies.
- Ability to utilize modern office procedures, technology and communications tools, including Microsoft Office and other digital platforms.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Position requires a 4-year degree plus three years of experience in public relations, journalism or related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Flexibility to work irregular hours/schedules and overnight travel.
Must pass a Federal/National criminal background check. Must have a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
WORKING CONDITIONS
While performing the essential functions of this position the employee is rarely exposed to disagreeable environmental factors. There will be occasional exposure to outdoor weather elements as the position requires working outdoors during CVB sponsored events throughout the normal course of the year.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to perform light to medium work that involves walking or standing, use the computer keyboard and mouse, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear, stand, walk, and stoop, or crouch. This position requires occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. This job requires the ability to work in an office environment where the noise level is usually moderate.
