PR and Media Relations Manager

SUMMARY:

The PR and Media Relations Manager is responsible for the Rodeo’s public relations and media relations. He/she will plan and execute the Rodeo’s media strategy with the Director of Communications; work with media personnel year-round to obtain positive international, national, state, and local media coverage, and act as the Rodeo’s primary contact for media.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following:

• Maintain year-round relationships with international, national, state, and local media to ensure positive and/or fair coverage of the Rodeo and its events. Act as the primary contact for media, fielding all media inquiries and facilitating all media interviews.
• Actively pitch media stories for year-round positive coverage and work with management, staff, and volunteers to facilitate media interviews and coverage.
• Consistently communicate with Director, Strategic Communications about media opportunities, media coverage and earned media.
• Actively search and secure speaking and thought leadership opportunities for our C-suite and various directors.
• Work with HLSR management and staff in crises and potential crisis situations to oversee media inquiries, when needed.
• Assist Director, Strategic Communications with strategy and execution of external communications.
• Write and edit press releases, media advisories, annual report, and visitor’s guide.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises seasonal, part-time media coordinators. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum four years of experience in public relations, media relations or related field
• Strong local media contacts and relationships preferred
• Strong writing skills required
• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related degree preferred
• Previous experience with a public relations agency, sports team or major event preferred
• Previous experience writing press releases and working directly with media preferred
• Proficiency in the use of the Associated Press Stylebook guidelines for editing
• Ability to work on a team and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to handle high-priority and pressure situations
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with volunteers

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.

The employee may be required to sit, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. During the Show, the employee may be required to frequently walk to various places on the grounds. The employee may be required to lift and/or move 15 or more pounds. Requires good manual dexterity (hand, hand with arm, two hands) and multi-limb coordination. Extended work hours required, especially during peak periods.

Work Environment

The work setting is a busy, fast-paced, marketing and event environment, with strict and multiple deadlines, heavy computer usage and continuous need for public relations skills.

Extended work hours as necessary, with several deadlines throughout the year, and extended work hours during Show.